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_ HGH - HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE THERAPY
 

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is an endocrine hormone that makes humans grow. HGH is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids linked in a specific sequence. It is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland. These pulses vary between 10 and 30 per day and can be strengthened by exercise. For years, doctors have prescribed HGH for children who needed a growth boost. Human growth hormone is critical for tissue repair, healing, muscle growth, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism.

Hormones can be thought of as "messengers" that are produced by the endocrine glands and then sent all over the body to stimulate specified activities. For example, growth, digestion, reproduction, and sexual functions are triggered by hormones.

Somatropin is a bio-enginered version of human growth hormone. Each manufacturer of somatropin assigns its own brand name, such as Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Saizen, and Serostim. It is available only by prescription and by injection.

Human growth hormone is produced at a rate that peaks during adolescence --- at time when normal growth is accelerated. Human growth hormone production decreases with age. As seen in the chart below, humans normally produce about 500 micrograms of human growth hormone daily at age 20. By age 80, the daily production falls to 60 (or less) micrograms.
Once secreted by the pituitary gland, circulating levels of HGH stimulate production of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from the liver. You can think of HGH as the hormone that gets the ball rolling, but IGF-1 does most of the work. The amount of IGF-1 or Somatomedin-C tends to mirror the amount of HGH that is produced by humans. Because blood levels of IGF-1 are more stable, labs often test for HGH levels by testing for IGF-1 levels.

What does HGH Do?

Simply put, human growth hormone (HGH) keeps humans young. For most people the pituitary gland produces sufficient HGH to retain a youthful appearance until age 40 or so. Then, somewhere between age 40 and 50, the body's ability to produce human growth hormone declines to the point where the signs of aging begin to show. Effects of HGH Therapy:

  • SKIN: Increased skin elasticity, texture, and tightness.
  • ENERGY: Increased energy and emotional stability
  • BONE: Improved bone strength.
  • SEXUAL POWER: Increased sexual potency and frequency.
  • MUSCLE: Increased muscle strength and mass.
  • FAT: Decreased fat tissue.
  • MEMORY: Improved mental functioning and strength.
  • HEART: Improved cardiovascular strength and lower blood pressure.
  • KIDNEY: Improved kidney function.
  • IMMUNE SYSTEM: Improved immunity and healing.
  • HAIR: Improved hair texture.
  • CHOLESTEROL: Elevated HDL and lowered LDL.

How do I know if my HGH level is too low?

HGH production gradually declines throughout adulthood. Occasionally the pituitary gland malfunctions, and the body doesn't produce enough of this hormone. If this occurs in childhood, normal growth can be affected. In adulthood, the most common effect is altered body composition, with higher amounts of body fat and less lean muscle mass. In adults, the main cause of low HGH levels is a tumor in the pituitary gland. Brain surgery can also disrupt HGH production.

To verify your HGH status, our physicians recommend the following tests: IGF-1, IGF BP-3 or undergoing an Arginine/Geref HGH Stimulation Test. Patients who show a HGH deficiency with the Arginine/Geref HGH Stimulation Test may be entitled to drug benefits covered under their insurance plans. Feel free to contact our office for more details.

Who Shouldn't Take HGH Replacement Therapy?
Men who have prostate cancer or women who have breast cancer should not take Human Growth Hormone (HGH) replacement therapy. Men considering HGH replacement therapy should get a thorough prostate cancer screening - including a rectal exam and PSA test. Women considering HGH replacement therapy should get a thorough cancer screening.
 
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You should talk to your doctor about HGH therapy? Your body produces HGH throughout your life -- beginning before birth and reaching peak levels around puberty. HGH production gradually declines throughout adulthood. Occasionally the pituitary gland malfunctions, and the body doesn't produce enough of this hormone. If this occurs in childhood, normal growth can be affected. Your body produces HGH throughout your life -- beginning before birth and reaching peak levels around puberty.

How Do I know if I'm HGH Deficient?

HGH deficiency in adults is exceptionally rare. A 1999 study that focused on HGH deficiency in France concluded that 12 out of every 1 million adults (0.0012%) have this problem. Among children, such deficiencies are more common, but are still quite uncommon, occurring in approximately 2.4 out of 100,000 children (0.0024%).

In addition to raising levels of fat stored in the body and lowering levels of lean muscle mass, low HGH levels also leads to high total cholesterol, heart disease, low bone density, altered psychological function and a greater risk of dying overall.

In addition to changes in the balance of fat and lean body mass, people with untreated HGH deficiency have higher levels of "bad cholesterol" (LDL) compared with the rest of the population. This form of cholesterol tends to stick to artery walls, forming plaques that produce the type of cardiovascular disease known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaques can rupture, triggering blood clots and potentially blocking blood flow to the heart or brain, which cause a heart attack or stroke.

HGH can be replaced with injections of synthetic growth hormone known as recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH). These injections have been found to stimulate growth in children, increase lean muscle mass in both children and adults, and improve the other factors affected by low levels of HGH.

Because of its ability to boost muscle mass, rHGH has sometimes been abused by athletes and others seeking to change their physical appearance and enhance athletic performance. Unfortunately, since this sort of use tends to be secretive, physicians and scientists don't have much information about the positive or negative effects, including the impact on cholesterol and cardiovascular risk of rHGH use by individuals who have normal levels of HGH.

Research on the impact of rHGH on cholesterol has been mixed. Some studies have found that the synthetic hormone doesn't change cholesterol levels, whereas others have shown a drop in "bad cholesterol" levels. One study demonstrated a drop in both "bad cholesterol" and total cholesterol levels during the first 3 months, but thereafter -- despite continued use of rHGH -- participants' cholesterol levels returned more or less to where they had been before starting the hormone injections.

Other studies have reported negative consequences of rHGH use, including higher levels of lipoprotein(a). As with "bad cholesterol," higher levels of lipoprotein(a) contribute to atherosclerotic plaques in artery walls. However, research also suggests that rHGH lowers blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and reduced CRP levels are seen as a sign of decreased risk for heart problems.

People who take rHGH should only do so as prescribed by their doctor or nurse practitioner. They should also be sure to keep track of their cholesterol levels, because low HGH levels can significantly increase cholesterol levels. Some people taking rHGH may also need a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin, to bring down cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
 
 
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