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What is Human Growth Hormone?
Some people turn to a substance called human growth hormone (HGH) in hopes that it will keep them feeling and looking youthful. But experts say that hope is unfounded. And worse, these products can be harmful.
HGH, produced by the pituitary gland, spurs growth in children and adolescents. It also helps to regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism, and possibly heart function. Produced synthetically, HGH is the active ingredient in a number of prescription drugs and in other products available widely over the Internet.
Does Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Delay Aging?
Growth hormone fuels childhood growth and helps maintain tissues and organs throughout life. It’s produced by the pea-sized pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces.
This natural slowdown has triggered an interest in using synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) as a way to stave off some of the changes linked to aging, such as decreased muscle and bone mass.
If you’re skeptical, good. There’s little evidence to suggest human growth hormone can help otherwise healthy adults regain youth and vitality. In fact, experts recommend against using HGH to treat aging or age-related conditions. Or you can visit HT Medical Center for more information & overview about Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
What are Human Growth Hormone injections?
The most common treatment in both adults and children is growth hormone therapy using lab-developed HGH injections.
The growth hormone is designed to mimic the behavior of natural HGH in the body. It will be prescribed by a doctor. Doses will be administered several times per week or on a daily basis depending on how severe the deficiency is.
HGH treatments can be self-administered or given by a doctor. Treatments are often given for several years. Patients will see their doctor every month or so to check their condition.
Blood tests will be carried out to see if extra growth hormone is needed and if treatments should be increased, decreased, or stopped. Cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and bone density will also be checked to see if they are healthy.
Taking growth hormone can affect the body’s response to insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Growth hormone deficiency can also lead to high cholesterol and brittle bones if it is not treated.
Specific treatment for growth hormone deficiency depends on the person and is based on certain factors such as:
- Age
- Overall health and medical history
- Extent of the condition
- Tolerance for specific treatment
- Treatment expectations
- Patient’s choice
The earlier the lack of HGH is treated in children, the better chance they have to grow to a near-normal adult height. Children can gain as many as 4 inches or more over the first 3 years of treatment. Another 3 inches or more can grow during the next 2 years.
Many adults have to take HGH treatment for the remainder of their life. The goal of growth hormone treatments in adults and children is to restore energy, metabolism, and body shape. It can help to reduce total body fat, especially around the belly.
HGH injections can also help to improve strength and exercise tolerance. Many people experience an increase in general well-being and overall quality of life.
Does Human Growth Hormone come in pill form?
When prescribed by a doctor, human growth hormone is administered as an injection under the skin. There’s no pill form of human growth hormone available by prescription. Some websites sell a pill form of human growth hormone, claiming that it produces results similar to the injected form of the drug.
However, there’s no proof that these claims are true. These dietary supplements are sometimes called human growth hormone releasers. There’s also no proof that homeopathic remedies claiming to contain human growth hormone work.