Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a key hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays an important role in growth, cell regeneration, and metabolism. HGH levels peak during puberty and decline with age. Some individuals may experience a deficiency in HGH, leading to symptoms like decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, and impacts on cholesterol levels.
HGH therapy involves injecting synthetic HGH to reach normal levels, potentially providing benefits related to body composition, exercise capacity, bone health, and improved quality of life. There has been substantial interest in using HGH to combat age-related declines, although benefits outside of approved medical uses require further study.
Adults with significant growth hormone deficiency may experience decreased energy and stamina, increased body fat (especially abdominal fat), and loss of muscle mass and tone. Other signs and symptoms can include:
However, symptoms may develop gradually and be non-specific initially. Having one or more symptoms does not necessarily indicate a true HGH deficiency requiring treatment.
Growth hormone production normally declines with age. But some individuals experience more substantial deficiencies in HGH linked to underlying medical conditions, including:
Evaluating potential HGH deficiency requires thorough testing to identify causes and confirm abnormally low levels.
HGH therapy aims to restore normal growth hormone levels using synthetic somatotropin injections. Treatment is approved to address growth failure in children and significant HGH deficiency in adults. When used appropriately under medical supervision, HGH therapy can provide important benefits related to body composition, bone health, exercise capacity and quality of life.
However, experts continue researching and debating the efficacy and safety of using HGH therapy to combat normal age-related declines or enhance athletic performance. Responsible use requires understanding the potential benefits and risks.
Treatment with HGH may benefit the following groups with confirmed growth hormone deficiency when properly diagnosed by medical testing:
In individuals with true HGH deficiency, properly administered treatment aims to:
The specific approach depends on the underlying cause, the patient's age, the severity of the deficiency and other factors. Your doctor will help determine appropriate treatment goals based on your health profile and lab results.
When prescribed and monitored appropriately under a specialist's care, HGH therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. But like any treatment, HGH use does involve some risks:
The severity and likelihood of side effects depends partially on the dosage and duration of treatment. Careful oversight by an experienced physician can help minimize adverse effects.
Because HGH therapy is a complex treatment requiring medical expertise, working with specialty-trained practitioners is advisable. Reputable clinics will evaluate patients thoroughly using blood tests, medical history reviews, physical exams and imaging when appropriate to confirm hormone deficiencies and identify suitable therapies.
Ongoing monitoring ensures optimal outcomes from treatment while avoiding unnecessary health risks. Routine lab work and progress evaluations enable adjusting dosages and early side effect detection.
At Equilibrium Hormone Institute clinic in Hamilton, our physicians have advanced fellowship training in hormone disorders, anti-aging treatments and regenerative medicine. We develop personalized plans aimed at improving wellness, vitality and quality of life tailored to each patient's unique health status.
To diagnose growth hormone deficiency requiring treatment, our clinic conducts detailed evaluations, including:
These comprehensive assessments inform appropriate therapy approaches for each patient.
For individuals determined to have clinically significant HGH deficiency, our physicians develop tailored treatment regimens based on the patient profile and reasons for undertaking therapy. Monitoring ensures adjustments to dosing when necessary.
Typical administration involves subcutaneous injections several times weekly, often before bedtime. Alternate approaches may utilize oral suspensions or transdermal patches in certain circumstances.
We educate patients thoroughly on self-administering growth hormone therapy properly and safely at home between clinic visits. Ongoing access to our clinical team provides assistance whenever questions or concerns arise.
The effects of treatment differ across patients depending on the severity of deficiency, age, lifestyle factors and length of therapy. Consistent long-term monitoring lets our staff provide ongoing guidance:
3 Months After Initiation
Every 6-12 Months
This regular evaluation aims to sustain benefits from therapy while minimizing adverse effects. We partner with each patient to enhance their health during and beyond their treatment journey.
Seeking care from a reputable clinic equipped to diagnose and treat hormone deficiencies properly plays a key role in achieving positive outcomes from growth hormone therapy. But lifestyle factors also influence results. Our physicians provide comprehensive support informed by the latest scientific evidence and best practices.
Proper nutrition and regular physical activity provide a foundation for success with HGH treatment. We offer patients customized diet and fitness guidance tailored to their needs and health status, including:
Dietary Support
Fitness Recommendations
Adopting sustainable healthy habits empowers patients to participate actively in their care for the best treatment outcomes.
In addition to physical effects, growth hormone deficiency can negatively impact energy, mood and cognitive function. Our specialists provide science-backed emotional health support to help patients address:
Mental Wellness
Behavioral Challenges
Seeking help for emotional difficulties improves resiliency and inner resources to handle life's obstacles. Our compassionate staff aims to empower patients not just physically but mentally as well.
To amplify the benefits of therapy, we provide patients with referrals to Hamilton's premier health-related establishments, including:
Lab Services
Holistic Wellness
Healthy Dining
Access to high-quality local businesses helps patients embrace lifestyle changes that enhance hormone treatment outcomes.
While often associated with illegal performance enhancement, HGH therapy is actually FDA-approved to treat growth hormone deficiency, which affects roughly 1 in 3,500 adults and can cause increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, and impacts to bone density if untreated.
With increased life expectancies in Canada, more individuals face age-related hormone changes impacting health and wellness. Equilibrium Hormone Institute provides Hamilton patients access to specialized expertise in optimizing hormonal balance for greater vitality in mid and later life.
Patients develop confidence and trust in our clinic based on attributes including:
We aim to provide the community accessible, responsible restorative care empowering people to thrive as they age.
If struggling with potential signs and symptoms of growth hormone deficiency, contact our office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our goal is helping patients address changes proactively, not just regarding physical issues but also sleep, mood, mental clarity and emotional health.
Equilibrium Hormone Institute partners with you in developing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Invest in yourself and your overall wellness through responsible, physician-guided treatment suitable for your situation.
