Our bodies produce humane growth hormone in the pituitary gland, which exists at the base of the brain. Humane growth hormone, or HGH, stimulates the growth of cells, which affects organs and tissues. Humane growth hormone has been used to help stunted children continue more natural growth as well as conditions that contribute to weak muscles and muscle loss including Prader-Willi syndrome and AIDS-associated chronic renal deficiency and muscle wasting associated.
Why Introduce HGH Therapy?
As a person ages, the amount of HGH their body produces decreases. For example, a young adult of 20 produces about twice as much of the hormone as they’re expected to produce in middle age. After a person reaches 40 years of age, they’re expected to experience a 15% decrease in human growth hormone per decade after.
However, patients can take human growth hormone in various forms, including pills and injections. Men may benefit from the anti-aging properties of HGH.
Caution Regarding Hormone Growth Therapy
While human growth hormone may provide benefits, it can also stimulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which is produced by the liver. A body naturally experiences a drop in IGF-1 as it ages, and increases may be associated with health risks such as colon, prostate, and breast cancers. This growth factor impedes a cancer cell’s ability to self-destruct, so male cancer patients or men who are at high risk for cancer may want to consider an alternative to HGH.
Men who are considering human growth hormone do have safe options. The FDA has approved a form of HGH since 1985, starting with a biosynthetic version available in injection form. It has been used to treat adults who have HGH deficiency because of a low-functioning pituitary gland. This can be determined at an HGH therapy clinic with a blood sample. Doctors can also test for IGF-1 levels before and after human growth hormone therapy to look for negative effects of the treatment.
The FDA currently recommends human growth hormone treatments of less than 5 nanograms per milliliter or less than 220 picomoles per liter. Following the proper dosage is crucial to achieving anti-aging results but avoiding negative effects.
It’s important to discuss any medications or supplements with a doctor. Mediations such as amphetamines, corticosteroids, estrogens, insulin can skew the test results. Even supplements such as St. John’s Wort may impact blood test results.
Some men see benefits from human growth therapy that far outweigh the risks, so it’s worth considering.