Most aging adults have heard about Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and wonder if it can slow down the aging process. Many researchers and medical professionals also have questioned this. Because of their curiosity, the medical field went on a quest to find out the answer. What they found may be disappointing for some because, in fact, it doesn’t slow down or stop aging. HGH is beneficial only to those who have a medical need for it – those that have an HGH deficiency. And, it’s only legal for people with a deficiency. Furthermore, HGH injections are the only form of the hormone that is legal. Pills and other types of HGH are illegal.

Now that you have the answer, you may be wondering if you are HGH deficient. After all, you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of HGH deficiency – fatigue, poor sex drive, poor concentration, lack of productivity, and weakness, to name a few. But, is it an HGH deficiency? After all, most aging adults experience these symptoms when they get older, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a deficiency in Human Growth Hormone. Let’s look at what does.

What are the symptoms of HGH deficiency?

The symptoms of HGH deficiency are quite extensive, much more than that of just the normal aging process. And, aging adults experience different symptoms, depending on their age. If you have a deficiency, you could experience some or even all the symptoms. Some of the symptoms overlap with the symptoms of normal aging, such as loss of sex drive and fatigue. Some symptoms, like high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and insulin resistance, are only seen in patients with HGH deficiency. Here is a list of symptoms of HGH deficiency:

• Anxiety and/or depression
• Baldness (in men)
• Decrease in sexual function and interest
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Difficult to concentration and lack of memory
• Dry, thin skin
• Elevated triglyceride levels
• Fatigue and/or tiredness
• Heart problems
• High levels of LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol
• Insulin resistance
• Lower tolerance to exercise
• Reduced bone density, making you more susceptible to developing osteoporosis
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Very low energy levels
• Weight gain, especially around the waist

If you are experience some or all these symptoms, or if you just don’t feel like yourself and you are middle aged, see a doctor. Only a doctor will be able to tell you if you do have an HGH deficiency with a blood test, medical history, and evaluation.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Human Growth Hormone facilitates childhood growth and maintains tissues and organs throughout life. Sometimes, children who are HGH deficient need to take the hormone. But we’re going to focus on you, the aging, middle-aged adult, and whether it’s necessary for you to take the hormone. That is, if you’re HGH deficient. 

HGH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. For most children, HGH is at normal levels and growth happens naturally. But sometimes children are deficient in HGH and require HGH injections. This can happen to adults, as well. For people who don’t have an HGH deficiency, HGH slowly begins to decline throughout life. By the time you reach middle-age, the hormone is low, sometimes deficiently low, causing some or all the above-mentioned symptoms.

Do You Need HGH Treatment?

If notice you’re having symptoms of HGH deficiency, you should she a Hormone Replacement Therapy doctor. Most times, HGH deficiency is caused by a benign tumor (pituitary adenoma) or by treatment of an adenoma with surgery or radiotherapy. If this is the case, your doctor will need to treat the underlying condition first. Then, to correct the deficiency, your doctor will give you an HGH prescription if your blood test and medical evaluation show that you need one.

For adults who do need HGH injections, you can expect to:

• Increase exercise capacity
• Increase bone density
• Increase muscle mass
• Decrease body fat

For adults with AIDS- or HIV-related HGH deficiency, which causes irregular distribution of body fat, HGH treatment is approved and recommended. 

How Does HGH Treatment Affect Healthy Older Adults?

Studies of healthy older adults having HGH treatment are limited and contradictory. In a study on elderly patients without an HGH deficiency, there were few benefits and multiple side effects found. The benefits found are questionable, controversial, and don’t prove that HGH therapy in healthy aging older adults is a solution for aging. 

Side effects that can occur are:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• nerve, muscle, or joint pain
• swelling of the arms and legs from fluid retention (edema)
• high cholesterol levels
• numb and tingling skin
• an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
• growth of cancerous tumors
• growth of facial features, hands, and feet (acromegaly)
• mood changes, dependency, and withdrawal
• an enlarged heart
• low blood sugar
• liver damage
• fatigue
• enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia)

The side effects make HGH treatment in healthy older adults something that needs to be further explored with more research.  The side effects far outweigh the debatable benefits.

Research studies of HGH therapy in healthy older adults have been small and short in length. These limited studies show virtually no information about the long-term effects of HGH therapy.

What to Do if You Think You Have an HGH Deficiency

If you’re middle-aged, think you have an HGH deficiency, and want to explore your HGH treatment options, see a licensed doctor that specializes in HGH therapy. A doctor will be able to determine if you’re deficient in HGH and, if you are, prescribe HGH for you.

Here at Optimal Health MD, we specialize in HGH treatment. We’re a team of professional medical practitioners who have the specialized knowledge to diagnose and treat HGH deficiency. Our doctors can prescribe HGH injections, the only form of HGH that is legal, and offer you a complete treatment plan for your condition. Fill out the form below for more information and to schedule an appointment with our HGH therapy team.