Human growth hormone (HGH) has developed a reputation as a powerful anti-aging therapy that can reverse signs of aging and make you look and feel decades younger. But does the science support the hype? Is HGH truly a "fountain of youth" or just snake oil? In this comprehensive guide, the hormone specialists at Balance & Renew Clinic walk you through everything you need to know about HGH therapy, including the benefits, risks, who is a candidate, and what to expect. Read on to learn if HGH can help you recapture your youth.
HGH, or human growth hormone, is a protein produced naturally by the pea-sized pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. As the name suggests, HGH plays a crucial role in growth and cell reproduction, stimulating tissue and bone growth throughout the body.
HGH production peaks during puberty and adolescence, when the body is growing rapidly. But HGH continues to play important roles throughout adulthood, including:
However, HGH production begins dropping after age 30, decreasing by 14% per decade. The decline accelerates significantly after 50 and by 80, most people have very low HGH levels compared to their youth.
The natural decrease of growth hormones as we age contributes to common signs of aging, including decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, thinning skin, flagging energy levels, and reduced immune function. It can also impact cholesterol levels, emotions, sleep quality, eyesight, memory, sex drive and more.
The tantalizing promise of HGH therapy is that it can turn back the clock, restoring HGH levels back to what they were in your 20s and 30s.
By replenishing growth hormone levels, HGH therapy aims to reverse signs and symptoms of aging by:
One of the most obvious effects of aging is increased body fat and loss of muscle mass. HGH therapy stimulates fat metabolism while building and strengthening muscle. Clinical studies show HGH therapy can decrease body fat by 14.4% while increasing lean body mass by 8.8% after six months.
Bone density decreases with age, leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Low HGH levels are implicated in age-related bone density loss. Studies show HGH therapy can significantly improve bone mineral density.
Thinning skin that has lost elasticity and collagen is another obvious aging symptom. By stimulating collagen production and maintaining skin thickness, HGH therapy can make skin look firmer, suppler, and younger with fewer wrinkles.
Hair loss and thinning afflicts millions. While male pattern baldness is strongly hereditary, low HGH and testosterone levels accelerate loss. Anecdotal evidence suggests HGH therapy can help regrow and thicken hair.
As HGH levels drop, so does immune system performance, which may explain why seniors are vulnerable to infections, colds and flus. Studies confirm HGH strengthens immune function.
Loss of strength and stamina can make exercise difficult as you age. Clinical trials confirm HGH augments athletic performance, increasing muscle strength and exercise capacity.
Many people worry about declining cognitive abilities as they age. Early research links HGH therapy with improved memory, cognition and focus, especially in those with growth hormone deficiency.
A lagging libido and sexual dysfunction afflict many seniors. Low testosterone is usually blamed but declining HGH also plays a role. HGH therapy can enhance arousal, endurance and satisfaction.
Dropping "feel good" hormone levels can negatively impact mood. Studies confirm HGH therapy can elevate mood, motivation and energy levels.
Research confirms HGH strengthens the heart, improves cholesterol levels and enhances respiratory function - all of which typically decline with age.
So in theory, restoring HGH to youthful levels offers tantalizing anti-aging effects, spurring the nickname “the fountain of youth hormone.” But does HGH therapy really work or is it all hype?
Few anti-aging therapies generate as much excitement - and controversy - as HGH. Often hyped as a panacea that can radically turn back the clock, HGH also raises safety concerns.
Let’s separate facts from fiction about human growth hormone therapy:
Fact: Numerous peer-reviewed studies confirm HGH offers anti-aging effects, including decreased body fat, increased muscle mass, density bone density, enhanced skin elasticity, thicker hair, improved heart health, bolstered immune function and boosted exercise capacity.
Fact: The most dramatic benefits are seen when treating bona fide HGH deficiency. But studies show benefits even for those with age-related declines (not full deficiency).
Fact: Side effects are minimal when HGH therapy protocols are properly followed under a doctor’s supervision and when hormone levels are carefully monitored.
Fact: Not all patients respond equally to growth hormone therapy. Genetics, diet, lifestyle habits, the severity of hormone deficiency and other factors play a role.
Myth: HGH therapy poses serious health risks or will accelerate aging. When used properly for hormone imbalance treatment, risks are very low.
Myth: HGH is only for bodybuilders or elite athletes. While younger athletes may illicitly use it to enhance performance, HGH therapy offers proven anti-aging and health benefits.
Myth: HGH will transform you into a supermodel or bodybuilder. While it can boost lean muscle, decrease fat and tighten skin, HGH is not a magic bullet for radical cosmetic changes.
The medical evidence confirms HGH therapy can slow, reduce or reverse age-related declines in health, quality of life, body composition, appearance and vitality - essentially turning back your inner biological clock. How significantly or quickly you respond depends on your hormone status, genetics and lifestyle habits. Think of HGH as a “fountain of youth hormone” rather than an instant magic pill that will slash decades off your looks overnight.
With confirmation that HGH therapy offers anti-aging benefits, who should consider it?
Many people develop low HGH levels by middle age due to natural decrease - by 65, nearly everyone is deficient compared to youthful levels. And while diet, exercise and lifestyle habits can help boost natural HGH production to a degree, levels still fall short.
Symptoms are usually gradual and develop over years, so people simply chalk up changes to “normal aging.” But if you are experiencing any symptoms of low HGH, you may benefit from testing and treatment.
Common signs and symptoms of declining HGH levels:
If you are over 35 and experience multiple symptoms of hormone decline, Balance & Renew Clinic recommends getting your IGF-1, pituitary and other hormone levels tested to assess if you are deficient.
While most candidates for HGH therapy are middle aged or older, younger adults can also develop hormone imbalances that may benefit from treatment.
While often associated with illegal or unethical performance enhancement in sports, HGH therapy has actually been used for decades to treat growth hormone deficiency in children. When properly prescribed by a doctor, it can be an important medical tool to help kids with this condition grow to a healthy height.
If testing confirms an HGH deficiency, embarking on hormone replacement therapy can feel intimidating. But when administered properly, HGH therapy is safe, non-invasive and convenient.
Here is a brief overview of the step-by-step HGH therapy process:
You’ll meet with a hormone specialist for a comprehensive history, examination, testing interpretation and therapy recommendation. Bloodwork helps determine an optimal dosage and rules out contraindications.
With the prescription in hand, a doctor or nurse provides injection training, including mixing vials and injecting treatment properly. Most patients quickly become comfortable self-injecting daily.
Follow up tests are done throughout therapy to monitor progress and adjust dosing if needed. Most patients see aesthetic changes in 1-2 months but maximal benefits take 3-6 months.
After hormone levels normalize, a lower maintenance dose preserves results. Lifelong therapy may be recommended depending on hormone baselines.
Most patients report injection discomfort as minimal. Needle lengths are tiny and only mildly noticeable. Some bruising, soreness or minor swelling can occur at injection sites but dissipates quickly.
HGH therapy is safe, non-invasive and convenient for most patients.
Reaping maximal anti-aging benefits from growth hormone therapy also requires nailing down fundamentals: fitness, nutrition and lifestyle habits.
Balance & Renew Clinic tailors personalized health optimization plans but general recommendations include:
HGH therapy combined with nutrition and lifestyle modifications truly helps patients look better, feel better and live life to the fullest!
Located conveniently in Midtown Sacramento, Balance & Renew Clinic specializes in cutting edge anti-aging and regenerative therapies, including HGH.
Our center is led by Dr. John Smith, a national leader and specialist in age management medicine with over 25 years experience optimizing hormone levels for healthier aging. We also have nurse practitioners, pharmacists, nutritionists and health coaches on staff.
Balance & Renew Clinic offers:
We also provide advanced testing and treatment for low testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, cortisol and other hormone imbalances. Many patients benefit from combination therapy.
Balance & Renew Clinic accepts most major insurance plans. Financing plans are available.
We empower patients to look and feel their best at any age. Contact us today for a free consultation!
