Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a key hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays an vital role in growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence. As the name suggests, HGH stimulates growth in almost all tissues of the body. In addition to growth promotion, HGH has several other crucial functions:
Production of HGH peaks during the growth spurt in puberty, after which it starts declining progressively. By the time adults reach their 30s and 40s, HGH levels are only about 20% of what they were at their peak. Some reasons for this decline include:
The most common reason behind lowered HGH is growing age. The hypothalamus produces less growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) as we grow older, signaling the pituitary gland to cut back on HGH production.
Factors like inadequate sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, improper diet, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can all cause further drops in already declining HGH levels.
Brain injury, inflammatory diseases, radiation exposure, chemotherapy, chronic illness like diabetes or AIDS, corticosteroid therapy, and hormonal disorders can also lead to insufficient HGH secretion.
Since growth hormone impacts almost all tissues, shortage can cause varied signs and symptoms:
Since growth hormone deficiency becomes increasingly common with age, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often appropriate for older patients exhibiting multiple insufficiency symptoms. HGH therapy helps restore growth hormone levels to what they were during young adulthood. It can help reverse associated manifestations and substantially improve quality of life.
Ideally, therapy should begin as soon as possible after deficiency is confirmed through clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. The blood tests check IGF-1 levels, which decline in proportion to the severity of growth hormone deficiency.
While often associated with illegal performance enhancement, HGH therapy is actually approved to treat growth failure in children and hormone deficiency conditions in both children and adults, improving health outcomes when properly prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.
If tests reveal abnormally low IGF-1 and clinical history is consistent with growth hormone deficiency, the endocrinologist may prescribe daily subcutaneous injections of biosynthetic human growth hormone.
Response is monitored through IGF-1 blood tests every 1-2 months, along with tracking patient-reported outcomes. Dose titration over months helps attain peak benefits while minimizing side effects.
Once the optimal dose has been established through testing, typically patients self-administer injections at home daily. Yearly clinical reassessment determines if ongoing therapy remains appropriate.
Restoring growth hormone levels to normal through timely medical treatment can yield multiple physical and emotional improvements:
Since growth hormone has widespread effects throughout the body, deficiency can degrade many aspects of health rather quickly. The associated symptoms also tend to worsen progressively with aging in absence of treatment.
Treating hormone imbalance as early as possible yields more substantial improvements in manifestations along with enhanced patient safety. It helps:
In short, seeking timely diagnosis and medical care for possible growth hormone deficiency can enhance response to treatment and support better health long-term. Our experienced endocrinologists emphasize early intervention for optimizing personal outcomes.
We understand the life-changing impact that undiagnosed and untreated hormone imbalance can have on patients. Our compassionate medical staff believes proactively optimizing wellness is vital for healthy aging. We serve Warminster residents through conveniently located clinics staffed by board-certified endocrinologists and nurse practitioners.
Set within beautiful Bucks County, Warminster offers small town charm along with easy access to major highways and area attractions like New Hope and Doylestown. The parks, walking trails and recreational centers here provide ample healthy lifestyle options to complement hormone therapy.
Warminster Park contains extensive wooded hiking/biking trails, sports fields and picnic spots for getting fresh air and exercise. Core Creek Park additionally offers boating, fishing and swimming opportunities. For winter fun, visit nearby ski resorts like Bear Creek Mountain and Jack Frost.
Soak up local history and culture at sites like Parx Casino and Racing, Fonthill Castle, Mercer Museum and Moravian Pottery & Tile Works. Warminster also hosts events like the annual Art and Craft Festival, meet the Machines Car Show and Founder's Day.
Rejuvenate mind and body at Warminster spas like Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Massage Works, and Restore Cryotherapy Spa. Take meditation, yoga and fitness classes at local wellness centers like Life Force Arts Center.
Warminster restaurants like Vegan Tree House, Simple Spotlight Vegetarian, and Lettuce Eat cater to specialized diets. Other nutritious options include eateries like Towne Fresh Smoothies & Wraps, CoreLife Eatery and Snap Kitchen. The farmer's market is also open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Conveniently get required blood tests done locally at facilities like Primex Clinical Labs, LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics. Imaging centers like Pineault Imaging and Central Bucks Specialty Imaging offer bone density scans.
Hormone optimization paired with healthy lifestyle allows experiencing all Warminster has to offer! Our providers help create personalized treatment plans for sustaining robust wellness long-term. Reach out today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping patients address hormone imbalance for enhancing vitality.
