Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a vital hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. As the name suggests, HGH plays a crucial role in stimulating growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans.
HGH production peaks during adolescence and young adulthood, when the body is growing rapidly. However, HGH levels start declining after age 30 at a rate of about 14% per decade. This gradual decrease continues throughout adult life and is associated with many unwanted effects of aging. Replacing low HGH levels through therapy can help reverse some age-related decline.
Some common signs and symptoms of low HGH may include:
If you have experienced any of the above, it may indicate growth hormone deficiency and warrant further evaluation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key.
Accurately diagnosing growth hormone deficiency involves special stimulation tests that measure HGH levels after injection of medications that stimulate pituitary release of stored HGH. This should be coordinated by an endocrinologist or HGH specialist. Contact our Vitality Renewal Clinic in Chantilly to learn more about HGH testing options or schedule an evaluation.
HGH therapy aims to restore healthy growth hormone levels using bioidentical HGH injections. When properly administered under medical supervision, HGH replacement offers a wide range of benefits.
Human growth hormone plays a vital role in building and maintaining muscle mass. It stimulates muscle protein synthesis while reducing protein breakdown. HGH therapy helps restore a youthful hormonal environment leading to increased lean body mass and strength - typically declining with age.
In addition to supporting muscle growth, HGH also mobilizes stored fat for energy use and blocks formation of new fat cells. Patients undergoing HGH injections often notice decreased body fat, especially in the abdomen along with increased muscle definition.
Our bones require constant tissue renewal regulated by growth factors including HGH. Studies confirm growth hormone therapy can improve bone mineral density and reduces risk of osteoporosis and fractures - a common problem with aging.
Human growth hormone strengthens skin structure through stimulating collagen production in fibroblasts. Patients report improvement in skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration after starting HGH replacement.
By building muscle strength/endurance and cardiovascular function, HGH therapy often leads to significant gains in exercise capacity as measured objectively using metrics like VO2 max testing. Patients are able to push themselves harder during workouts and activities of daily living.
Emerging research suggests maintaining healthy growth hormone levels can support cardiac function and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease like elevated cholesterol/triglycerides. HGH injections may also help normalize abnormally high blood pressure.
Age-related HGH decline contributes to sexual problems like low libido and erectile dysfunction in both men and women. By restoring hormone balance, growth hormone therapy often improves sexual interest and performance.
In those with growth hormone deficiency, HGH therapy has been shown to alleviate anxiety/depression while improving focus, memory retrieval, and information processing speed. Patients report feeling more motivated and mentally sharp.
To be a candidate for HGH replacement therapy, you must demonstrate abnormally low IGF-1 and growth hormone levels on specialized testing. Provided no contraindications or safety concerns are identified, HGH therapy may be appropriate if you:
Given that human growth hormone secretion begins declining in the 30s for most people, being over 30 is a prerequisite for a legitimate growth hormone deficiency requiring treatment.
If you are experiencing several potential signs of low HGH outlined earlier like loss of strength/stamina, weight gain, poor sleep - testing and treatment may be warranted.
Brain tumors, traumatic injuries, or radiation affecting the pituitary can lead to isolated growth hormone deficiency at any age - for which HGH therapy is clearly indicated.
As you can see, there are specific reasons to consider pursuing growth hormone replacement. Our specialized endocrinology team at Vitality Renewal Clinic in Chantilly can advise whether HGH therapy is right for you after comprehensive lab testing and medical history review.
If low growth hormone levels are confirmed and a patient is deemed an appropriate candidate, Vitality Renewal Clinicians will prescribe a customized HGH dosing protocol designed to restore levels into a healthy physiologic range. Here is an overview of what to expect:
Human growth hormone therapy involves subcutaneous injections using small needles - just under top layer of skin. This allows for consistent absorption into the bloodstream. Most patients are taught to self-administer injections at home for convenience.
There is no universal HGH dosage that applies to all patients. Optimal dosing is determined by factors like your age, gender, height/weight measurements, lifestyle and activity levels. Our clinicians tailor dosage over time based on follow up lab work and symptom improvements.
Some patients need daily HGH injections to sustain adequate blood levels, while others require only 3-4 injections weekly. Frequency depends on type of HGH product prescribed and patient-specific considerations. We offer both daily and intermittent therapy options.
To mimic the natural pulsatile pattern of growth hormone secretion, some specialists recommend structured interruptions of HGH therapy known as “cycling protocols” - such as 5 days on followed by 2 days off. Our medical team will advise if cycling makes sense in your case.
Patients starting HGH therapy need follow up blood work at periodic intervals to measure IGF-1 and ensure dosing remains optimal. We also monitor markers like blood counts, lipids, thyroid levels etc. to ensure safety. Therapeutic adjustments occur as needed over time.
As you can see, there are multiple facets to developing an effective HGH replacement regimen tailored to your needs and goals. The endocrinology team at our Chantilly Vitality Renewal Clinic have years of experience designing such protocols for best patient outcomes.
While often associated with performance enhancement, HGH therapy was originally developed in 1985 as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency and short stature in children. When prescribed properly by a doctor, it can help those with medical conditions like growth hormone deficiency to attain normal height and body composition.
When seeking medical grade HGH therapy, it is critical to work with a reputable clinic employing experienced endocrinologists well-versed in cutting edge regenerative protocols. Our Chantilly Vitality Renewal Clinic offers premier growth hormone replacement under close physician guidance.
Our clinic medical director Dr. Thomas leads a team of board certified endocrinologists and nurse practitioners specializing exclusively in hormone optimization therapies like sermorelin and HGH. Customized treatment plans are developed to address each patient’s unique needs and biomarkers.
We utilize advanced diagnostic testing like LC-MS to accurately identify hormonal imbalances. HGH dosing quantification helps determine the lowest effective dose to avoid side effects. Latest injection devices enable comfortable self-administration.
Vitality Renewal Clinic exclusively prescribe FDA approved HGH brands from the most reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers. Unlike dubious foreign or internet based sources, we guarantee the quality, sterility and potency of growth hormone vials. Brand and dose choices are optimized for your body.
Our modern Chantilly clinic and in-house blood draw lab offer a easily accessible, discreet location to conduct your testing, injections and follow up monitoring. We know maintaining patient privacy is paramount when receiving this highly specialized therapy.
Due to exceptional purchasing contracts with select hormone pharmacies, Vitality Renewal Clinic can offer HGH therapy pricing that often beats local compounding pharmacies. Financing plans and potential insurance coverage assists make this vital treatment accessible.
Reclaim your health, vitality and performance by contacting Vitality Renewal Clinic today to explore medically supervised human growth hormone therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our Chantilly endocrinology team looks forward to helping you finally resolve frustrating symptoms of hormone imbalance holding you back from feeling your best.
