Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Therapy

HGH therapy is not something that has come up recently. In fact, right from the 1950s, HGH products have been used to treat HGH deficiencies. Moreover, in the 1990s, it was discovered that HGH is useful in slowing down the aging process. Then again, HGH has also found its place in weight loss. Clinical tests proved that HGH therapy is also effective in promoting weight loss by lowering body fat.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

The human brain consists of a pea-sized gland called the pituitary gland or the master gland. This endocrine gland produces a hormone called Human Growth Hormone (HGH), whose function is to stimulate growth and development of the human body. This HGH hormone is a protein molecule comprising 191 amino acids connected in a particular series.

HGH is especially required for growth in children. All throughout the childhood years, the pituitary gland produces HGH and produces the most growth hormone during adolescence years. Even after adolescence, the body continues to produce HGH in short bursts during sleep. As a person gets older, the amount of HGH produced becomes lesser and lesser.

Deficiency

In some children, HGH is not produced in adequate amounts by the pituitary gland. Low levels of the growth hormone for children results in stunted growth. These kids have short stature and stouter abdomen. Moreover, in some children the pituitary gland fails to produce HGH for some or the other reason. Thus, HGH therapy is prescribed to treat growth hormone deficiency in children.

Even adults can suffer from HGH deficiencies. Although maximum HGH amount is produced during childhood and adolescence, some amount is produced during adult years. Inadequate production of HGH in adults can result in a deficiency. Low HGH symptoms in adults are a flabby abdomen, muscle weakness, hair thinning, sleep problems, constant fatigue, faster aging and weight gain. Consistent HGH deficiency can accelerate aging in an adult and conduces to wrinkle formation, obesity, low bone density, decreased libido, etc.

Therapy

HGH injections, HGH supplements and even oral sprays are available these days on prescription for conducting HGH therapy. HGH therapy is being incorporated into anti-aging programs as well. Several studies revealed that HGH was capable of reversing the process of aging in middle-aged men by stimulating cell production and restoration of the body to its younger form. Thus, this Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has become a popular anti-aging method. However, there have not been any conclusive studies to confirm these anti-aging benefits.

HGH treatment is also seen to increase muscle mass and lower body fat. It is also seen to enhance wound healing, rehabilitation after injury, improve physical performance and increase one's exercising capacity. Human growth hormone therapy for children involves injecting synthetically produced HGH into their bodies, so as to enhance proper growth and development in the child.

But, it is important to remember that this therapy is only meant for people with growth hormone deficiency. Healthy children and adults injected with this hormone can stop the body's natural production of HGH. The body will depend on the HGH injection for its HGH and will stop natural production. The cost of of the therapy goes to about $15,000 - $25,000 a year, which is not a small amount. Thus, the price for younger days are steep. Think twice before getting these shots as they can burn a hole into one's pocket.

Although there are no known adverse therapy side effects, it is important for this HGH therapy to be prescribed by a doctor and only then taken. The over the counter HGH supplements are not recommended. Make sure you consult a doctor regarding human growth hormone therapy.