According to a study from Israel, human growth hormone therapy is effective in treating HGH deficiency. However, it has greater effects in children below 5 years old.
Does this mean that HGH therapy takes longer in adults?
In this article, we will have an overview of HGH, what are its benefits, how long the session is, and how long it will take for HGH to work.
What is Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the hormones naturally produced by the body.
It is secreted by the pituitary gland, along with other growth hormones such as the adrenocortical hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Generally, HGH is responsible for proper muscle and bone growth.
In case of HGH deficiency or low HGH levels, certain health conditions may arise. Some of these include sexual impairment and muscle mass loss.
HGH Injections
Individuals with low HGH levels consider HGH injections.
Although this method of addressing HGH deficiency is more costly compared to using supplements, many doctors find it way more effective.
HGH injections contain the real HGH hormone while supplements only mimic the effects of the human growth hormone.
To get an HGH injection, you must have a valid prescription from a medical doctor.
Even so, when administering this injectable HGH, it can only be administered by a medical doctor or a healthcare professional.
Currently, the only approved HGH drug is called Somatropin.
According to a study from the United Kingdom, this recombinant human growth hormone is also used to address gastrointestinal disorders and muscle loss associated with HIV.
Again, if you want to increase your HGH levels, you should go for a prescription HGH. If you want to address the issues of HGH deficiency without affecting your HGH levels, you can consider supplements.
Benefits of HGH Therapy
The main reason why patients (both children and adults) consider HGH therapy is to address their skeletal muscle development. However, there are other benefits of using HGH therapy, too.
1) Weight loss
Obese patients or overweight individuals can benefit from HGH therapy.
According to a study from Korea, HGH can accelerate fat loss, especially when combined with a strict diet and regular exercise.
HGH therapy works by burning stored body fat that can contribute to slow HGH release.
2) Improved skin health
HGH is considered an anti-aging hormone. According to a study from Italy, the use of growth hormone therapy can slow down the aging process in the elderly and can increase life expectancy.
3) Increased energy and stamina
Athletes and bodybuilders also consider HGH therapy to improve their body composition. HGH is known to increase lean muscle mass.
According to a study from Japan, HGH treatment was shown to increase energy levels in patients with growth hormone deficiency.
4) Enhanced sexual function
The use of growth hormones is also associated with sexual health.
Consistent with a study from Italy, HGH treatment can increase libido and sexual performance.
Additionally, HGH therapy can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in adult patients with low HGH levels.
5) Cognitive support
When you have low HGH levels, your mental health is affected as well.
According to a study from the USA, HGH treatment can improve your mood and cognition. It can also reduce your symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Length of HGH Therapy
The length of HGH therapy depends on how low your HGH levels are.
Once you are diagnosed with HGH deficiency, a medical doctor will run some blood tests and physical examinations.
These are needed to determine the dose required for you.
The initial length of HGH therapy can range from 3 to 6 months. After this period, patients will rest for a while doctors analyze the results.
How Long Does HGH Take to Work?
In children, it may take up to 6 months to see the effects of HGH therapy. The timeline of HGH therapy includes the following:
- More stamina, energy, and sleep quality in the first 2 weeks
- Increased appetite in the first 4 weeks
- Better metabolism, increased sexual desire, and healthier skin on the 6 week
- Foot growth can be seen within 6-8 weeks
- Improved cognition on the 10th-16th week
- Improved cardiovascular health in the 20th week
The effects of HGH therapy may vary depending on how your body copes with the therapy and your HGH levels. Those with lower HGH levels can recover faster.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, HGH therapy is an effective way to improve the quality of life of not just children but also adults.
Individuals with low HGH levels can either use supplements but the use of HGH injections is way better and more effective.
With regards to how long HGH takes to work, this will depend on your HGH levels.
The lower HGH levels mean a longer therapy time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the side effects of HGH therapy?
Some of the common side effects of HGH therapy include carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, and edema. Although these are possible to occur, proper HGH doses and medical intervention can reduce their severity.
At what age can I start HGH therapy?
Children below 5 years old can already undergo human growth hormone replacement. Some studies suggest that it is better to start early as HGH has greater efficiency in children. Generally, it is safe to take HGH therapy as long as this treatment is given by a medical doctor or a healthcare professional.
Can I use HGH supplements instead of HGH injections?
It is technically safe to say that HGH supplements can be used to address the symptoms of low HGH levels. However, these supplements do not affect your levels of HGH as they do not contain real HGH.