Growth hormone (GH) plays an important role in growth and development and assists in maintaining body tissues and organs throughout life. The pituitary gland – a pea-sized gland – which sits at the base of your brain, produces this hormone.
As you age, however, the amount of hormone produced by this gland will begin to reduce. It’s this natural slowdown that has led to an increased interest in the use of human growth hormone (HGH), which some people believe can stave off aging and declining bone mass.
It’s, therefore, worth noting HGH therapy has long been a subject of curiosity and hesitation for a lot of people. Some of this hesitation arises due to the many myths surrounding the subject. Keep reading to gain a better perspective of what the myths and facts about it are!
Myths and Facts
If you’re skeptical about HGH treatments, good. But, while it’s normal to be hesitant, it’s also a good idea to learn more about it and know how to differentiate myths from reality.
1. Myth: GH therapy is Only for Children
There’s a growing misconception that HGH is only for children. The misconception arises from the fact that this hormone is known to assist in spurring growth in children and adolescents. Besides promoting growth and development, it also aids in regulating body composition.
2. Fact: Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency Can Also Benefit from Treatment
GH deficiency results from problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Adults with this deficiency will display symptoms such as reduced muscle mass, poor bone density, and fatigue. HGH therapy can help boost their energy levels and increase muscle mass.
3. Myth: GH Therapy Is Only for Short Stature
In the United States, GH is approved to treat a condition referred to as idiopathic short stature. Over the years, growth hormone has expanded to an area that’s focused on treating short stature and slow growth, making some believe that this is it’s only use.
4. Fact: In Adults, GH Deficiency Can Lead to Various Metabolic Abnormalities, Including Increased Body Fat and Decreased Muscle Mass
GHD can either be congenital or acquired. For acquired GHD, its causes include severe brain injury, radiation treatment, and brain infections. In adults, this can lead to varied symptoms, e.g., increased body fat and decreased muscle mass. Therapy can make them go away.
5. Myth: GH Therapy Causes Cancer
While HGH has in the past been implicated in encouraging the clinical growth of both malignant and benign melanocytic neoplasms, there are no conclusive studies to prove this. More importantly, there isn’t conclusive proof that therapy can increase the risk of melanoma.
6. Fact: Extensive Research Has Shown No Conclusive Evidence Linking GH Therapy to An Increased Risk of Cancer
Some studies have suggested that GH therapy can increase the risk of various cancers. However, extensive research has shown that there’s no conclusive evidence linking this therapy to the prevalent forms of cancer. Adults with a deficiency can use it without worry.
7. Myth: GH therapy Results in Uncontrollable Muscle Growth
When most people hear about human growth hormone, the first thing that comes to mind is steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. For those in this group, the concern is that using this therapy will lead to uncontrollable muscle growth, making them appear too big.
8. Fact: GH Therapy, When Appropriately Prescribed and Monitored, Can Promote Lean Muscle Development and Enhance Physical Performance
While there’re concerns that using HGH can make users appear larger and more masculine than they’d like, the reality is quite different. The truth is that this therapy will assist in increasing muscle mass and bone density.
But the only reason it will do this is because the two are lacking in your body. Please note that while replacement therapy can promote lean muscle development, there’s a need to take it in prescribed dosages to avoid abuse.
9. Myth: GH therapy is Risk-Free
Although HGH therapy is generally safe for adults with a deficiency, this only applies to those who have received a prescription from a doctor. This is why we need blood tests to confirm that you, in fact, have a deficiency before any therapy can begin.
Injecting too much of this hormone can have potentially dangerous side effects.
10. Fact: Like Any Medical Treatment, GH Therapy Carries Potential Risks and Side Effects
Human growth hormone replacement therapy has its benefits, but like any other medical treatment, it does pose some risks and may have several side effects. Examples of side effects experienced by users include carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, and muscle pain.
Often, these side effects come about when the therapy is administered to adults without a deficiency and in the wrong dosages. For this reason, we emphasize the need to have a blood test performed to enable you to know whether you need this therapy or not.
Other potential side effects include high cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels, and joint pain. To discover more about potential and rare side effects, go to Sermorelin side effects.
Conclusion
We understand that there’s a lot of conflicting information about HGH therapy out there, which may prove confusing for someone dealing with a deficiency. Knowing the true facts and separating them from the myths can make it easier to seek treatment for your deficiency.
The HGH facts above are meant to guide and educate you into arriving at the best decision for your body and general health. While continued research is needed to wholly comprehend the role of this hormone in aging and human health in general, we are here to help.
Our hormone specialists can create a customized therapy treatment for you that’s informed by your needs. All our consultations are private and will enable you to understand the true impact of this hormone on your physical development and overall health.
