Human Growth Hormone Replacement
Human growth hormone replacement therapy has been the topic of numerous articles both positive and negative. Human growth hormone (HGH) has made the news most often in regards to abuse by athletes and celebrities.
Many physicians today who have read the literature understand when used correctly it is of significant value. At the end of the twentieth century Age Management Medicine came into existence and along with it the use of HGH. An article written in the New England Journal of Medicine reported its use in men 61-81 years old. They demonstrated an increase in lean muscle mass of 8.8%, decrease in body fat of over 14% and an increase in bone mineral density. These results have been duplicated in a more recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Currently, age management doctors are incorporating growth hormone replacement therapy in their treatment of patients with growth hormone deficiency, and have continued to see the benefits of its use. Unfortunately with abuse by a few, there have been new restrictions placed on it making more difficult for physicians to prescribe it for those in need.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
As we age there is a decline in growth hormone production from the pituitary gland and associated with that are a number of changes to our bodies including, but not limited to, a decrease in skin thickness, muscle mass, bone density and our immune system. Our production can decrease by more than half and as this happens we see associated with it the following; depression, diabetes, cognitive decline, bone mineral loss, increased blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol elevation, and sleep disturbances. These can all be reversed when the diagnosis of HGH deficiency is made and treated.
Tests for Growth Hormone Deficiency
We have recently changed the way we diagnose HGH deficiency and are using a stimulation test at the request of the FDA. This test is a 4 hour test done in a hospital or medical facility and requires blood draws hourly to check the patients response. There are two different tests available , one uses insulin and the other, a safer test uses glucagon, both meet the requirements od the FDA. Most doctors will not start growth hormone until they have given the patient time to increase the production of their own HGH. Once patients have had other hormones deficiencies addressed , on the appropriate diet and are exercising as instructed many will produce significant amounts of HGH. The others who desire HGH are set up for a stimulation test. People who are not candidates for HGH are people who fail stimulation test, have history of cancer or uncontrolled diabetes.
How to Increase HGH Naturally
Here are ways to increase growth hormone naturally without growth hormone replacement therapy.
1) Exercise, intense cardio for 20-30 minutes with heart rate at least 80% of max, Heavy resistance training of the large muscles
2) Diet high in protein and good fats along with micro nutrients found in vitamin supplements and fruits and vegetables
3) Sleep. See “Sleep And Increased Longevity”.
You may be surprised how much you can increase your growth hormone production just by following these 3 steps. Plus, you will save a lot of money as growth hormone replacement is expensive.
HGH Supplements
We currently have only a few manufacturers of HGH in the US and is tightly controlled by the FDA. There are several supplements that are over the counter but those that work are more than likely illegal and we don’t advise using them. There has been an increase in Chinese growth hormone on the black market but its safety and efficacy can not be validated and it is illegal. If they can’t make toys that are safe, I am not going to inject Chinese HGH into myself and would advise you not to as well.
I have, when using HGH, used Norditropin made byNovo Nordisk or their generic brand omnitropin, which is not significantly cheaper. We are limited to 2 IUs a day given as a sub-Q injection. You are certainly going to see many claims in the magazines about HGH supplements, I suggest you try my natural remedies and if no results be seen by an Age Management specialist. Side effects of HGH therapy are minimal and ususally related to excessive doses.
“What are the Symptoms of Low HGH Levels”
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