Human growth hormone (HGH) is gaining in popularity, as more people are seeking therapeutic benefits to reverse the signs of aging or improve their athletic performance. While many people assume HGH therapy is primarily for men or athletes who want to build muscle or lean muscle mass, this is false.
HGH is strongly connected to estrogen levels in a woman’s body, and an HGH deficiency can cause issues. The more estrogen a woman produces, the higher levels of HGH she produces.
Interestingly enough, pre-menopausal women have higher concentrations of HGH in their bodies than men. However, during menopause, estrogen levels decline significantly, which can also cause HGH levels to decline. This is why so many menopausal and post-menopausal women lose muscle mass, experience higher body fat, and struggle with low energy.
Read on to learn more about what function HGH has in a woman’s body, and how HGH therapy may help women with growth hormone deficiency.
What Is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. While you sleep, the pituitary gland releases HGH in “pulses” throughout the night. HGH is of vital importance in childhood and adolescence, as it promotes bone growth, muscle strength, lean body mass, and the distribution of body fat and abdominal fat.
In adulthood, HGH helps the body process protein and assist with fat and cellulite breakdown. HGH helps keep your bones strong, builds muscle mass, and regulates blood sugar and lipids (fats) levels in the body. It’s also important for cognitive functioning and processing, such as focus, memory, and learning. HGH also helps regulate mood and motivation.
Not only that but HGH is believed to benefit the appearance and health of the skin. It may help slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases like insulin sensitivity issues and cardiovascular disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Low HGH in Women?
Human growth hormone levels are the highest in childhood and adolescence, and peak during puberty. After the age of 30, HGH levels gradually decrease by approximately 15% every ten years in adults. This decline in women is particularly evident in middle age.
As women reach perimenopause (years before menopause) and menopause, HGH, estrogen, and progesterone levels decline dramatically. Many women experience a number of unwanted symptoms related to a decrease in hormone secretion.
While every person is different and symptoms will vary, there are a number of common symptoms of low HGH in women, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Decreased muscle mass or weight loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry skin
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat, particularly around the belly
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- Insomnia
- High cholesterol and high blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Joint pain
- Low libido/sex drive
- Memory problems
- Moodiness
- Temperature sensitivity (hot and cold)
- Weight gain
When Do Women Need HGH Therapy?
Women who have low levels of growth hormone may be prescribed HGH therapy to restore growth hormone levels to a healthy range.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low HGH that are negatively impacting your life — such as insomnia, lack of energy, and not feeling like yourself anymore — it may be time to see an experienced endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in glands and hormones) for a full hormone blood panel to determine what treatment may be best for you.
At Elite HRT, our specialists will ask questions about your medical history, the symptoms you are experiencing, and order bloodwork to determine your level of hormones, including HGH and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a hormone secreted by the liver. As HGH levels decline, IGF-1 levels also decline. Low levels of IGF-1 can indicate a growth hormone deficiency.
If you’re a candidate for HGH treatment, you will be provided with a personalized care plan that includes the best HGH injections to help restore your levels and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
How Does HGH Therapy Work?
HGH stimulates the metabolic processes in cells, activating metabolism. It prompts the liver to make a protein that produces cartilage cells, which play a central role in bone and organ growth as well as muscle protein and amino acids synthesis.
Although HGH occurs naturally in the body, levels decline as we get older. In people who are diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, HGH therapy is available as a treatment to boost HGH levels and repair health.
Growth hormone deficiency treatments vary, and personalized treatments are provided based on your specific needs. Specific treatment for growth hormone deficiency depends on the person. The most common treatment for growth hormone deficiency is injections of growth hormone, known as somatotropin.
Depending on how severe your deficiency is, you may need to administer HGH injections subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) several times a week or daily. HGH injections can be self-administered or given by a trusted family member or friend or doctor.
Once your injection regimen begins, your doctor will closely monitor you to watch how your body responds to the HGH therapy. You will be required to have routine lab work (blood tests) on a regular basis to check on your HGH and IGF-1 levels to see if your dosage should be increased, decreased, or stay the same. Your doctor will also check your cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and bone density while on HGH therapy.
Is HGH Therapy Safe?
Growth hormone injections are generally safe and effective, though there are a few side effects. Side effects may include:
- Acromegaly (enlargement of hands and feet)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Edema (swelling in arms and legs)
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Joint and muscle pain
- Liver damage
- Mood changes
- Numb, tingly skin
- Increased risk of developing certain cancers
These side effects are more common in individuals who are taking HGH without a growth hormone deficiency. HGH should only ever be prescribed and used under the careful observation of a doctor. Talk to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing adverse side effects. Your doctor can adjust your dose in order to manage and reduce side effects.
Be sure to only use HGH exactly as prescribed. HGH therapy can be relatively expensive, so some people are tempted to purchase it for a lower price on the black market. However, the risk of negative side effects increases significantly, as many of these products are of poor quality, counterfeit, or expired.
For this reason, it is important to see a qualified doctor who will assess your hormone levels and determine if HGH therapy is appropriate for you.
People who have cancer or benign tumors should not use HGH therapy. People who have traumatic injuries, breathing problems, or who are seriously ill should also not take HGH injections.
What Are the Benefits of HGH Therapy For Women?
Your pituitary gland releases HGH in “pulses” throughout the night while you sleep. The body metabolizes the hormone to heal injuries, mitigate aging, keep your bones and muscles strong, and keep your skin youthful and glowing.
As we get older, our bodies produce less HGH while we sleep — that’s when aging accelerates. Restoring your body’s growth hormone levels with HGH therapy can slow down the aging process and improve the way you look and feel.
HGH therapy offers a number of benefits for women who are deficient in growth hormone.
Potential benefits include:
- Better sleep
- Immune system support
- Decreased inflammatory markers
- Enhanced sex drive/libido
- Enhanced cognitive functioning (e.g., improved memory, learning)
- Faster wound healing
- Healthy cholesterol levels
- Improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity
- Increased muscle mass
- More energy
- Reduced body fat
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
- Sharper, improved vision
- Stable mood
- Stronger bones
- Thicker, fuller hair
To get the most out of your HGH therapy, be sure to make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. If you’re low in growth hormone, HGH therapy can dramatically improve your health, the way you feel, and help you lead a full, happy life full of vitality and strength.
Conclusion
As with other hormones, the production of human growth hormone decreases as we get older. While the average 25-year-old woman won’t likely have a need for HGH therapy or notice any results from an HGH injection, this therapy can be absolutely life-changing when you’re 50 or older.
If you’re tired of feeling tired and worn down, HGH therapy may be right for you.
Many women who use HGH therapy have enjoyed improvements to their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This gentle treatment can help you restore your energy levels, lose weight, stabilize your mood, and help you feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to feel and look your best, contact us today at Elite HRT to talk with our staff. We’ll ask about your current symptoms and medical history, order blood work and assess whether or not HGH therapy is right for you.
Sources:
Growth Hormone in Aging | NCBI
Human Growth Hormone: Does It Slow Down Aging? | Mayo Clinic