HGH therapy Granite City, IL - Optimal Hormone Health Center

The human growth hormone (HGH) is an essential hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in growth, cell regeneration and metabolism. As we age, HGH production declines leading to various undesirable effects. Replacing deficient HGH levels through injections of synthetic HGH aims to alleviate these effects and improve wellbeing.

What is HGH Deficiency?

A diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) involves measuring current blood HGH levels to assess if they are abnormally low given the patient’s age and circumstance. Common deficiency symptoms are:

• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Weight gain, particularly increased body fat around the waist
• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Thinning hair, dry skin
• Reduced bone density, increased fracture risk
• Impaired heart function
• Poor mental health, including depression and mood changes

While GHD can occur at any age, risk increases after age 30 when natural HGH production declines. GHD in children can impair growth.

Benefits of HGH Replacement Therapy

HGH therapy aims to return HGH levels to an adequate, healthy range to alleviate deficiency symptoms. It primarily involves scheduled injections of synthetic human growth hormone.

Potential benefits include:

• Increased lean muscle mass - HGH stimulates muscle growth and enhances exercise ability.
• Decreased body fat - HGH plays a key role in metabolizing fat. Treatment can aid weight and fat loss.
• Stronger bones - By improving calcium retention, HGH therapy can strengthen bones and reduce osteoporosis risk.
• Improved heart function and lower blood pressure.
• Injury healing - HGH speeds tissue repair including recovery from joint, bone and muscle injuries.
• Better skin thickness, texture and appearance.
• Increased energy levels and improved mood.
• Enhanced mental alertness and cognitive function.

Who is a Candidate for HGH Therapy?

HGH therapy may benefit adults unable to produce adequate natural HGH levels. It should only be used for confirmed GHD diagnosed through medical tests. Key patient groups are:

• Those with childhood onset GHD continuing into adulthood.
• GHD developing in adulthood, typically over the age of 30. This represents most growth hormone deficiency cases.
• Those with GHD due to damage to the pituitary gland from a tumor, trauma or radiation therapy.

HGH therapy should not be used solely as an anti-aging treatment in those without diagnosed GHD. Misusing HGH can lead to side effects.

Beginning HGH Treatment at Optimal Hormone Health Center

At Optimal Hormone Health Center, we have extensive expertise in GHD testing and HGH therapy protocols tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Confirming Growth Hormone Deficiency

Our endocrinology specialists will order appropriate tests to thoroughly assess HGH status:

• Stimulation tests - Medications are given to stimulate HGH secretion. Blood levels indicate how well the pituitary gland produces HGH.
• IGF-1 blood tests - This growth factor regulated by HGH indicates HGH activity over time.
• Additional blood tests - May include glucose tolerance, pituitary and thyroid hormone levels.
• Body composition analysis - Fat and muscle percentages confirm characteristic GHD signs.

These results will determine if clinically low HGH levels confirm growth hormone deficiency.

Creating an Individualized HGH Treatment Plan

Once diagnosed, our doctors will design an HGH regimen customized for the patient’s unique physiology and health goals. Key aspects include:

• HGH type and strength - Various brands and doses will be considered.
• Injection schedule - Typically as a daily shot. Timing, rotation of sites and technique will be reviewed to optimize adherence.
• Duration - Long term therapy is often required given GHD persistence.
• Adjunct therapies - Additional hormones or nutrients may improve treatment results.
• Follow up testing - Periodic IGF-1 blood tests help monitor progress. HGH dose adjustments made accordingly.

Our clinic offers all required medications, supplies and instruction to self-administer treatment at home. We teach injection best practices to make the process quick and easy.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Optimal HGH Therapy Results

Certain lifestyle adjustments enhance the effectiveness of HGH treatment:

• Exercise – HGH increases lean muscle mass. Resistance training and HIIT routines boost results. We suggest specific local gyms and trainers.
• Healthy diet – Eating well aids weight loss and provides necessary fuel for HGH anabolic actions. Our nutritionist provides eating plans catered to patients’ needs and restrictions.
• Adequate sleep and rest – Natural HGH production peaks during deep sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Consider supplements like melatonin if sleep deprived.
• Stress management – Emotional and physiological stress raises cortisol which opposes HGH activity. Engage relaxing hobbies like yoga, hiking Granite City’s scenic trails or floating along the river. Connect socially. Treat anxiety or depression if present.

These simple interventions create optimal hormonal balance to feel rejuvenated on HGH therapy.