Human Growth Hormone (HGH) also known as somatotropin is a type of natural Growth Hormone (GH) produced by the pituitary gland that fuels growth in children. It is a peptide hormone that aids to sustain tissues and stimulate growth during childhood. So why do we need to inject HGH artificially? There are many valid and invalid reasons. As we get older, HGH level declines and this affects our growth and metabolism. However, getting a doctor to prescribe HGH injections is not an easy task. In this article, we look at what exactly an HGH injection is, alongside the uses and abuses of such external hormone injections. Furthermore, read on to know why a prescription is mandatory and how to get one will also be demonstrated in detail below.
What is HGH Injection and Who Needs it?
Synthetic HGH approved by FDA came forth in 1985 for certain uses in children and adolescents with growth problems. This hormone helps to trigger growth as well as enhance bone strength along with a range of other bodily functions. HGH has amazing benefits specifically in children and adolescents with genetic growth hormone deficiencies. These injections benefit them to repair and renew tissues and cells to overcome stunted growth and influence the growth process in many different ways.
In addition to children and adolescents, HGH is also prescribed for adults who suffer from health conditions such as low energy and sexual libido, obesity, and metabolism issues. These injections are also very popular in the sports industry as it is used to boost stamina levels and build muscle strength in athletes. Recently, increasing HGH levels via injections or supplements has become a trend in the beauty industry as well. However, it is important to note that the use of HGH injections for this purpose is not FDA approved.
HGH Injections: Uses and Abuses
Natural HGH is essential to growth and has many benefits such as maintain, repair and rebuild healthy tissues along with cell regeneration and reproduction. Although HGH is a naturally occurring hormone, it is available in synthetic forms as well. The synthetic HGH injections also share similar benefits as natural HGH. Some of them include:
- Increase in bone density
- enhance lean muscle mass
- improved metabolism and fat break down
- proper body composition
- maintain the quality and appearance of skin
- improved sexual function
- Overcome Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Improved skin and hair
- Boost in energy and mood
- Lower risk of osteoporosis
Synthetic HGH is used to treat poor growth, muscle wasting diseases, etc.
Some uses of HGH injections in children include treating genetic conditions such as Turner’s syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, severe kidney malfunctions, and natural HGH deficiency. Nevertheless, the Lack of natural growth hormones tops this list easily. Issues in the pituitary gland like tumors also cause a person to seek HGH treatment. This type of treatment is known as growth hormone therapy using HGH injections. Doses are administered depending on a person’s needs and unique health conditions.
However, it is interesting to note that the most common and popular uses of HGH are not approved by FDA. Keep in mind that no good physician will prescribe these injections or any other medication for that matter, without proper evaluation and diagnosis. Some of the ways these treatments are abused include malpractices such as anti-aging clinics providing HGH injections or supplements-based treatments for age-reverse processes, and using HGH with performance-enhancing steroids to improve sports performance, etc. It is also widely known to increase testosterone hormone in men. There are HGH products available in the form of pills and sprays too, in the market today. These false advertisements make cheap claims such as improved sex life, memory, and treat insomnia, memory loss, vision, etc. However, research shows limited well-grounded evidence to support such claims. Besides, HGH when taken orally doesn’t have the same effects as prescription HGH in the form of injections. The former is digested by the stomach before it can be absorbed by the body to attain the goal or whatever may be the reason it was consumed for.
Risks of taking HGH Injections
As with any synthetic medications, HGH also comes with certain risk factors. These risks go along with both prescribed version and illicit or unregulated HGH in other forms such as pills or sprays. Anything in its natural form has limited adverse side-effects, and HGH injections being synthetic has potential long-term side-effects. However, adults are subjected to these harmful side-effects more than younger people.
Potential adverse effects include:
- Pain in joints or muscles
- High cholesterol
- Malign tumors
- Breast enlargement in men
- Acromegaly
- Mood swings
- Low blood sugar
- Heart enlargement
- Excessive tiredness
How to get a prescription for HGH Injections?
HGH treatments including lab-developed injections can be self-administered or given by a medical practitioner. However, these treatments are off-limits without a doctor’s prescription. Still, many people get their hands on these injections from doctors for off-label purposes which are illegal and have serious consequences. This is why prescriptions are mandatory and HGH injections are not to be sold without them.
If you suffer from any form of growth defects, you must seek help from an endocrinologist as early as possible. An endocrinologist will ensure that you receive the proper dosage according to your unique needs and personal health condition. Some doctors also prescribe HGH treatment for conditions like Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). Before the doctor provides the prescription legally, you will be tested and evaluated using diagnostic tests such as measuring your IGF levels to validate your need for this injection. This is not a typical blood test. An IGF-1 blood test is performed to screen growth hormone levels in your bloodstream. Growth hormones vary and fluctuate throughout the day, so a single test won’t do the trick. After a thorough check-up that includes a GH stimulation test along with physical examinations and some extra blood tests to rule out other health risks, you will receive your legal prescription.
It may be in your best interest to find an experienced, qualified, and licensed doctor for your hormone therapy or treatment. These certified doctors specialize in hormones and offer treatments such as BHRT, thyroid hormone therapy, and sermorelin therapy. Besides, you need to be patient while undertaking such treatments. It is advised to begin slowly and with a lower dosage, gradually increase the dosage over time. Many people after a positive treatment also tend to abuse it.
Conclusion
There are many brands of HGH available in the market today at various costs, with more people becoming aware of the benefits of HGH injections. However, HGH should be administered with care and consideration. Always use a doctor’s prescription to buy these and seek guidance from your doctor on how and when to take this injection safely. Be mindful of how your body reacts to it and refrain from abusing this drug. How much ever tempting some false advertisements may seem like, always know that aging is a natural process, and doing anything other than eating a healthy diet and leading an active life, is not worth your time and money. Not to mention that they are illegal in this case. Beware of such scams and make your choice wisely!
