One of the most hotly debated medical topics is that of the safety and use of human growth hormone for adults. There are concerns over HGH therapy side effects and whether the risk is worth the results.
Frankly, the answer is yes, the positive benefits far outweigh any risk of potential reactions.
To better understand the controversy and why this is a contentious topic, we need to start by explaining why some people turn to HGH therapy.
Growth hormone levels are not static throughout life. By age thirty, most adults start to see a decrease in GH production by the pituitary gland. The process of decline is slow and barely noticeable. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some people experience a significant drop in GH levels, and they are the ones who exhibit some early signs of aging. Since growth hormone impacts metabolism, cell reproduction, immunity, internal organs, brain functions, heart health, libido, and more, it is essential to keep levels in the normal range.
Low GH can lead to any of the following issues if left untreated:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Dementia
- Heart attack
- Erectile dysfunction and more
Although there are potential side effects of HGH therapy, most people will never experience them. If you receive HGH from an experienced hormone specialist following blood testing and examination, you should have no worries about side effects. Your doctor has carefully calculated the HGH dosage to your body’s needs.
What Risk Factors Prohibit HGH Therapy?
Some people are not candidates for HGH therapy. We cannot stress enough the importance of honesty when speaking with a hormone specialist. A critical requirement of the diagnosis process is the completion of a comprehensive medical questionnaire. You must list any past health issues, treatments you received, medications and supplements you currently take, and symptoms that you have. Do not forget over-the-counter remedies as these are also essential to tell the doctor.
Your hormone specialist will carefully review this information in determining if you have any risk factors that could lead to HGH replacement therapy side effects.
The following issues and conditions could render HGH therapy unsafe:
- Cancer of any type – active malignancy is the first contraindication as HGH can stimulate cellular reproduction. There is a chance that HGH could increase cancer cell production.
- Diabetic retinopathy – HGH is contraindicated in both active proliferative and severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- Acute critical illness – do not use HGH therapy if you have complications from open heart or abdominal surgery. HGH is also contraindicated in cases of acute respiratory failure or trauma complications.
- Allergy or hypersensitivity – individuals who have an allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients in HGH should not begin treatment.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding – safety has not been assessed in these situations.
There is a chance for an increased risk of HGH therapy side effects if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Scoliosis
- High blood pressure
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Thyroid gland issues
If you let the hormone specialist know in advance of any of these conditions, extra care can be taken to provide you with safe HGH therapy.
And by the way…
In order to better understanding possible side effects related to decreased HGH levels and Growth Hormone in general, please have a look at Dr. Berg’s explanation of what triggers Human Growth Hormone.
Are There Side Effects of HGH Therapy?
Every medication comes with warnings of side effects, even over-the-counter preparations. You may still take a pain-killer for a severe headache even though the label posts potential side effects. The benefits, as you determine, far outweigh the slight risks. The same can be said about side effects of HGH therapy.
You should know that the chance of experiencing any adverse reactions from doctor-supervised HGH injections are extremely small. Hormone specialists calculate HGH dosages based on individual requirements. Treatment with HGH is not one-size-fits-all. It is personalized and supervised for safety and efficacy.
The most common side effect of HGH is injection site redness, irritation, itching, or swelling. Some people experience this reaction because of their inexperience administering an injection. The process becomes simpler with practice. Others notice these issues due to the skin area getting used to the medication. Either scenario typically resolves itself.
Other more common, although still, rare HGH therapy side effects occur during the first few weeks of treatment as the body gets used to higher levels of human growth hormones. These issues also reverse on their own in most instances. If they become bothersome, do not go away after two weeks, or cause concern, please contact the hormone clinic. The doctor may lower the dosage temporarily to allow them to disappear before gradually increasing the dosage back to its prescribed level. Do not do this on your own. Only the hormone specialist should alter the dosage.
The other potential side effects of HGH therapy include:
- Edema (fluid retention)
- Headaches
- Nerve, muscle, or joint pain
- Nausea
More worrisome HGH therapy side effects that can have longer-lasting consequences are:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Acromegaly
- High cholesterol
- Enlarged organs
These issues do not appear out of nowhere. You will likely experience edema or joint pains long before any more serious side effects. That is why you should contact the hormone clinic with any concerns.
Can You Minimize the Risks of HGH Therapy Side Effects?
We cannot stress enough the importance of open and honest communication between you and your hormone clinic. By maintaining this communication, you can minimize any risks of HGH therapy side effects.
Here are some crucial guidelines to follow to reduce your chance of experiencing any adverse reactions from HGH therapy:
- Contact an experienced hormone doctor so that you undergo the proper testing to determine if you have GH deficiency.
- Purchase your HGH injections from fully regulated and licensed US pharmacies to ensure quality.
- Read and understand all directions for administering your HGH injections and ask questions if uncertain.
- Never inject more HGH than prescribed by the doctor. If you do not think you see the proper results, call the clinic and discuss the situation.
- Always report any undesirable side effects to the clinic. The doctor will determine if changes in treatment are necessary.
Most importantly of all – NEVER use HGH for anything other than doctor-prescribed treatment. Illegal use of HGH creates the highest risk of side effects.
Please contact our hormone clinic for a confidential, free consultation to learn more about HGH therapy.