Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

1. What It Does

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a 191-amino acid peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is released in a pulsatile pattern, with the largest pulses occurring during deep sleep. HGH plays a crucial role in growth, body composition, cell repair, and metabolism. It stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of HGH’s effects by promoting the growth of bones and other tissues. In adults, HGH helps maintain normal body structure and metabolism, including keeping blood glucose levels within a healthy range and promoting lipolysis (fat breakdown).

2. Main Reported Benefits

FDA-Approved Uses:

• Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): In children and adults with GHD, HGH therapy can increase growth in children and improve body composition in adults.

• Turner Syndrome: HGH can promote growth in girls with Turner syndrome.

• Chronic Kidney Disease: Used to treat growth failure in children with chronic kidney disease.

• Prader-Willi Syndrome: HGH can improve growth and body composition in children with this genetic disorder.

• Short Bowel Syndrome: In adults, HGH can be used in conjunction with specialized nutritional support to treat this condition.

• AIDS-related Wasting Syndrome: HGH is approved for treating cachexia associated with HIV/AIDS.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses:

• Anti-Aging: Some individuals use HGH to counteract age-related changes, such as decreased muscle mass and bone density, although evidence supporting these uses is limited and controversial.

• Athletic Performance: Athletes have used HGH to enhance performance, but studies have not conclusively proven its efficacy for this purpose, and such use is banned by many sports organizations. Detection windows for testing are approximately 24-36 hours for direct HGH testing and up to 2 weeks for IGF-1 marker tests.

3. Normal Applications

HGH is administered via injection, either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). The choice of administration route depends on the specific product and patient needs. Common brand names include Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, and Saizen®. Pharmaceutical grade products are produced using recombinant DNA technology, while compounded versions may vary in purity and potency.

Treatment Regimens:

• Children with GHD: Daily injections, with dosages based on weight and growth response.

• Adults with GHD: Typically start with a low dose, adjusted based on IGF-1 levels, side effects, and clinical response.

It’s essential for therapy to be supervised by a healthcare provider, with regular monitoring of hormone levels and side effects.

4. Common Side Effects

Mild to Moderate:

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling.

• Joint and Muscle Pain: Discomfort in joints and muscles.

• Edema: Swelling due to fluid retention, particularly in the extremities.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness or tingling in the hands.

• Headaches: Due to fluid retention or alterations in intracranial pressure.

Serious (Rare):

• Diabetes Risk: Potential increase in blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, particularly in individuals predisposed to diabetes.

• Increased Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest a possible link between HGH therapy and certain cancers, though evidence is not conclusive.

• Acromegaly: Excessive HGH can lead to abnormal growth of bones and tissues, particularly in the face, hands, and feet.

• Intracranial Hypertension: Elevated pressure within the skull, causing severe headaches and visual disturbances.

Patients should report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider promptly.

5. Recommended Administration or Dosage

Administration:

• HGH is typically administered via daily injections.

• While both subcutaneous and intramuscular routes are used, the subcutaneous route is more common due to ease of administration and comparable absorption kinetics.

• Administration before bedtime may optimize physiological effects by mimicking the body’s natural release pattern.

Dosage:

• Children with GHD: Dosage is weight-based, often ranging from 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg per week, divided into daily doses.

• Adults with GHD: Start with approximately 0.2 mg/day, adjusted based on IGF-1 levels and clinical response.

• Performance Enhancement (not recommended, for informational purposes only): In bodybuilding and biohacking communities, doses typically range from 2-4 IU daily (approximately 0.7-1.4 mg), often administered 5 days per week with 2 days off to minimize receptor desensitization.

Pharmaceutical vs. Compounded Products:

• Pharmaceutical grade HGH offers consistency in purity and potency but is significantly more expensive.

• Compounded products may vary in quality and require more careful sourcing and verification.

Dosages must be individualized, and therapy should be initiated and monitored by an endocrinologist or a healthcare provider experienced in managing growth hormone disorders.

Disclaimer: HGH therapy should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Off-label uses, such as for anti-aging or athletic enhancement, are not approved by regulatory agencies and may carry significant health risks. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any hormone therapy.