25 Growth Hormone Therapy Pros and 12 Cons

The aging process takes its toll on a number of body functions. Many of these functions are directly tied to a reduction in your body’s ability to produce human growth hormone or somatotrophin. Somatotrophs secrete from the pituitary gland at the base of your brain and trigger cell reproduction as well as many metabolic functions. Normally the pituitary gland continues producing somatotrophs throughout your life, but due to disease, trauma, or genetic issues, the amount of growth hormone in your body may decrease enough to cause significant symptoms.

Some of the factors that can occur due to an imbalance of hormones include adrenal fatigue, sexual dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and thyroid disease. All produce possible symptoms of varying nature that encompass many aspects of your day to day existence. These symptoms can begin to seriously affect your quality of life. When this occurs it may be time to discuss growth hormone therapy pros and cons with your licensed doctor. Combining realistic expectations with the positives of GH therapy can help your management of symptoms.

Pros of Growth Hormone Therapy

Your awareness of what GH therapy can do for you, helps give you some control over the aggravating symptoms that come with GH loss. It should be noted above all else, HGH can’t halt the normal progression of time and aging. You won’t feel like a young adult again. It will, however, give back to your body more of what it requires for everyday life and motion. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved metabolic function, increasing efficiency of fat and protein conversion to energy
• Reduced body fat, especially around the middle
• Increased energy and` stamina for everyday activities and exercise
• Restoration of lean muscle as you exercise and convert fat into muscle, along with the improved metabolic function
• Increased strength accompanying exercise
• Restoration of healthy body shape
• Immune system functions increased capabilities
• Quicker and stronger healing from illnesses and injury
• Cardiac output increase
• Restoration of healthy sleeping capabilities
• Better sleep coupled with the added oxygen circulating through your body increases brain functions, including learning, focus, processing, and memory
• Cell regeneration enhanced along with increased production of red blood cells
• A noticeable increase in elastin and collagen
• Sharper vision
• Firmer, tighter skin with a possible reduction in cellulite and wrinkles
• Stronger nails and more lush and strong hair growth
• Lowered LDL cholesterol and an associated decrease in digestive issues, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and acid reflux
• Enhanced appearance, sleep, and mental functions increases your sense of well-being, helping to increase drive, motivation, productivity, and physical and mental performance
  
• Increased interest in sexual activity as your cerebral bio-chemistry evens out and hormone fluctuations decrease
• Enhanced sexual performance and pleasure
• Improved erectile function and quality in men
• Increased cell regeneration enhances not only muscle strength, but bone strength as well, the combination of which decreases risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture
• Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes due to greater glucose uptake
• Increased function and size of internal organs to a return of healthy abilities
• All these positive changes help lead to a happier mood and less stress

Appropriate amounts of HGH in your system enhances nearly every aspect of your body and mind. GH therapy helps reduce the risks of serious health concerns such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, and obesity with all of its subsequent concerns.

Cons of Growth Hormone Therapy

All medications carry some form of risk and concern. Most issues that arise with GH therapy occur due to the misunderstanding of the correct usage of this product, leading to abuse or overuse. Injecting too much HGH against doctor’s orders, use of illegal HGH purchased from disreputable sources, use for off-label results such as sports, bodybuilding, or weight loss, and inaccurate or improper diagnosis from an unlicensed or inexperienced hormone specialist all contribute to adverse reactions that can include:

• Fluid retention and swelling, called edema, in hands and feet
• Tingling and numbness in your hands and fingers, called carpal tunnel syndrome
• Greater risk of type 2 diabetes as your body’s insulin uptake capabilities are hindered
• Headaches, possibly due to high blood pressure
• Pain and stiffness in your joints, nerves, and muscles
• Increased cholesterol numbers
• Male breast enlargement
• Women may experience an increase in flushing or hot flashes
• Occasional allergic reaction at the site of injection to include rash or itching
• Some studies have found an increase in the chance of heart attack and stroke, especially in children who take HGH for an extended period of time
• The greater the dosage of HGH the greater the chance of limited sperm production and testicular shrinkage in men
• Acne and other skin irritations occasionally reported

Many, if not all of these symptoms and risks can be averted with proper diagnosis and careful management of dosage. If side effects do become problematic, they can often be relieved with a reduction in dosage amounts while continuing to allow you the benefits associated with GH therapy.
There are a few individuals with certain health conditions who shouldn’t take GH therapy because HGH can cause these conditions to worsen. They include:

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) – Enlarging prostates can squeeze the urethra making urination difficult. An enlarged prostate is a normal part of aging, but HGH can cause the prostate to enlarge more quickly than normally would occur.
• Prostatic cancer – Cancers can feed on hormones, so any HGH therapy that occurs might possibly feed the cancer and inhibit treatment.
• Sleep apnea – Those with severe sleep apnea may find symptoms aggravated by GH therapy due to the increased deep sleep properties exhibited by growth hormone increase.
• Blood clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – Anyone who is at serious risk for these conditions or has experienced them in the past should avoid GH therapy. Increased red blood cells and other factors raise the risk of occurrence and recurrence in these individuals, with some developing polycythemia, a condition that results in an abnormal rise in those red blood cells during GH treatment.
• Congestive heart failure – GH therapy can worsen the symptoms of congestive heart failure, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Serious illnesses or multiple injuries – While GH therapy has been shown to enhance the healing time of minor illness and injuries, the added energy and nutrients required by HGH can take away from your healing and lengthen the time needed to recover.
• Severe breathing issues – Some studies have noted an increase in breathing difficulties in those with previous breathing issues such as asthma, emphysema, or COPD.
• Diabetics – While GH therapy can help alleviate minor insulin uptake issues, those with a diagnosis of diabetes may see their treatment options deteriorate with the addition of HGH.

While normal aging shouldn’t be a reason to seek GH treatment, if you are experiencing aggravating symptoms due to an unusual decline in HGH, GH therapy’s benefits might be a promising method for regaining your previous quality of life. Combining GH therapy with other treatments that naturally increase HGH, such as weight loss, resistance exercise, a well-balanced diet, and healthy sleep routines can help rejuvenate your zest for life and rebuild your overall stamina and the joy of everyday living.