If you keep up with medical news, you might have heard about HGH replacement. Human growth hormone, or HGH, replacement therapy is a popular treatment used to combat hormone deficiency and, in some cases, lessen or reverse common signs of aging.
In our bodies, HGH has many jobs. Produced by the pituitary gland, it assists and enables normal growth in children and adolescents. It regulates body composition (fat and muscle content), bodily fluids, and metabolism, and may possibly even help with regulating heart function, among other vital functions. When adults have a significant lack of HGH, usually known as acquired GH deficiency, it can manifest itself in myriad ways, including decreased muscle mass and endurance, a decrease in bone mass and integrity, and changes in physical performance.
HGH is used to treat growth disorders in children, including Turner’s and Prader-Willi syndrome, as well as chronic kidney disease, short bowel syndrome, and muscle wasting diseases associated with autoimmune disorders. If a patient experiences a loss of their pituitary gland or other hypothalamic tissue, they may also experience a significant HGH deficiency.
When HGH replacement therapy is used to treat hormone deficiencies and imbalances in adults, it can have many effects, most of which result in the patient looking and feeling younger. It can increase physical stamina and sex drive, enhance metabolism, and decrease body fat.
On a psychological level, patients with a deficiency of human growth hormone may also experience sleep difficulties, a decreased sense of well-being, and even decreased social interaction (likely as a result of other side effects of low HGH levels). Besides the physical effects of increased HGH in the body, adult patients often also enjoy an increased quality of personal and emotional life.
If you’ve noticed changes in your body associated with a depletion of HGH levels and you want to do something about it, make an appointment at the office of Dr. James DeStephens in Gainesville. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about HGH replacement.
