Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. It is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth during childhood and adolescence. As we get older, HGH levels naturally decrease. This reduction in HGH is associated with signs of aging like decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, thinner skin, lower energy levels, and reduced bone density.
Due to the decline of HGH levels with age, some people look to supplement it later in life in hopes of reversing these age-related changes. However, HGH is a tightly regulated substance and is only available legally by prescription. It is not something you can simply buy over the counter or order online without a doctor's supervision. There are important medical reasons for this regulation:
- HGH has significant side effects if abused or taken without medical guidance. It can lead to enlargement of breast tissue in men, swelling in the arms and legs, joint pain, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes, high cholesterol levels, headache, and vision problems. Excess HGH can also lead to overgrowth of bones and internal organs.
- Improper use of HGH provides little benefit and poses risks. The benefits seen in studies use tightly controlled doses under medical supervision. Taking excessive doses thinking "more is better" can backfire and cause harm.
- Only people with true HGH deficiency should take HGH therapy. Blood levels should be tested by a doctor to determine if there is a deficiency requiring supplementation. Taking HGH without a deficiency often provides little benefit.
- HGH can interact with other medications or health conditions. A doctor needs to evaluate overall health history to determine safety and appropriateness. Self-prescribing HGH without medical oversight is dangerous.
In summary, HGH is not something you can or should buy without a prescription. Getting a prescription requires seeing an endocrinologist or hormone specialist and having thorough testing done to prove a deficiency. Any advertisements for over the counter HGH supplements are illegal and should be avoided.
If you are interested in HGH therapy, the legitimate route is to schedule a consultation with a trusted endocrinology clinic like The Hormone Hub. Their experienced physicians specialize in hormone imbalance screening and treatment plans. The Hormone Hub uses state of the art testing to determine if HGH therapy is right for your needs, and prescribed programs are closely monitored for health and safety.
While frustration over age-related changes is understandable, self-prescribing HGH often does more harm than good. Only consider HGH under the supervised care of a licensed endocrinologist like those at The Hormone Hub. With their expertise, HGH therapy can be beneficial if prescribed and monitored appropriately for verified deficiencies. Anything else is a risky gamble with your health.
