Human growth hormone is what causes all tissues in the body to grow. It is essential during childhood and adolescence. It is also essential when a person is an adult. Even after they stop growing, they need human growth hormone to maintain their body structure.

The pituitary gland creates human growth hormones. After the pituitary gland creates this protein, it releases it into the bloodstream.

Human growth hormone plays a vital role in having a healthy body. It affects how the body collects fat, how the muscles function, bone density, and the ratio of lipoproteins in cholesterol.

Symptoms Showing an Adult Has Too Little Human Growth Hormone

When the pituitary gland of an adult does not produce enough human growth hormone, there will be symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, depression, and changes in blood cholesterol. A person will likely experience a feeling of being isolated from others and have greater sensitivity to cold and heat. Since they will have less muscle, they will have less strength and stamina. It will affect their ability to exercise without resting.

Another sign that is usually present when a person’s pituitary gland is not producing enough human growth hormone is a high level of body fat around the waist. They will have decreased sexual interest and function. As they age, they are more likely to experience bone fractures because of reduced bone density.

When the body does not create enough growth hormone, it is usually due to damage to the pituitary gland. It could also be due to damage to the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland. It could occur if there is an issue with the blood supply to the gland, if an individual has a tumor, or if damage occurred when using radiation or surgery to treat a tumor.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

A doctor or endocrinologist can check a person for a deficiency in human growth hormone. They will likely do this if an individual has a history of pituitary disorders or has had surgery or an injury that affected the pituitary gland.

A blood test can see how quickly human growth hormone is absorbed in the tissues as it circulates through the body in the blood. It can show levels of human growth hormone in the blood. Hormone stimulation tests usually take two or three hours and are performed in an outpatient setting.

What to Expect If Treatment Is Recommended

After a doctor confirms a human growth hormone deficiency, they may prescribe human growth hormone. It is usually injected into the individual’s body daily. The patient or someone they trust usually performs the injection at home. The patient will need to visit their doctor for monitoring and regular blood tests to see if the prescribed amount of human growth hormone is appropriate.

Human growth hormone is not used for individuals who have tumors or active cancer. It should not be given to those who are ill because of recent major surgery, like abdominal or open heart surgery.

It is important for anyone who is prescribed human growth hormone to understand the benefits and risks. They must weigh these to ensure that the benefits they could potentially receive outweigh any risks. For example, using human growth hormone can affect insulin. An individual would need to be careful about monitoring their blood sugar levels and make sure their doctor is informed if they have diabetes and have been prescribed human growth hormone.

Other Circumstances Where Human Growth Hormone May Be Recommended

Some turn to human growth hormones to improve their athletic performance. Because human growth hormone affects muscle mass and stamina, it may improve their abilities. It has also been used as a way to fight the aging process.

Before turning to human growth hormone in these circumstances, you must consult with your doctor. Any prescription must be given by a physician and used under their care.

Are you interested in learning more about the use of human growth hormones for adults? If so, contact us today at 205-352-9141. We would be happy to tell you more about the benefits and risks associated with this hormone.