According to an article published by Ehormones MD, about 6,000 American adults struggle with hyposomatotropism or more commonly referred to as human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency. And most of these same individuals were diagnosed with the condition during middle age, which, coincidentally, is around the time when growth hormone production in the body naturally starts to decline. The same applies to testosterone and other hormones that are just as critical in enabling the human body to function optimally.
Human Growth Hormones and Their Role in the Human Body
In short, human growth hormones are peptide hormones secreted by the body’s anterior pituitary gland, a bean-shaped gland that is part of the much larger endocrine system. During childhood and adolescence, HGH works with insulin-like growth factor 1 to facilitate growth spurts. But their role in body composition does not end when individuals transition to adulthood. The same hormones allow us to build muscle and burn fat, which they do by regulating metabolism, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. They also regulate heart function, mood, and even our mental health.
What Happens When Human Growth Hormone Levels Are Too Low?
For many men, aging is the primary cause of low HGH levels. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, most men will experience a 15 percent decline in HGH production every decade after reaching age 30. But it can also stem from other things, including tumors that affect the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. What’s more, the surgical procedures and chemotherapy commonly used to treat such tumors can trigger low growth hormone levels or a complete and utter deficiency, say many endocrinologists and oncologists. Irrespective of the cause, HGH levels that are too low can trigger a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. For reference, growth hormone levels measuring 0.4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or below are considered low in men. With that in mind, symptoms typical of low growth hormone levels include the following:
- Osteoporosis
- Low libido
- Low bone density
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures
- Increased belly fat
- High cholesterol
- Feelings isolated
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Chronic fatigue
- A decline in muscle mass, strength, and stamina
The Benefits of HGH Therapy in Men
Most men struggling with symptoms caused by low HGH levels have referred to HGH therapy as a godsend. And this is not without good reason; several studies show that these treatments significantly improve the health and overall wellbeing of men diagnosed with low HGH levels. For those not familiar with this treatment modality, HGH therapy, often prescribed after a physician has run a battery of tests to confirm an individual indeed has below-average HGH levels, involves the use of FDA-approved HGH replacement drugs.
That said, a growth hormone stimulation test is considered a standard by most physicians when measuring HGH levels in a patient’s bloodstream. Essentially, this type of testing allows a doctor to gauge just how much growth hormones a patient’s anterior pituitary gland is secreting. In cases where a stimulation test confirms that a patient has a growth hormone deficiency, most physicians will recommend HGH therapy, alongside exercise and dietary changes, as a treatment. Some of the HGH replacement medications that physicians prescribe as part of an HGH therapy regimen include the following:
- Sogroya
- Genotropin
- Saizen
- Humatrope
- Norditropin
In a study involving men in their mid to late 40s, researchers found that many participants saw improvements in their libido, strength, and even stamina shortly after starting their HGH therapy regimen. But it does not end there as many also saw their low-density lipoproteins (LDL) drop by more than six percentage points, which helped lower their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Over time, many participants also saw improvements in bone density, which led to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis. Lastly, some participants said they saw improvements in their mood and overall mental health. And this was further backed by a study published by the National Institutes of Health, which revealed a nexus between low growth hormone levels and the following:
- Reducing the need for social isolation
- Minimizing mood swings
- Inability to focus attention on more than one thing at a time
- Improving memory and concentration
- Easing or completely resolving feelings of depression and anxiety
- Resolving difficulty shutting off the mind and falling asleep at night
Bottom Line
All in all, if you’re a man struggling with low growth hormone levels and associated symptoms, HGH therapy is worth considering. After all, there is no shortage of studies proving that it works and causes minimal side effects. That said, to learn more about HGH therapy and whether or not it is right for you, consider speaking with a licensed endocrinologist today.
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