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Human Growth Hormone (HGH) plays a critical role in every man’s life. Growth hormone stimulates bone and cartilage growth, boosts protein production, tempers the effects of insulin, increases blood sugar levels, and promotes better burning of fat.
However, some individuals can suffer from growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This problem can crop up both during childhood and adulthood.
Fortunately, medical clinics like Best HGH Doctors and Clinics can help you with growth hormone deficiency using the latest medical technologies and practices.
Who Needs HGH Therapy?
Even relatively healthy men can be growth hormone deficient as their secretion patterns change over time. According to the study, GH secretions follow circadian rhythms during the onset of deep sleep. In men, sexual activity triggers growth hormone secretions, but women only receive a fraction of HGH during sexual activity.
Growth hormone deficiency symptoms are similar in both men and women vary based on age, but the most common symptoms include:
- Elevated levels of anxiety or depression
- Decreased interest in sexual activity
- Decreased sexual performance
- Baldness in men
- Elevated triglycerides
- Resistance to insulin
- Decreased bone density and/or osteoporosis
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Weight gain
- Decreased energy levels
- Circulatory and heart problems
- Increased levels of LDL, the bad type of cholesterol
- Poor memory and decreased ability to focus
- Decreased ability to exercise
Main Causes of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Males
Aging ranks as a universal cause of decreased GH levels in males. According to the research of Fred R. Sattler, MD, both growth hormone production and secretion decrease with age. The research shows that GH production can decrease by 14% per decade.
Some men experience decreased HGH production up to 50% in seven years
Also, GHD in men can be caused by other factors like changes in body composition, obesity, or significant weight loss.
Sometimes, doctors cannot identify any known cause for adult-onset growth hormone deficiency. These are called idiopathic cases, which simply means that your doctor doesn’t know why you developed it.
However, many life events can cause an adult GHD, including:
- Head trauma
- Radiation treatment to the brain
- Brain surgery
- Pituitary or hypothalamus disorders
- Blood supply problems to the pituitary gland
- Infection
- Brain tumor
How to Diagnose GH Deficiency in Men
If your doctor suspects you have a GHD, there are several tests available to confirm the diagnosis.
Studies on testing procedures have found that diagnostic criteria don’t apply universally and test results are often complicated by other health problems. Adult testing is always recommended for the following conditions:
- Those who develop lesions in the pituitary gland
- Those who have surgery in the pituitary gland regions
- Those who have cranial irradiation
- Those with hyperthyroidism and similar maladies
- Those who suffer a traumatic brain injury
- Those with autoimmune disease
- Those who develop several symptoms of GHD
Most physicians will not order tests that directly measure growth hormone in the blood, because these levels vary throughout the day and are difficult to administer. Here are various ways we use to detect GHD in males.
IGF-1 Test
Doctors can also test for low HGH by measuring insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the blood. IGF-1 mediates growth hormone effects on the cells, and IGF-1 levels are a strong indicator of GH levels.
However, testing below the normal range doesn’t necessarily mean you have a deficiency. A number of factors such as stress, fatigue and lack of sleep can cause a normal man to have low IGF-1 levels.
If your IGF-1 test shows below-normal results, your doctor will typically order one of the following “dynamic” tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Insulin Tolerance Test
Low blood sugar stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. The insulin tolerance test (ITT) exploits this by supplying insulin to induce low blood sugar, which causes HGH levels to spike.
This test involves measuring GH levels every 15-30 minutes over two hours and is considered the gold standard for growth hormone testing.
HGH results of less than 5 ng/ml indicate abnormally low growth hormone. Results under 3 ng/ml suggest severe deficiency
The ITT test isn’t perfect. It can cause problems for patients who have heart disease or a history of seizures. If you fall into one of these categories, there are a number of alternative tests the doctor can order.
Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
The GH stimulation test involves placing an IV in the vein to eliminate the need for multiple needle injections. A blood sample is taken, and a compound is chosen to stimulate GH production.
The normal peak values of HGH found in this test are around 10 ng/ml. HGH concentrations between 5-10 ng/ml are considered intermediate results. Levels below 5 ng/ml indicate a deficiency.
This test supplies the amino acid arginine through an IV to stimulate growth hormone production. It’s a safe and relatively short method to test for low GH, but it still requires from two to five hours to administer.
GHRH + Arginine Test
Another alternative to the ITT test is the GHRH + arginine test, which adds growth hormone-releasing hormone to further stimulate HGH production. The results of this test in adults vary by Body Mass Index (BMI) to show GH deficiency:
- BMI under 25: peak HGH under 11 mcg/L
- BMI from 25-30: peak HGH under 8 mcg/L
- BMI over 30: peak HGH under 4 mcg/L
HGH Therapy For Men
The most effective form of HGH therapy for men who don’t produce enough growth hormone is HGH injections. After obtaining a prescription for HGH from your doctor, he will show you how to inject yourself.
The best injection sites are the fatty areas of your body such as the arms, thighs or buttocks
The doctor will determine the optimal HGH dosage based on many factors. You should only take approved, prescribed medication.
Most patients need daily injections, and some need them less often. It’s important to be monitored by the doctor every four to eight weeks. The doctor will take regular blood tests to check blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and bone density.
Many online supplement companies offer compounds that purportedly raise GH levels, but you should be wary of claims unsubstantiated by the FDA, which doesn’t test or regulate most dietary supplements.
What Are The First Benefits of HGH Therapy for Males?
In only a few weeks, you’ll begin to experience the benefits of HGH therapy for men. These include a marked increase in energy and feeling refreshed each morning because of better, longer, more restful sleep. Your energy won’t dissipate throughout the day.
Most patients report strong benefits within a few weeks of beginning the treatment
HGH therapy results do not happen overnight. After all, it took quite some time for the changes you see in your body right now.
Some of the benefits will occur during the first month, others may take a few months longer. By the end of six months of injections, results will be evident from head to toe. Some of the benefits of HGH for men include:
- Increased Energy, Drive and Determination. Your energy levels will enable you to perform better at work and increase physical activity.
- Strengthening Your Bodily Functions. You should gradually notice improved health as a result of increased cell regeneration and better metabolism. Your muscles will grow stronger with regular exercise, and bone density will increase to fight osteoporosis and other risks like broken hips.
- Increased Brain Function. HGH therapy can improve memory, problem-solving skills and concentration.
- Improved Lifestyle and Personal Development. You’ll have more energy and increased sex drive.
- Weight Loss. Many patients are able to lose weight after beginning GH therapy.
HGH therapy for males should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Use only prescribed and approved HGH therapy and the possibility of occurring side effects will drop to the minimum
What Are the Risks of HGH for Men?
Possible risks of the therapy are always connected with the wrong dosage or usage of illegal (not prescribed by the doctor) injections or any other forms of therapy. Here’re the most common side effects of HGH:
- Enlarged breasts (in men)
- Growth of hands, feet and facial features
- Increased fluid retention and swelling
- Neuropathy and tingling of the skin
- Fatigue
Some side effects can be relieved by changing the dosage. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to choose the FDA-approved brand of growth hormone and the right dosage.
Proper monitoring of key metabolic indicators is also a critical step. Take special care to self-diagnose any problems or concerns to share with your doctor.
Male growth hormone deficiency is a serious health problem that requires treatment. If you suspect you have low levels of growth hormone, contact our medical expert and get a free consultation on your concerns.