Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps regulate growth, metabolism, and cell reproduction. As we age, HGH levels naturally decline, leading to signs of aging and health issues. HGH therapy involves supplementing declining HGH levels to reverse the effects of aging and improve health. Maintaining proper HGH levels is crucial at any age.
Getting diagnosed in a timely manner and receiving treatment can greatly benefit quality of life. The knowledgeable clinicians at Harmony Hormone Center offer cutting-edge therapies to help patients optimize hormones like HGH.
Some common signs of low growth hormone in adults include:
If experiencing several of these symptoms, HGH testing is recommended. The sooner treatment begins, the more noticeable the benefits.
Patients with growth hormone deficiency who undergo HGH injections enjoy remarkable benefits, including:
With a customized HGH protocol, most patients begin noticing benefits within the first month or two of starting treatment. Over time, therapy can help reverse 10-20 years of aging for a better quality of life.
Human growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. HGH travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it triggers the production of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). This growth factor then stimulates cell growth and replication throughout the body.
As we enter our 30s and 40s, HGH production begins to slow. By the time we reach 60 years old, most people make 75% less HGH than they did in their youth. This growth hormone deficiency causes the development of unwanted signs of aging.
HGH injections are bioidentical (meaning having the same molecular structure as natural HGH). This allows the body to utilize it in the same way as the HGH it produces naturally. Most patients notice improvements relatively quickly after starting therapy.
Beginning medically supervised HGH therapy typically involves:
1. Initial consultation - Medical history, lab testing and evaluation to diagnose hormone deficiency
2. Creating a customized treatment protocol - Based on each patient's unique hormonal needs and health goals
3. Follow-up monitoring - To assess progress and make dosage adjustments
4. Enjoy the benefits - Most patients feel better within weeks as optimal hormone levels are restored
The experienced medical team at Harmony Hormone Center will oversee each step of the process. Each protocol is tailored specifically to the patient for maximum safety and results.
The clinicians at Harmony Hormone Center Vernon specialize in growth hormone replacement and making patients look and feel their best.
With over 15 years of experience, our medical providers stay current on the latest HGH research and innovative therapies. We develop fully customized protocols designed to:
At Harmony Hormone Center Vernon, we understand your health goals go beyond the number on a chart. Our staff appreciates each patient as an individual and develops trusting relationships while providing:
In Vernon's mild climate with plenty of walking paths and recreation centers, engaging in a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable. Our staff provides tips on great places to eat locally, community fitness resources and more to help patients succeed.
By working as partners with patients, Harmony Hormone Center' patient-centered approach leads to transformative outcomes. Contact us today to find out how our experienced medical team can help you look and feel your best with HGH therapy!
There are many reasons to choose Harmony Hormone Center for expert hormone replacement therapy:
Our commitment to patients can be seen clearly in our 5 star reviews. Contact Harmony Hormone Center today to learn more!
Causes and Risk Factors of Growth Hormone Deficiency
There are several potential causes leading to insufficient growth hormone production, including:
As previously mentioned, aging is the most common risk factor for low HGH levels. After age 30, growth hormone secretion decreases by about 14% per decade. The decline accelerates significantly after 50. Most aging adults make 75% less HGH compared to their youth.
Benign (non-cancerous) pituitary gland tumors often disrupt normal pituitary function. Since this gland produces several hormones including HGH, tumors commonly cause hormone deficiencies.
Head trauma from accidents, sports injuries or violent blows can damage pituitary function. One study found over 30% of brain trauma survivors have pituitary hormone deficiencies, frequently involving HGH.
Cancer patients that undergo radiation to the head/neck area can develop pituitary issues. The radiation can partially or fully destroy pituitary cells that make hormones like HGH.
While often associated with athletic doping, a little-discussed use of HGH therapy is helping children with growth deficiencies reach normal heights. When prescribed properly by an endocrinologist, HGH injections can significantly increase the growth velocity and adult height potential of children lacking adequate natural growth hormone.
Less common causes of low growth hormone levels include:
In many cases, no specific cause is found outside of age-related deficiency. Regardless of cause, prompt diagnosis and treatment of hormone imbalance is important.
Those at highest risk for abnormally low HGH levels include:
Adults experiencing several bothersome signs and symptoms potentially related to hormone imbalance are also at high risk for issues like growth hormone deficiency.
Diagnosing and Testing for Human Growth Hormone Deficiency
In order to determine if treatment is needed, recognizing potential low growth hormone symptoms is the first step. Patients may experience:
Do several of these symptoms sound familiar? Request HGH testing today! Our clinicians can determine if these issues are tied to growth hormone deficiency.
Accurately diagnosing hormone imbalance requires specialized medical testing. At Harmony Hormone Center Vernon, complete HGH testing involves:
First, our clinician will go over your health history and medications, discuss symptoms you’re experiencing and give you a physical exam. This information reveals if hormone testing is warranted.
We test key hormone levels in your blood, including total growth hormone, IGF-1, testosterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones using state-of-the-art analysis methods.
Since HGH levels fluctuate, directly testing pituitary gland functioning better uncovers deficiencies. Stimulation tests trigger the pituitary to produce HGH, allowing hormone secretion to be measured.
Following testing, our clinicians determine if a hormone imbalance like growth hormone deficiency exists based on your symptoms plus clinical practice standards and reference ranges.
Getting a complete metabolic panel and testing growth hormone levels directly through stimulation provides the most definitive diagnosis. This helps determine the optimal therapeutic dosages and regimen tailored to your needs.
Keep in mind testing all major hormones together frequently uncovers multiple deficiencies requiring balanced treatment. Our medical team develops customized plans aimed at helping you lose weight, gain strength, think more clearly and look and feel your best.
Have you been struggling with bothersome symptoms that may be tied to hormone imbalance? Contact Harmony Hormone Center Vernon today to find out if HGH therapy is right for you!
When administered properly by a medical professional, growth hormone therapy is very safe with minimal side effects. Potential adverse effects may include:
Our clinicians monitor patients closely and adjust dosages accordingly if any intolerable side effects develop. Often lowering the dose relieves issues rapidly while preserving beneficial effects.
Choose Harmony Hormone Center for safe, responsible HGH therapy with expert oversight. Contact us to determine if treatment is right for you!
HGH Injection Administration and Ongoing Care
Once diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, your endocrinologist will develop your customized therapeutic regimen. The basic process includes:
Based on your diagnosis and lab results, we provide an initial bioidentical growth hormone prescription your body recognizes as natural.
Most patients perform short daily HGH injections subcutaneously (into fat under skin) at home for convenience. We teach you precisely how to inject properly.
blood tests and clinician visits assess your progress. We tailor your dosage over time to meet treatment goals safely.
Within weeks to months of optimizing your HGH levels, patients enjoy remarkable benefits like increased lean muscle, fat loss, thicker hair, sharper cognition and a more youthful appearance overall!
There is no universal best growth hormone dosage or schedule guaranteed to work for everyone. However, Harmony Hormone Center' endocrinologists follow clinical guidelines and emerging research to determine the regimes giving most patients excellent results.
We customize your therapeutic dosage and injection schedule around factors like your age, diagnosis severity, lifestyle, treatment goals and other medical history. Frequent patient monitoring helps us continually optimize your protocol.
Maintaining patient safety and optimal outcomes from HGH therapy requires clinical oversight. Our endocrinologists remain involved throughout your treatment journey to:
We also offer helpful guidance on community amenities supporting your treatment success like fitness studios, salons, walking trails and healthy local restaurants.
Let the experienced endocrinologists at Harmony Hormone Center develop a customized HGH therapy protocol to help you thrive. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Optimizing Results from Growth Hormone Therapy
While the direct effects of HGH injections are remarkable, certain lifestyle measures amplify benefits:
Resistance exercise boosts the body’s response to growth hormone treatment. Your hormone specialist can recommend targeted moves that support your goals.
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet gives your body the tools it needs to function optimally. Ask about supplements to correct any deficiencies.
Chronic stress raises cortisol which can work against HGH therapy. Using stress management skills builds resilience.
Growth hormone secretion peaks during deep sleep. Prioritizing sufficient rest enhances treatment effects.
Drinking alcohol regularly can impede HGH therapy gains. Practicing moderation is wise.
Following an overall healthy lifestyle potentiates the benefits of treatment tremendously. Our staff provides trusted guidance each step of the way.
While growth hormone declines significantly with age, other hormones like testosterone also decrease, leading to symptoms. Our clinic offers therapies that powerfully turn back the clock, including:
Get a free assessment to find out if you’re a candidate for any additional therapies to complement your growth hormone protocol. Contact Harmony Hormone Center today!
Additional Information for Vernon Residents
Nestled on beautiful Okanagan Lake under the Monashee Mountains, Vernon offers a temperate four-season climate perfect for an active lifestyle year-round. The extensive walking and biking trails, along with resources like recreation centers, yoga studios and more provide ample healthy outlets to support your wellness journey.
Our clinic offers trusted guidance on Vernon’s best amenities and establishments that align with your treatment goals. We help optimize all aspects of your life, not just hormone levels!
While there's no “wrong” time to begin treatment, late winter through mid-fall offers prime conditions for new HGH therapy patients. Vernon’s mild late spring/summer/early fall climate encourages staying active outdoors to amplify your results.
The winter holiday season can be busy and stressful, making focusing on your protocol more challenging. Starting therapy leading up to more relaxed summer months may make early follow-up and adjustment easier as your body acclimates. However, we customize your treatment schedule around your unique needs and preferences.
Vernon offers several nearby medical labs for convenient blood testing, including:
Talk to us about what testing services each Vernon lab offers to identify your best option. We simplify the process for you.
Have more questions on the logistics of pursuing HGH therapy locally? Reach out to our knowledgeable Vernon team today for answers!