Human growth hormone (HGH) is an important hormone produced in the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth, cell regeneration, and metabolism. As we age, HGH levels naturally decline, sometimes leading to growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with effects on body composition, energy levels, bone health, cholesterol, and more. Optimal Hormone Solutions in North Richland Hills specializes in innovative HGH therapy to help patients overcome GHD. Read on to learn about common signs and symptoms of low HGH, who is a candidate for treatment, what to expect from HGH shots and procedures at our clinic, and lifestyle tips to optimize results.
Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is produced by the anterior pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. It plays an important role in regulating growth, metabolism, cell regeneration, and body composition. Specifically, HGH is involved in:
HGH production peaks during puberty and young adulthood when growth rate is highest. HGH levels naturally decline with age - typically starting in the 30s and 40s. Lower HGH is associated with changes like decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced bone density, decreased energy, and impacts on cholesterol, skin health, hair growth, sleep quality, mood, and more.
While some HGH decline is normal with aging, significant deficiencies can negatively impact quality of life. Through blood testing and medical evaluation, our clinic helps identify patients with clinically low HGH who are candidates for replacement therapy.
Not everyone with declining HGH levels experiences symptoms or requires treatment. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is specifically diagnosed through blood tests combined with a clinical evaluation of signs and symptoms.
Common signs of low GH production include:
Additionally, some patients notice impacts on skin, hair growth, cholesterol levels, and a tendency to feel cold easily. The wide variety of generalized symptoms means GHD often goes undiagnosed.
Our medical team conducts thorough testing and assessments to determine which patients meet the criteria for clinically low HGH and stand to benefit from supplementation.
Detecting growth hormone deficiency requires specialized blood tests, medical history review, and examination of signs/symptoms by an experienced hormone therapy physician. At Optimal Hormone Solutions, new patients undergo an extensive assessment including:
Based on these comprehensive evaluations, our medical team determines who may benefit from growth hormone replacement therapy. Good candidates for HGH treatment often include:
Optimal Hormone Solutions creates fully customized plans to help candidates in North Richland Hills and surrounding areas overcome low GH production.
Unlike supplements claiming to boost HGH, true growth hormone therapy involves direct injection of bioidentical hormones. At our clinic, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s physiology, medical needs, lifestyle factors, and health goals. However, some general HGH therapy procedural steps include:
All patients begin with extensive medical evaluations and diagnostics to measure hormone levels. Testing may include:
Our hormone specialists analyze results to determine if clinically low HGH is present and contributing to symptoms. Custom therapeutic protocols are created including:
Patients administer HGH shots at home following specific schedules. Throughout therapy, our medical team closely tracks progress through:
Most patients undergo 4-6 months of HGH therapy, with some continuing for over a year depending on physiology and objectives. Optimal Hormone Solutions strives to provide fully transparent, patient-centered care from initial diagnosis through therapy.
While often associated with illegal performance enhancement, HGH therapy is actually approved to treat children's growth disorders and adult deficiency syndromes. When medically indicated and properly dosed, it can help normalize development, metabolism, body composition and quality of life.
While growth hormone injections play a central role, lifestyle habits also impact treatment success. Patients generally see optimal improvements by incorporating holistic wellness strategies like:
Focus on getting sufficient protein for building muscle along with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and high-fiber carbohydrates. Be sure to avoid blood sugar spikes. Staying well hydrated supports cellular health.
Aim for 150 minutes per week of muscle-building resistance training plus cardio activity to improve circulation and metabolic factors. Yoga, Pilates, swimming, walking, jogging, and cycling are great options.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol which opposes HGH benefits. Try yoga, meditation, massage, nature time, or counseling for stress relief. Get sufficient sleep nightly.
Heavy alcohol consumption can hinder HGH therapy goals. Stick to moderate intake only, allowing several days per week without alcohol.
While individual needs vary, following these general tips provides a supportive foundation for treatment. Our North Richland Hills clinic offers extensive coaching to help patients succeed.
The North Richland Hills area offers abundant fitness, recreation, relaxation, and health resources to complement your wellness journey. During HGH therapy, consider visiting:
Let our hormone optimization team know how we can best assist with achieving your fitness, performance, and wellness goals!
Recognizing hormonal imbalances early is key to preventing long-term complications. Left untreated, growth hormone deficiency contributes to issues like:
Additionally, patients often struggle daily with fatigue, abdominal weight gain, poor sleep, low libido, and reduced quality of life. Through comprehensive blood analysis and clinical evaluations, Optimal Hormone Solutions identifies hormone dysfunctions early when they are most responsive to treatment.
We help patients optimize wellness through:
Don’t wait to take control of health, hormone balance, and aging. Contact our friendly North Richland Hills office today to schedule your evaluation. Our innovative therapies help patients look, feel, and perform their best while strengthening long-term wellbeing.
