Growth Hormone Therapy for Women
We think of balancing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid as being foundational for women. For those who want to kick their better aging efforts to the next level, growth hormone therapy is one way to further their progress.
Facts About Growth Hormone for Women
Growth Hormone (GH) promotes cell growth and repair within every tissue of the body. As such, it impacts fat metabolism, bone growth, the production of lean muscle, the production of collagen, and more.
During childhood, the pituitary gland produces large quantities of GH to support growth and development. But upon reaching adulthood, production declines precipitously.
By the time childhood growth is completed, GH production has dropped by 75%. From there, production continues to diminish gradually throughout adulthood. Once the 70s and 80s are reached, the body is producing just a fraction of the GH produced during younger years.
As GH diminishes, the body loses its ability to produce new cells, as well as its ability to repair existing ones.
- GH affects every system in the body.
- Many symptoms of GH deficiency overlap with imbalances in other hormones. Examples include fatigue, weight gain, and insomnia.
- Over-the-counter remedies for increasing GH levels, including those you may find online, don’t work. The only way to increase GH levels is by prescription.
- GH therapy is most effective when other hormones are balanced and when done in conjunction with good lifestyle habits.
Benefits of Growth Hormone for Women
Following are just some of the results that growth hormone therapy can yield:
- Increased skin elasticity
- Increased energy and stamina
- Deeper sleep
- Improved bone density
- Higher sex drive and improved sexual function
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Faster metabolism
- Decreased body fat, particularly around the midsection
- Faster recovery from injuries and exercise
- Sharper mental acuity
- Improved cardiovascular function and lowered blood pressure
- Higher HDL (“good” cholesterol) and lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
- Improved kidney function
- Stronger immune system
- Improved hair texture
- Improved mood and enhanced sense of wellbeing
- Increased protection from the ravages of stress and cortisol
Method of Treatment
- Prior to treatment, low GH is diagnosed via lab testing and a thorough evaluation of symptoms.
- If diagnosed with a GH deficiency, our physicians can create a personalized treatment plan that will return GH to healthy levels.
- Pituitary stimulation is one approach to GH therapy that involves stimulating the pituitary to produce more of its own GH. This stimulation is accomplished with a growth hormone stimulating peptide (also known as a secretagogue). Replacing GH with recombinant growth hormone is another option and can be considered if pituitary stimulation proves insufficient.
- Pituitary stimulation is most effective when done by injection, but can also be accomplished sublingually. Recombinant GH can only be delivered via nightly injection.
- Once treatment has started, progress is monitored via regular lab testing.
Better aging has many facets, and we scrutinize them all. Our job is to provide information and recommendations…so you can decide what’s right for you. GH therapy is just one of the many options available. Is GH therapy right for you? Let’s find out.