HGH Therapy in the UK

What is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a small protein made by the pituitary gland and secreted into the bloodstream mainly at night whilst you sleep.

The pituitary gland will put out HGH in bursts, typically when you sleep; however, the levels of HGH can rise when exercising or sustaining injury.

Under normal conditions, more HGH is produced at night than during the day, whilst your body has time to repair and grow. This constant change in HGH levels in the blood makes it a more complex hormone to study and accurately identify whether you have a hormonal imbalance with HGH.

HGH acts on many tissues throughout the body. It performs many roles, such as:

• Stimulates the growth of cartilage, bone and muscles
• Maintains normal body structure
• Promotes the utilisation of fat
• Increases protein production
• Changes blood sugar levels
• Raises levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)

What is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Deficiency?

Typically, HGH levels are the highest during childhood and puberty (when growth like the actual increase in height occurs).

After puberty, levels of growth hormone start declining gradually because now your body’s need for rapid growth has declined. Studies show that GH levels drop by about 15% every 10 years after the age of 30.

However, in some individuals, growth hormone levels decline more significantly than normal, causing negative side effects. Their serum growth hormone levels become lower than healthy, leading to human growth hormone deficiency.

What are the Symptoms of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Here are the top symptoms of human growth hormone deficiency in adults:

• Increased body fat
• Decreased muscle mass and strength
• Reduced bone density
• Low energy levels
• Thinning or dry skin
• Increased LDL cholesterol levels
• Increased insulin resistance
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Anxiety or irritability
• Poor concentration

How Growth Hormone Deficiency Can Age You

Ageing has a profound effect on the release of HGH, described as ‘somatopause’ in these circumstances. Ageing tends to diminish the production of HGH until very little is produced.

Men seem to experience a more profound reduction in HGH compared to women of a similar age. It could be that oestrogen in women has a protective effect on the rate of diminishing HGH secretion.

According to studies, growth hormone deficiency can accelerate the ageing process in both appearance and overall health.

Many men and women undertake HGH therapies for anti-ageing effects. However, HGH is a strictly regulated medication in the UK and it is not approved for anti-ageing use.

Pituitary gland abnormality due to an injury or trauma is the main cause of growth hormone deficiency in adults. Here are other potential causes of HGH deficiency:

• Body fat increase: Those who carry excess body fat have a profound suppression of HGH at any age.
• Hormone imbalance: Testosterone and oestrogen in women have an impact on HGH levels. Lower levels of testosterone result in lower levels of IGF-1 and HGH.
• Lack of exercise: High-intensity training or weight training can increase HGH and IGF-1, but a lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can reduce it.
• Sleep quality: Interrupted sleep can negatively impact your HGH secretion.

What HGH Treatments are There?

Stimulate the release of your own HGH with GHRH – Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones.

Depending on your age and the condition of your pituitary, you may be able to stimulate the release of your hormones using a peptide called GHRH 1-29.

This peptide hormone causes the release of human growth hormone from the pituitary gland which then causes an increase in IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). Unfortunately, this therapy is currently not available in Europe as it has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

Exogenous recombinant HGH-Human Growth Hormone or Somatropin – This is the most popular option for increasing your human growth hormone and subsequently your IGF-1 levels.

Exogenous recombinant IGF-1-(Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) – This can be taken on its own or as an adjunct with HGH if you are found to be deficient in HGH or IGF-1.

Some may be resistant to HGH and the therapy doesn’t have an effect. IGF-1 can offer the therapeutic benefits of HGH but acts more directly as it is a downstream effect of HGH.

IGF-1 can also be taken concomitantly with HGH to improve insulin sensitivity which can help utilise carbohydrates and sugars in the blood more efficiently whilst shifting metabolism to burn fat as energy.

How Does HGH Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?

HGH hormone replacement therapy works by bringing your low growth hormone levels back to normal.

You receive a prescribed growth hormone shot every day via subcutaneous injections. Daily injections help increase your hormone levels.

Restored HGH levels in the bloodstream mean restored normal HGH functions.

Your symptoms and HGH therapy results will be closely monitored through follow-up blood tests and assessments to ensure safe levels and minimal side effects.

What Are The Benefits of HGH Therapy?

Growth hormone therapy for men and women may offer the following benefits:

• Improved body composition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass
• Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue
• Improved mood and mental clarity
• Stronger bones
• Decreased body fat
• Better sleep quality
• Faster recovery from injury, illness or intense physical activity
• Lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity
• Anti-ageing effect through maintenance of chromosome telomeres
• May help patients with Fibromyaligia
• Higher IGF-1 levels associated with longer telomere length in healthy subjects
• IGF-1 levels greater in young adults. Starting by age 30 IGF-1 substantially declines compared to those of young adults.

The Benefits of Combining Testosterone and HGH Therapy

Balanced testosterone replacement therapy can help enhance the positive effects of improved body composition, including lean body mass, when combined with HGH therapy.

Low levels of HGH/IGF-1 and testosterone are highly correlated with low bone density and increasing body fat and decreasing muscle mass.

Therefore, maintaining healthy HGH and testosterone levels is important for healthy ageing.

As men age and hormone levels plummet, they may also begin to suffer from metabolic syndrome – resulting in diabetes. Several studies have shown the link between low hormones and metabolic syndrome.

This can be mitigated by maintaining healthy levels of testosterone and HGH, enabling them to work together synergistically.

What Are The Side Effects of HGH?

There is a range of potential side effects from using recombinant human growth hormone, which can include:

• Joint and muscle pain – HGH can cause discomfort in the joints, muscles, or nerves.
• Swelling (oedema) – Fluid retention may lead to swelling in the arms and legs.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Tingling or numbness in the hands due to nerve compression.
• Increased risk of diabetes – HGH can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
• Gynecomastia – The development of breast tissue in men due to hormonal imbalance.

How to Get HGH Therapy in the UK?

If you think you are experiencing adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD), visit your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns.

They will conduct a complete examination and a few blood tests to diagnose human growth hormone deficiency.

If you are diagnosed with GHD, your doctor will issue a prescription for HGH.

Balance My Hormones provides bespoke HGH therapy in the UK to individuals dealing with growth hormone deficiency.

Contact us today to book a consultation with healthcare providers and determine if HGH therapy is the right treatment plan for you.

FAQs about Growth Hormone Treatment for Men & Women

Who needs HGH therapy?

Adults who need human growth hormone injections are those diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency due to conditions like pituitary disorders, brain injury, tumours, etc.

What is the best age to start growth hormone treatment in adults?

In adults, there is no specific ‘best age’ for growth hormone replacement therapy. However, it is usually started when the symptoms of HGH deficiency appear and tests confirm the diagnosis.

Is HGH legal in the UK?

Yes, HGH is legal in the UK but only for approved medical conditions and when prescribed by a UK-licensed doctor. Here are the main medical conditions for which you can legally buy HGH with a doctor’s prescription:

• Growth hormone deficiency
• HIV-related muscle wasting
• Turner syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease

Can I buy HGH online?

Yes, you can purchase HGH online with a doctor’s prescription. However, make sure you buy HGH only from a registered UK pharmacy to ensure safety and legality.

Is HGH therapy safe?

HGH therapy is a safe treatment but it comes with a few side effects due to which it is closely monitored and adjusted once prescribed.

It should never be used for anti-ageing, bodybuilding or performance enhancement without medical supervision and a confirmed diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency.

How much does HGH therapy cost?

HGH therapy cost can vary based on prescription, dosage and provider. Mostly, the initial consultation and hormone testing cost around £200 to £500 and the monthly HGH (somatotropin) cost can range from £400 to £1,000.

Reach out to us to get an accurate estimate for a personalised growth hormone therapy plan.

Am I a good candidate for HGH therapy?

You may be a good candidate for HGH replacement therapy if you have persistent symptoms and tests confirm you are HGH deficient. Book a consultation with a medical professional and determine if you are a good HGH therapy candidate.