Human growth hormone (HGH) is a key hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in growth, cell regeneration, and metabolism. As we age, HGH levels naturally decline, leading to signs of aging and health issues. An HGH deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce adequate amounts of HGH.
There are several common signs and symptoms associated with adult-onset HGH deficiency:
If you are experiencing several of these symptoms as an adult, an HGH deficiency could be the underlying cause. Getting tested is important for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.
HGH therapy involves injections of bioidentical human growth hormone to restore hormone levels back to a youthful range. It offers a variety of benefits:
- Increased lean muscle mass - Significant boost in metabolic rate
- Improved heart function - Strengthens the heart muscle
Alongside the physical changes, HGH therapy also provides mental and emotional benefits:
Harmony Hormone Clinic provides customized HGH therapy programs to help both men and women suffering from growth hormone deficiency.
The process starts with an initial consultation, where we will evaluate your hormone levels through a blood test, review your symptoms, and listen to your health goals.
Based on the test results and discussion, our hormone doctors will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for HGH therapy. If so, we will develop a customized treatment plan including the hormone dosage, injection schedule, and ongoing monitoring.
Please note that HGH injections require a prescription. As hormone specialists, Harmony Hormone Clinic doctors are experienced in prescribing HGH therapy.
HGH injections will be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) on a schedule determined by your doctor. Often, injections are taken daily in the evening when natural HGH production peaks.
We provide training on self-administering your hormone shots safely and effectively at home. If desired, you can schedule nurse visits for assistance as well.
You will follow-up with our clinic at regular intervals through in-person appointments and blood tests. This allows our physicians to monitor your hormone levels, evaluate your response, and make dosage adjustments accordingly.
HGH therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment - your regimen will adapt over time to keep hormones balanced at optimal levels. We partner together throughout your hormone replacement journey for the best results.
Harmony Hormone Clinic also provides an online patient portal to track your progress through the program.
The Waldorf community offers an idyllic setting to restore your vitality and wellbeing through HGH therapy. Nestled along the Potomac River wetlands, it provides access to natural beauty ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Waldorf enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with moderately cold winters and long, hot, humid summers. This consistent warmth and sunshine serves as a nurturing backdrop for HGH replacement.
Outdoor enthusiasts will relish Charles County's terrain - over 300 miles of shoreline and 46,000 acres parks/recreation land. It's an area naturally conducive for the improved energy and strength achieved with human growth hormone.
During your treatment, take advantage of Waldorf's local amenities:
Immerse yourself in the regional offerings - escape boosts the restorative effects of HGH therapy.
With over 15 years serving the Waldorf community, Harmony Hormone Clinic provides experienced, attentive patient care. Our board-certified hormone specialists guide you through HGH replacement to resolve deficiency signs and symptoms.
We offer cutting-edge hormone testing, proven HGH protocols, modern therapies, and ongoing optimization for sustainable results. Our passion is helping you reclaim your vitality.
While often associated with illicit performance enhancement, HGH therapy is approved to treat children with stunted growth due to a lack of natural growth hormone production. When properly prescribed by a physician, it can help these children reach normal heights and improve their quality of life.
There are several reasons why adults may develop growth hormone deficiency:
As part of the natural aging process, the pituitary gland slowly loses its capacity to sufficiently generate and release HGH. This decline begins around age 30, with levels dropping 14% per decade. This frequently leads to notable symptoms by age 40-50.
In some cases, the pituitary gland suffers damage (often from a tumor or inflammation) which hinders production of HGH along with other key hormones. Brain surgery can also impair pituitary function.
A severe concussion or traumatic brain injury sometimes disrupts signals between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This communication relay is vital for sufficient HGH secretion.
If a growth hormone deficiency arises during adolescence, often it may carry into adulthood as well if left untreated. This occurs for about half of teens with considerably low HGH.
Monitoring hormone levels and being aware of deficiency signs is key. Prompt treatment of clinically low growth hormone is shown to provide considerable symptomatic relief and wellness improvement.
Accurately diagnosing growth hormone deficiency involves clinical evaluation of symptoms and hormone blood tests.
If experiencing multiple symptoms of hormone imbalance, your Harmony Hormone Clinic physician will review your health history and perform a physical exam. Defining characteristic signs often include increased belly fat, fatigue, muscle loss and thinning hair when no other health condition explains these changes.
To confirm insufficient HGH output, antibody blood tests first establish baseline IGF-1 levels - the downstream hormone directly influenced by growth hormone.
Then stimulation exams check the pituitary's capacity to generate peak GH levels when provoked. Failing to reach adequate response thresholds indicates a true growth hormone deficiency requiring treatment.
Other relevant lab tests aid diagnosis - fasting glucose/insulin to identify insulin resistance which accompanies low GH, pituitary and thyroid blood panels to uncover common hormone dysfunctions impeding wellness.
Accurate testing combined with clinical expertise establishes evidence to precisely determine need for hormone correction.
Once a clinically significant growth hormone deficiency is properly diagnosed, GH therapy aims to restore levels back to a healthy range.
Our hormone specialists determine treatment protocol specifics tailored to your needs:
We exclusively prescribe bioidentical human growth hormone - structurally identical to what your pituitary gland naturally produces to preserve internal harmony.
Starting dosage often ranges 0.2 - 0.7 international units daily depending on deficiency severity, adjusted over time based on clinical response and follow-up testing. Those with moderate to severe GH deficiency may temporarily need 1-3 units for robust restoration.
Most patients perform self-injections subcutaneously with prefilled syringes for convenient home administration. We teach you proper technique.
For those desiring assistance, nurses can visit your home. Harmony Hormone Clinic also offers a teaching clinic for in-office injections.
Clinical research found the benefits of GH therapy persist when sustained long-term without adverse effects. Maintaining youthful GH levels helps promote lasting wellness as you age. Lifelong management is often appropriate.
Under physician guidance, proper protocols marked by patience and consistency can profoundly improve wellbeing on many levels - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Certain lifestyle habits naturally support your hormone health during and beyond HGH therapy:
Prioritize sleep - Allow 7-9 hours nightly for hormone and healing optimization
Exercise regularly - Aim for 150 minutes moderate activity per week
Reduce excess sugar/carbs - Leads to inflammation and hormonal imbalance
Manage stress levels - Use relaxing and focusing techniques daily
Spend time outdoors - Sunshine and nature nurture the mind/body
Develop social connections - Loneliness and isolation tax the endocrine system
Laugh often - Improves mood and all body functions
Consume nutritious foods - Focus on anti-inflammatory whole food diet
A multifaceted holistic approach transcends a sole reliance on hormone injections - it empowers you as an active participant in your journey towards vibrancy. Lifestyle and mindset transformations help sustain positive outcomes.
Treating hormone deficiency also involves supporting mental health and mind/body renewal.
Common emotional changes with low GH like increased anxiety and sadness often dissipate when youthful hormone levels restore.
Talk therapy techniques further empower your mood. Harmony Hormone Clinic also offers psychiatric resources should imbalances persist despite optimized GH levels.
Nurture yourself by prioritizing relaxing and uplifting activities. Gentle movement, bathing, massage, quiet nature encounters, or creative passions all support inner calm and contentment.
Practicing mindfulness meditation for just 10-15 minutes daily substantially relieves distress when facing health challenges. Be patient with yourself through setbacks.
Don't isolate when struggling emotionally or physically. Surround yourself with positive people and communicate your needs clearly. At times, a professional counselor may help gain coping skills or an outside perspective.
Improving deficient hormones and one's outlook on life go hand-in-hand towards renewed enthusiasm, purpose and thriving longevity.
