Human Growth Hormone FAQ

Do I need anything else checked?

It is advisable to have other diagnostic studies performed as part of a complete anti-aging program.

Why should I get my level checked?

There are no obvious indicators that correlate with IGF-1 levels. To get the most out of treatment with any of the hGH products, it is important to know how each impacts our bodies. To achieve IGF-1 in the ideal range insures that the treatment will produce the results you desire and prevents the possibility of side effects from excessive levels.

How high is too high?

The negative side effects are observed only when the IGF-1 remains over 500 for a period of months.

Do I need to fast for the test?

No, and the best time to have it drawn is in the morning. You should always have it checked the same time of day and use the same lab for the most consistent results.

How often should I check my IGF-1?

Every three months while therapy is being adjusted then every six months.

What should the IGF-1 be?

The ideal target for IGF-1 should be 280-400 mcg/ml (slightly higher in females). Normally this is the value for 20-25 year olds. We find there is a wide variety of levels based on life-style and diet. Generally the normal values drop about 10% per decade.

Why don’t we just measure the hGH level?

HGH is released by the pituitary gland in a series of pulses. One series just after falling asleep, and another about two hours after rising in the morning. The amount of hGH in the blood is very small, and varies rapidly over time. This renders it unsuitable as a monitor of hGH activity. IGF-1 is much more abundant, is produced in direct response to hGH, and has a consistent diurnal pattern.

What is IGF-1?

IGF-1 is Insulin-Like Growth Factor. Liver cells form it when they are stimulated by human Growth Hormone (hGH). It is the compound that is responsible for many of the effects we see from hGH supplementation. It is also known as Somatomedin-C.

Does treatment of Growth Hormone deficiency increase the risk of diabetes or other diseases?

No studies have shown a statically significant increase in cancer incidence or diabetes in humans.

How is recombinant human Growth Hormone given?

Our protocol uses injectable hGH at a dose of approximately 0.4IU subcutaneously twice daily. This timing mimics the natural secretion of the hormone. Many previous studies were done using weekly, semi-weekly, or once daily dosing. This can cause the hGH level in the blood to rise far above the physiologically normal ranges. Adverse effects are almost exclusively limited to levels outside of the normal physiologic range.

What are the side effects of Growth Hormone therapy?

If hGH is given in excessive dosages over a long period of time, bone growth is initiated. As the growth plates are fused in adults, this results in a syndrome known as Achromegaly. Some of the other effects include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, vocal cord thickening, excess fluid, osteoporosis and heat intolerance. Again, these negative effects can occur with supraphysiologic doses. When initiating therapy, it is best to start with a low dose and gradually titrate it to the therapeutic window of 350-450 ng/ml. Levels need to be monitored every month for the first half year then every two months.

What is a secretagogue?

Secretagogues, or releasers, are substances that stimulate secreting organs. There are many substances that stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary—these include several amino acids and drugs. Exercise is also a powerful releaser of growth hormone. Most good secretagoges elevate the IGF-1 level about 25-40%. The effect on individuals varies quite widely. These substances are particularly sensitive to the condition in which they are administered. If any other substances are taken that degrade the signal induced by the secretagogue, a reduced response will occur. For this reason it is important that they be taken on an empty stomach. Many authors and researchers recommend that secretagoges be cycled (stopped at intervals). The most common interval is the 12-week on, 2 weeks off combination.
If target ranges cannot be reached with secretagoges, an oral hGH spray or sublingual tablet may be added. These approaches result in a very rapid, small, spike of hGH in the blood. An elevation in the baseline IGF-1 occurs amounting to about a 25-40% rise. There should be a two-minute period before and after the spray or tablet that nothing else is put into the mouth.

How is Growth Hormone deficiency treated?

To maintain hGH at youthful levels requires an integrated monitored approach. A solid nutritional platform needs to be maintained, including vitamin and mineral supplements. An adequate amount of exercise needs to be maintained. Blood testing is essential to insure that adequate, but not excessive levels are achieved. Step-wise use of a secretagoge, recombinant hGH available as a spray or sublingual tablet, and finally, injectable recombinant hGH is utilized.

What are the benefits of Growth Hormone?

HGH stimulates anabolic activity in all areas of our bodies. Muscle mass is increased, skin becomes thicker and more flexible, our immune system is enhanced, fat is redistributed and lost more easily, increased stamina is achieved, mental attitude is improved, the blood cholesterol balance is shifted in a positive way, calcium is deposited in bone, and virtually all our other glands are restored. Resistance to both disease and cancer is also increased.

How does Growth Hormone work?

HGH travels through the general circulation and binds to receptor sites on nearly all cells of the body, though predominately in liver cells. Once the receptor site is occupied by a molecule of hGH, the liver cell is instructed to produce several messenger chemicals which include IGF-1, IGF-2, and others growth factors. These messengers are responsible for doing the work of hGH. IGF-1 level is used to monitor the hGH activity in our bodies.

What is human Growth Hormone (hGH)?

Growth Hormone is a protein made up of a sequence of 191 amino acids, which is released by the pituitary gland. The pituitary produces several hormones. Growth Hormone is the ‘[master hormone’, setting in motion several cascades of metabolic activity. Like many hormones, hGH is released in greater quantities when you’re young. Although the production of hGH only drops about 25% between the ages of 20 and 65, its release may actually drop 90%. This means that our bodies are operating in a deficiency state even though our pituitary is capable of producing an adequate amount as we age. By the time you are 60, you have only 15-20% of the hGH that you had when you were in your teens.