Growth hormone treatment uses recombinant human growth hormone for specific, medically established indications. In adults, treatment should be considered only after an appropriate evaluation confirms growth hormone deficiency or another recognized indication.
Let’s take an in-depth look at what growth hormone therapy entails and how it differs from testosterone replacement therapy. If symptoms or laboratory findings raise concern for a growth hormone disorder, a physician-led evaluation is the appropriate next step before considering this FDA-approved approach, booking an appointment with Dr. David Nazarian to learn the details will be an effective step.
In adults, suspected growth hormone deficiency requires a clinical evaluation rather than treatment based on symptoms alone. Evaluation commonly includes IGF-1 testing and, in many patients, a validated growth hormone stimulation test; pituitary imaging and evaluation of other pituitary hormones may also be appropriate depending on the history. For children with growth concerns, diagnosis should be guided by a pediatric endocrine evaluation. See our short stature and growth hormone evaluation guide. Determining whether a child has growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, or any illness for which GH medication is needed requires a battery of further testing. Some examples of these exams are MRIs, x-rays, and stimulation testing.
Treating growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and a few other disorders linked with short stature with GH therapy may be appropriate for selected patients with a confirmed diagnosis and should be managed with individualized dosing and ongoing monitoring. Low HGH, also known as adult growth hormone deficiency, can share nonspecific symptoms with other endocrine conditions, which is why symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
Additionally, hormone replacement focuses more on maintaining a healthy hormonal balance than it does on raising your levels of one hormone or another. Growth hormone secretion changes across the lifespan, but normal age-related decline is not by itself a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency. Symptoms such as reduced exercise capacity, changes in body composition, fatigue, or reduced quality of life are nonspecific and warrant a medical evaluation before considering replacement therapy.
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) requires a pediatric endocrine evaluation when suspected in children. Growth patterns, family history, pubertal development, bone age, and laboratory testing may all be relevant. For detailed pediatric information, see our dedicated short-stature guide. Pediatric GHD can affect growth during the gestational age and the first year. This hormone is responsible for regulating growth and development. If your child has a growth hormone deficiency, it can cause them to be shorter than other kids their age and affect their physical and cognitive development.
Growth study should be interpreted using age- and sex-specific growth charts. Children with suspected growth hormone deficiencies is less than 2 inches. From the time they turn one until adolescence, when they can grow up to 4 inches each year, children with normal growth hormones gain about 2 and 1/2 inches per year. Growth hormone deficiency can cause
Low muscle mass
Delayed puberty
Body fat
Weak bones, and
Growth delays
Management depends on the underlying diagnosis. When prescription growth hormone is indicated, treatment and follow-up should be directed by pediatric endocrinology. For detailed pediatric information, use the dedicated short-stature guide. growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone treatment can help your child grow taller and develop normally. If you’re concerned that your child may have a growth hormone deficiency, talk to Dr. David Nazarian about having them tested and for follow-up. Early diagnosis and treatment under pediatric endocrinology professionals are essential for ensuring the best possible outcome.
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While the symptoms may differ between children and adults, growth hormone deficiency can cause a wide range of problems. In adults, growth hormone deficiency can also increase body composition fat, particularly around the waist. Other symptoms include
Without treatment, growth hormone deficiency can significantly impact the quality of life. However, growth hormone replacement therapy can help improve or even reverse many symptoms. As a result, it is crucial to be aware of the potential signs of growth hormone deficiency so that your doctor can start treatment as soon as possible.
The pituitary gland produces growth hormone (GH) at the brain’s base. This hormone secretion regulates numerous bodily processes, such as tissue repair, muscle development, energy metabolism, and bone strength.
When GH levels drop too low, it can cause numerous health issues ranging from lack of energy and adult height issues to impaired cognitive function. That’s where GH therapy comes into play—it helps replenish lost hormones and restore balance to the body.
Growth hormone treatment is effective in children and adults who are growth hormone deficient (GHD). However, there is still debate about the appropriate age limit for growth hormone treatment among healthcare providers. Some doctors argue that growth hormone treatment may be considered in appropriately diagnosed patients based on the clinical context, treatment goals, contraindications, and monitoring needs. Decisions should not be based on age alone; growth hormone treatment should only be available to children with endocrine issues, as they are more likely to see the benefits of growth hormone treatment.
Age alone does not determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate for GH treatment is ongoing, and there is still no consensus among experts. However, growth hormone treatment can positively impact the lives of those with GH deficiency.
Children with growth hormone deficiency often face many challenges. They may be shorter than their peers, have difficulty gaining weight, and experience low energy levels that can continue till their adolescents. In some cases, growth hormone therapy can help these children to reach a more normal height. Growth hormone treatment involves regular injections of a synthetic form of the hormone.
In appropriately diagnosed pediatric patients, growth hormone therapy may improve linear growth and other clinical outcomes. Treatment decisions should be made with pediatric endocrine guidance. For a fuller discussion, see our short stature and growth hormone guide. It may also affect muscle mass, increase their energy levels, and improve their overall well-being. While growth hormone therapy is not suitable for every child, it can be an important treatment for appropriately diagnosed patients under specialist supervision.
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There are two main types of GH replacement therapy available today: synthetic injections and recombinant injections. Synthetic injections involve taking a synthetic version of GH known as somatropin, chemically identical to natural GH produced by the body.
Recombinant human growth hormone injections involve taking a form of GH made via biotechnology known as rhGH or human growth hormone (also known as somatropin). Prescription recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin) should be used only for established medical indications, with individualized dosing and ongoing clinical and laboratory monitoring.
The most common side effects of growth hormone replacement therapy include
Headaches
Joint pain
Nausea, and
Fatigue
In rare cases, more severe side effects such as high blood pressure, liver damage, and increased risk of cancer have been reported. Risk assessment is individualized. Prescription somatropin is contraindicated in certain situations, including active malignancy and some acute critical illnesses, and it may reduce insulin sensitivity; glucose and other clinically appropriate parameters should be monitored during replacement therapy rather than short-term use under medical supervision. Additionally, it’s important to note that some medications may interact with synthetic or recombinant forms of GH, so make sure you discuss any possible interactions with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) are similar in many ways. They both involve replacing lost hormones, but health professionals must consider their key differences before deciding which one is right for you.
TRT works primarily on increasing testosterone levels, while GHRT focuses on increasing growth hormones; therefore, they serve different bodily functions and have different implications depending on what condition you try to treat or manage.
Additionally, TRT typically involves using a topical cream or gel, while GHRT usually involves injections; therefore, they have different methods of administration and risks associated with them based on how they’re administered (i.e., injection vs topical).
If you’ve decided to supplement with HGH, the next step is to consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate dosage. Every man is unique and could be taking it for his reasons. Results may vary with dosage.
But here is a rough outline of the changes you should expect to experience physically. When HGH is administered, the body responds to it as if it were naturally created. The endocrine system is then commanded to restore harmony to the rest of the body. In the beginning, you may only be aware of subtle shifts on the inside. Things like sleeping better, having a sharper mind, and having a more positive disposition are all examples of this.
Response to prescribed growth hormone therapy varies by diagnosis, dose, age, baseline health, and treatment duration. Changes should be assessed with clinical follow-up and appropriate laboratory monitoring rather than expected on a fixed timeline. You will get the most out of HGH if you stick with your treatment plan and complement it with regular exercise and a healthy diet. It’s best to contact Dr. David Nazarian in My Concierge MD medical center regarding the most beneficial for you. You will know the best option according to your goals, lifestyle, habits, and preferences before beginning any treatment regimen involving TRT or GHRT.
For a broader evaluation, see our hormone replacement therapy, hormone testing and evaluation, testosterone therapy, and women’s hormone and menopause care pages. Treatment decisions are individualized after appropriate medical evaluation.
Written and medically reviewed by David Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician. This page is for patient education and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation.
Our Beverly Hills office serves patients throughout greater Los Angeles seeking physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care.
Commonly served areas include: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Brentwood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Bel Air, Culver City, Hollywood, and Pacific Palisades.
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David Nazarian, M.D., is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has completed advanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy training through WorldLink Medical. He provides physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care for women and men, with an emphasis on comprehensive assessment, patient education, safety, and ongoing follow-up.
Hormone Replacement Therapy LA provides physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care with David Nazarian, M.D.
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Our Beverly Hills hormone clinic serves patients throughout Greater Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Century City, Bel Air, Westwood, Hollywood, Culver City, Pacific Palisades, Marina del Rey, Venice, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Malibu and surrounding Southern California communities.
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