A growth hormone deficiency is low production of the human growth hormone (HGH) – a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone deficiency is usually diagnosed in children with dwarfism, but adults can also experience growth hormone deficiency particularly as we get older.
You may wonder about the purpose of the hormone. The human growth hormone plays a big part in the healthy development of muscle, cognitive function, metabolism, bone density, cholesterol levels, and how our bodies store fat in the abdominal area.
Effects of Low Levels of Growth Hormone
Adults need normal levels of human growth hormone in order for their bodies to function efficiently. Low levels of growth hormone can cause the following symptoms:
- Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness in women
- Hot flashes
- Lack of stamina
- Fatigue
- Extreme sensitivity to high and low temperatures
- Weakness
- Sleep issues
- Muscle degeneration
- Bone loss that leads to fractures
- High cholesterol
Adults with lower-than-normal levels of human growth hormones are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Their triglyceride levels tend to be much higher than in those with healthy levels of HGH, and high triglycerides are linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
What Causes Human Growth Hormone Deficiency?
Lack of adequate levels of human growth hormone may be caused by damage to the pituitary gland. This can be due to tumor growth adjacent to the pituitary gland, which is next to the brain on both sides of the head. This two-part gland is near the ears, and it can be affected if just one part is compromised.
However, in most cases, HGH deficiency is due to the normal aging process. Once you reach your 30s and 40s, your hormone levels start to decrease – this includes human growth hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. To treat growth hormone deficiency, you have to help your body release these important hormones.
Treating Growth Hormone Deficiency
The first step in addressing the issue is to get a clinical diagnosis of your condition. This will also rule out other possible conditions that share the same symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with low HGH, you may be treated with a bioidentical amino acid called sermorelin. This is delivered intravenously to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce human growth hormone.
Patients who undergo sermorelin therapy often see an improvement in their symptoms in as little as six weeks. Sermorelin is available only through prescription.
Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatment in Frisco, Texas
Our team of wellness providers here at the DFW Anti-Aging and Wellness Centers can provide sermorelin therapy to patients who are suffering from the symptoms of human growth hormone deficiency. We offer this treatment as part of our anti-aging and wellness services, because we know how symptoms associated with hormonal deficiencies can affect your overall health and quality of life.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today by calling us at (469) 389-5251 or fill out our appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you and helping you feel like yourself again.
