Recombinant human growth hormone (HGH) is a popular treatment for growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It is usually administered through injections that must be mixed, dosed, and injected correctly. Typically, these tasks are carried out by staff at a clinic where one receives HGH therapy. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some clinics may not be accepting patients. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor for instructions on proper mixing, dosing, and injection of HGH.
The optimal dose for you can be estimated using either a weight-based or a non-weight-based method. When selecting a dose, you should consider factors such as how long you have been taking HGH injections, any side effects you may be experiencing, and your body weight and body fat percentage. It is important to never change your dose without first consulting your doctor.
While this article provides general information, the most effective treatment is likely to be one that is tailored specifically to your individual needs. Therefore, it is best to seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
How much HGH to take?
The dosage of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) for patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) can be determined through two distinct methods. The first is a weight-based method, where the dosage is calculated per kilogram of body weight, with different brands having different recommendations. Norditropin, for example, has a maximum starting dose of 0.004 mg/kgBW and can be increased up to 0.016 mg/kgBW every 6 weeks. Alternatively, the non-weight-based method consists of a fixed starting dose of 0.2mg/day (equal to 0.6 IU/day) and can be gradually increased by 0.1-0.2mg every 4-8 weeks. This is the preferred approach for those who are overweight or obese, as the weight-based method can lead to overdosing and side effects. The dose should be taken once daily, 6-7 days per week, to replicate the body’s natural release of growth hormone.
It can take up to a month for the effects of growth hormone injections to become visible, such as a decrease in fat around the abdomen and an increase in lean body weight. However, it may take several months for the full range of benefits to take effect, including improved mood, increased energy, and an overall better quality of life. The best time to take HGH injections is in the evening, as this is when the body is naturally producing more hormones.
Dosage for different conditions in adults
HGH therapy is a short-term treatment for certain conditions in adults, such as GHD, Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) and HIV-related cachexia. The recommended dosages for GHD patients range from 0.2-1mg/day, whereas for SBS and HIV-associated cachexia, it is 0.1mg/kgBW daily or up to 8mg/day and 0.1mg/kgBW or up to 6mg respectively. These therapies may be administered daily or any other day for up to 12 weeks, depending on the condition. It is important to note that higher doses of HGH can cause a variety of adverse effects, such as elevated blood sugar, edema and muscle and joint pain. Although studies have not investigated the effects of longer therapies, short-term treatments combined with other medications have been known to provide lasting results up to 3 months.
What is the optimal HGH dosage for GHD?
Patients with diabetes or those at risk of insulin resistance or glucose intolerance should begin with the smallest dose of growth hormone (GH) to avoid any adverse effects. This dose is typically 0.3 – 0.6 IU per day, regardless of age. The injections are usually administered in the evening, as this mimics the body’s natural GH secretion during the night.
The dose can be increased gradually over time, usually at 1-2 month intervals, by 0.3 – 0.6 IU per day (0.1-0.2 mg/day). This should be based on the patient’s response to the treatment, blood IGF-1 levels, possible side effects, and any individual factors such as insulin resistance or glucose intolerance. Older patients may require longer time intervals and smaller dose increments.
The recommended dosage for treating growth hormone deficiency (GHD) typically ranges from 0.2 mg to 1 mg per day, depending on the length of the HGH therapy, individual tolerance, effectiveness, and potential side effects. For anti-aging purposes, doses of 1 to 3 IU per day are recommended, and it is suggested to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it. Studies have also looked into the optimal dosage for anti-aging, muscle gain, and recovery from surgery or injury, using higher doses for shorter periods of time. For example, a study involving aged men and women found that taking 2 mg three times a week for up to 6 months could result in improved whole-body protein turnover, a sign of anti-aging.
IGF-1 Monitoring
Once a maintenance dose of growth hormone (GH) is achieved, it is important to monitor the patient’s response to the treatment every 6 months. This should include a clinical evaluation, as well as assessments of side effects, IGF-1 levels, fasting glucose levels, T3, T4, free T4, and the patient’s lipid profile. Quality of life measurements may also be taken at 6 or 12 month intervals. If the patient is already taking thyroid, sex hormone, or glucocorticoid medications, their doses may need to be adjusted after they start GH replacement therapy.
The use of IGF-1 levels to monitor GH treatment in adults is now generally accepted, particularly since GH dosing regimens have moved away from weight-based dosing, which can lead to overtreatment and unwanted side effects. Instead, individualized dose-titration strategies are now employed, with the aim of keeping IGF-1 levels within target ranges.
HGH dosage for muscle gain
Research conducted on athletes to determine the effects of human growth hormone (HGH) on muscle gains has shown that muscle protein synthesis was significantly increased after four weeks of therapy when administering 5mg (15 IU) per day. Additionally, studies on surgery patients have demonstrated that healing processes can be expedited when taking even larger doses – 0.1 mg/kgBW per day – for a maximum of three to four weeks.
However, higher doses of HGH should not be taken for extended periods of time due to the increased risk of adverse reactions, such as water retention, edemas, muscle and joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches. While current evidence suggests that low-dose HGH therapy does not increase the chances of developing diabetes or other chronic conditions, the long-term effects of high-dosage GH have yet to be explored.
In the case of an overdose, one may experience acute side effects such as shaking, sweating, hunger, weakness, rapid heart rate, and nausea. If this occurs, it is important to contact a medical professional right away.
HGH dosage for tendon repair
In order to repair connective tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) injections are often prescribed. Generally, a dose of 2.5 to 5 IU per day is recommended in order to be effective. Smaller doses of 0.1 mg/kg per day have been shown to be effective, with healing visible after only 6 days of therapy. HGH injections can be an effective way to repair connective tissues, but it is important to follow dosage instructions carefully in order to achieve the desired results.
HGH dosage for weight loss
For more experienced users, taking a daily dose of 4-6IU of HGH can result in moderate fat loss, as well as a small amount of muscle growth, unless the user is taking anabolic steroids. For those new to the supplement, it’s best to start with a lower dose of 2IU per day and gradually increase it, taking into account age, health, and any existing medical conditions, in order to gain the full benefits of weight loss without any adverse side effects.
Is HGH compatible with other drugs?
Generally, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy is usually compatible with most medications. However, those with adrenal insufficiency who are taking cortisone or prednisone may need an increase in their doses. In contrast, taking short-term glucocorticoid treatment can decrease the efficiency of HGH therapy. Estrogen and related oral medications may also reduce the effectiveness of HGH therapy by decreasing the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thus necessitating an adjustment in the dosage of GH injections. Additionally, those with type 2 diabetes may need to alter their hypoglycemic agents due to the insulin sensitivity reducing effects of HGH therapy.
What time of day is best to take HGH?
If you suffer from GHD, you should take HGH injections in order to imitate your natural growth hormone production. The best time to take the injections is in the evening, as this is when insulin levels are at their lowest, which is when GH levels peak. HGH injections should be taken once a day, 6-7 days per week, in order to replicate the pulsation of growth hormone in the body. Scientific studies have shown that the metabolic effects of HGH injections are affected by the time of administration and suggest following the natural HGH secretion pattern. Therefore, it is recommended to take the injection as part of your bedtime routine, an hour prior to going to bed. If you miss a dose, do not double the dose to make up for it. Instead, simply skip the missed dose and continue taking your HGH injections as scheduled. If you miss more than 3 consecutive doses, consult with your doctor.