Excessive use of Human Growth Hormone (hGH) injections can have a variety of side effects, which may be more pronounced in older individuals. The long-term effects of hGH have yet to be fully understood.
It is important to note that HGH injections therapy in mature adults is generally safe, as long as the prescribed dosage is followed. It is recommended to consult an expert anti-aging professional before taking HGH, as they will not prescribe dangerously high doses, if there are certain risks eg. cancer in an individual.
Possible side effects of hGH injections include carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle or joint pain, swelling of the arms and legs due to fluid retention, high cholesterol, numbness or tingling skin, an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes, growth of tumors, enlargement of facial features, hands, and feet (acromegaly), mood changes, dependency, and withdrawal, an enlarged heart, low blood sugar, liver damage, fatigue, and enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia).
Side Effects of HGH supplements
HGH supplements are often made up of amino acids combined with other components, such as choline supplements, colostrum, and mucuna prupriens. Despite not containing real hGH, these supplements can still cause side effects.
These can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, worsened asthma symptoms, gout, low blood pressure, an allergic reaction, and heartburn. It is important to be aware of these possible side effects when taking HGH supplements.
The Top Myths regarding negative effects of HGH therapy
Growth hormone and cancer
Growth hormone (HGH) injections have been the subject of controversy, with some believing that they will reduce our lifespan by leading to cancer.
However, studies have shown that while very large doses of HGH may stimulate cancer cells in certain animals, humans taking hormone replacement therapy did not show any increase in cancer. Those with acromegaly, an endocrine disorder, did show a higher risk of cancer, however.
It is important to note that HGH injections in mature adults are generally safe, as long as the prescribed dosage is followed. It is recommended to consult an expert anti-aging professional before taking HGH, as they will not prescribe dangerously high doses if there is risk of cancer.
Studies have not shown an increased risk of tumors after therapy and it is not suitable for oncological patients as it may stimulate the growth of an existing tumor.
In some cases of Crohn’s disease, HGH therapy has been associated with advanced cancer development, likely due to the 20-fold increased risk of colon cancer in these individuals.
Growth hormone and acromegaly
Growth hormone, or HGH, has long been sought after for its potential anti-aging and height-increasing properties; however, these effects are largely myths and do not correspond to reality. Even when taken in doses higher than the normal reference, HGH has been found to not affect the length of bones.
In fact, excessive levels of HGH may instead lead to a condition called acromegaly, which is characterized by an enlargement of facial features such as the nose and forehead.
However, HGH does have benefits for bone health. In general, HGH increases bone size by up to 1.5 percent annually, which helps protect patients from large fractures due to osteoporosis.
Furthermore, research has shown that HGH can be beneficial for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, as it can lead to full remission after six months of treatment and may be useful for juvenile RA as well.
HGH injections and carpal tunnel syndrome?
HGH injections can lead to various side effects such as carpal tunnel syndrome, edema, joint pain, and tender breasts. While some people don’t experience any side effects, others may experience it up to 70 percent of incidences, depending on the injections dose. If the dosage is too high, the side effects will go away once the amount is decreased by 25 to 50 percent.
Dr. Rudman’s study found that these side effects would occur when the dosage was raised several times. Maxine Papadakis, along with other associates from UC San Francisco, conducted a double-blind study to confirm Dr. Rudman’s findings. However, they only found evidence of joint pain and edema, not carpal tunnel.
It is essential to note that the dosage of HGH must be personalized to the individual, and not all people should have the same amount. Doctors should start with a low dosage and then gradually increase it until the desired results are achieved.
Additionally, the body needs time to adjust to the extra hormones. If the dosage is too high, the side effects will go away once the amount is decreased by 25 to 50 percent.
Can HGH give women bulky, masculine-looking muscles?
Taking Human Growth Hormone (hGH) will not give healthy women with normal growth hormone levels the appearance of bulky muscles.
While it can help women lose fat and gain lean muscle mass, the results will vary depending on the individual, as many factors come into play.
For example, diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle all contribute to the effectiveness of hGH. Additionally, it is important to note that hGH should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.
How to avoid side effects of HGH injections therapy?
If you are looking for advice and treatment when it comes to HGH (Human Growth Hormone) hormone replacement therapy, it is important to find an expert who can assist you.
Dr. Chein, a well renowned expert had developed a dosage pattern that has been proven to be effective and safe based on the experiences of many patients.
This pattern involves administering low doses of HGH on a regular basis, rather than large amounts less frequently. Dr. Chein recommends starting with very small amounts and gradually increasing it to avoid any potential side effects.
He suggests administering between 4-8 IU every week, split into two shots each day – one before sleeping to stimulate the GH and one in the morning. This pattern should be followed for 5-6 days, followed by one day of rest. This equates to a maximum of 12 IU per week.
According to Dr. Chein and Cass Terry, this method has proved to be successful in their 800 patients, with no side effects.
People in the age group of 30 to 40 are usually seen to have normal IGF-1 levels. However, Dr. Chein’s study revealed that having IGF-1 levels in the range of 200-300 can work wonders. His patients felt a surge of energy, improved strength, endurance, and lean muscle mass. Moreover, they reported feeling generally better.
It is important to keep the IGF-1 levels in check so that your physician can replace GH effectively.
Having IGF-1 levels above 350 may lead to certain issues. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain proper IGF-1 amounts within the normal range.
Complementing with supplements
As we age, our bodies lose important hormones that are essential for maintaining our health. To combat this, some experts recommend taking supplements that contain a blend of different hormones, such as DHEA, testosterone, and melatonin.These complement the action of HGH/IGF-1 in the body comprehensively.
By taking a multi-hormonal approach, we can help ensure that our hormone levels stay balanced, reducing our risk for diseases associated with aging and providing other health benefits.
Most growth hormone releasers or secretagogues such as Sermorelin and Ipamorelin peptides should not cause any negative side effects. However, there may be some cases where an individual has an adverse reaction to any secretagogue or even natural releaser when using oral HGH supplements. It is essential to speak with a doctor before using any secretagogue or releaser to ensure it is safe for the individual.
Bottomline: Is HGH safe or dangerous?
HGH therapy has a good safety record when administered correctly. It is even suitable for individuals with diabetes, although growth hormone and insulin are counteracting hormones, and growth hormone may cause insulin resistance.
According to the Endocrine Society’s guidelines, diabetic patients can be given HGH if their anti-diabetic medication is adjusted properly.
It is unlikely that the current dosing regimens will increase the risk of diabetes unless there are genetic and lifestyle factors present. In this case, high doses of growth hormone should be avoided as they may lead to a sudden rise in insulin resistance.
Moreover, the idea that HGH therapy may reduce life expectancy is also unfounded. This hypothesis is based on animal experiments in which low GH levels were found to increase the lifespan of mice.
However, clinical studies in GHD patients have reported the opposite effect, with HGH-treated patients having a significantly lower overall mortality rate than untreated individuals.
Overall, HGH therapy is safe and well-tolerated except for people with cancer. It is important to note that the therapy should only be administered under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.