If you are a man or women over the age of 50 and feel like your muscles are weaker, your bones are more frail, your memory is slipping and your body fat is expanding than you need to understand what human growth hormones are and how hormones work. They are often prescribed to reverse many of the symptoms of aging and to improve the patients overall quality of life. They are very safe and if prescribed properly have been shown in the medical literature to prevent cognitive decline (dementia), heart disease and osteoporosis.
1. What are human growth hormones and how do I get my levels checked?
Human growth hormones (HGH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It signals the liver tot produce primary two compounds, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and also IGF-Binding Protein 3 (IGF-BP3). These two compounds then travel to the various cells of the body to assist in normal physiologic processes. HGH is produced in the highest amounts in early adolescence and adulthood. IGF-1 levels will peak in then 300-400’s in a teenager and then we lose about 50% production every 7 years after the age of 30. HGH causes muscles to grow, strengthens bones, keeps body fat low, thickens the skin and is one of the main hormones that makes us feel and look young.
To measure how much human growth hormones you are producing you have to be admitted to the hospital and have something called an Insulin Challenge Test done. However, this is rarely done in practice as this test is contraindicated in patients over the age of 55 (who are the majority of patients that need human growth hormone). It is for this reason that many doctors look at IGF-1 levels. In the family practice literature IGF-1 levels less than 175 correlate with human growth hormone deficiency.
2. What are the benefits of using human growth hormones?
The most respected endocrinology and medical journals in the world have studied the importance of human growth hormone and here are some of their conclusions. HGH treatment for 10 years increases lean body mass, muscle mass, reduces carotid thickness, improves psychological well being, improves cholesterol profiles, reduces body fat, improves blood sugars, reduces cardiovascular risks (heart attack and stroke), decreases prostate cancer risk and improves mood. This is why human growth hormones and discussed in anti aging medicine. They actually work in preventing chronic disease (per the medical literature) and improve patients quality of life.
Patients always want to ask if human growth hormones are safe. The side effect profile of patients who inject human growth hormone is extremely safe. The most common side effects are joint pain, fluid retention and carpal tunnel syndrome and they are dose dependent meaning we only see these if larger doses are used. The typical patient tolerates human growth hormone very well and has no side effects at all.
Here is a great interview in life extension magazine on the benefits of human growth hormone. http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2009/3/Enhancing-Growth-Hormone-Naturally/Page-01
3. How hormones work?
Hormones are compounds that are secreted by one cell and then travel to distant cells to have their effects. Human Growth Hormones are produced in the pituitary gland of the brain and travel to the liver and cause them to produce IGF-1. It is the IGF-1 that has the anti-aging effects on the cellular level. In the case of human growth hormone, patients need to inject it every night using a small insulin syringe to the belly or mid thigh. They do it at night because HGH is normally secreted at night and they will tend to get the best results that way. Patients generally say they sleep better, have a better mood, have less body fat, feel stronger and feel better than they have in ages.
Watch this youtube video on Dr. Jeff life and his experience using Human Growth Hormones and how it is anti aging, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLmzn8i64rc
Human growth hormones have been shown in the medical literature to reduce a patients risks of getting cancer and heart disease. In the process they thicken skin, reduce body fat, increase muscle and improves patients overall mood. If prescribed by a qualified anti aging doctor they are very safe and are well tolerated.
If you would like to schedule a consult with Dr. Sean Breen simply give us a call at 877-721-0047 and visit us on the web at www.DoctorBreen.com
