About Human Growth Hormone/HGH//Somatropin
HGH treatment options?
Replacing GH in the body is generally the best treatment for GHD in
both adults and children. Getting a daily shot is the usual way to
replace the GH that is not produced in proper amounts. A doctor must
fully examine patients before they begin GH treatment.
The treatment itself requires that a small amount of hormone be
injected into the fat beneath a patient's skin once a day. This
is fairly simple because of the small volume of GH needed and the
narrow needles that are used.
For children:
Children tend to grow at a faster rate during their first year of
GH treatment and continue to respond after that at a growth rate
that is faster than normal while they receive hormone treatment.
GH affects both bones and muscles and lowers the amount of body
fat. Many children lose weight and trim body fat with GH treatment,
even as they grow taller.
Endocrinologists are carefully evaluating the potential of growth
hormone therapy for children who are extremely short, but who do
not have measurable GH deficiency. Only a specialist in pediatric
endocrinology should conduct this type of therapy.
For adults:
Often children who had GH therapy during childhood can produce enough
GH to control the metabolic effects of GH in adulthood. They need
to be tested to learn whether they need to continue taking the hormone.
Tests may show that they no longer need GH therapy as adults.
Other adults may benefit from taking GH. These adults will not
grow taller, but they generally will lose weight and body fat while
taking GH. If you are taking GH as an adult, you may see your muscle
mass increase, even as you lose fat and weight. GH also can improve
your exercise performance and ability to use oxygen. Your "good"
cholesterol may rise, which is helpful, while your "bad"
cholesterol may be reduced.
One of the biggest effects is that your mood or emotions probably
will improve. You may feel like you have more energy.
Other Treatments:
Some adults find their lives are much better after taking GH alone.
Others may find they still need some help, particularly with the
psychological symptoms of GHD.
You may need medication to control anxiety or lift your mood. You
may find counseling helpful, too. Some forms of therapy, such as
cognitive-behavior therapy, can help you correct negative thoughts
you may be having. You may want to join a support group with other
adults who have GHD. |
