Dr. Henry CliffLast Updated on August 16, 2024
HGH (human growth hormone) is the natural hormone that the pituitary gland produces and promotes growth, maintains standard body structure, and plays a vital role in regularising metabolism.
HGH and growth trigger growth in all tissues and organs in the body. However, it is most known for its growth-promoting effects on bone and cartilage, mainly in adolescent years. The cartilage cells and bone cells receive signals from growth hormone and increase replication, thus allowing for growth.
HGH further impacts metabolism by increasing the production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and its overall effects on the cells. IGF-1 is a hormone similar in structure to insulin and manages the impact of growth hormone. Insulin is an important hormone that the pancreas makes and helps regulate glucose levels. Just like insulin, IGF-1 has glucose-reducing effects on the body.
Importance of understanding proper dosage and administration
It is crucial to take the dosage as described in your prescription. Dosage is carefully prescribed by the doctor and is affected by your weight, age, liver and kidney health, and other factors. Many medications need to reach a certain level in the bloodstream to start showing its effects. They must be given at certain times, like in the morning, to keep the HGH level in the system. Taking the dosage too soon can lead to high levels; however, missing or giving too much gap between the doses can lower the amounts.
Here in this post, we will be discussing the need for the right HGH dosage and why it is essential to consider taking HGH in the best way. The intent of this post is to understand and spread awareness about the need to take the correct HGH dosage as per your body’s requirements, health conditions, and age.
Natural production of HGH in the body
The pituitary gland in the brain is a small, pea-sized gland located below the hypothalamus. It is made of 2 lobes- posterior and front lobes. The anterior lobe produced HGH. The pituitary gland is linked with the hypothalamus through blood vessels and nerves. This is the pituitary stalk. The hypothalamus is the brain’s part that helps control functions such as digestion, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Through the stalk, the hypothalamus interacts with the pituitary gland and triggers it to produce some hormones. The hypothalamus releases growth hormone-producing hormone that triggers the pituitary gland to secrete HGH; somatostatin prevents that release.
Benefits of correct HGH dosage
Before understanding the administration of HGH supplements, it is essential to understand that one should also take the correct dosage. Bodybuilding, anti-aging, and as a medication, there are many uses of HGH products. Therefore, it is necessary to decide the HGH dosage based on the results intended.
It is important to note that practicing doctors can only prescribe the dosage. You should never try to use such supplements without proper medical consultation.
Determining the Right HGH Dosage
Calculating the dosage per kilogram of body weight is one way to determine the right dosage. Different HGH products have different weight-specific dose recommendations for patients with growth hormone deficiency. Another way is the non-weight-based method, which recommends a starting dosage of 0.2mg/day and which is to be slowly increased with time by 0.1-0.2 mg every 4 to 8 weeks. Trials have also shown that this non-weight-based method may be better for those who are obese as this reduces the risk of taking an overdose. To ensure that your HGH cycle emulates the natural pulsatile secretion of HGH in the body, it is advisable that you take HGH injections once daily, 6 to 7 days a week. And the best time to take them is around the evening.
Common HGH recommendations for different purposes
Aging is linked with changes in body composition and metabolism as well as a reduction in GH plasma level. Some studies showed that age-related metabolism and body composition changes were reduced or reversed through HGH supplementation.
GH deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency therapy with regular HGH is shown to be an effective and safe way to deal with the issue of short stature in case of children and GH deficiency in adults.
Athletic performance
HGH supplementation helps to preserve lean body tissue. Professional athletes and bodybuilders looking for better performance and recovery use HGH for lipolytic and anabolic functions.
A short study that involved weight lifters taking HGH documented no rise in the rate of muscle protein synthesis or a decrease in body protein breakdown. Some studies also suggest that HGH can reduce exercise capacity, and others show that HGH can help improve the energy supply and later increase exercise capacity. Though a rise in lean body mass has been seen with HGH supplementation, it is most likely that fluid retention, instead of increased muscle mass, leads to the overall increase. In one more study, HGH therapy resulted in great improvement in the sprint capacity compared to those who were given a placebo.
For general health and anti-aging
If you are using any formulation of HGH for general use or to enjoy the anti-aging benefits, then the prescribed dosage of 2 to 3 IU per day is advisable. However, for the ease of older patients, it is recommended that they use a dosage of 1.5 to 2.0 IU.
*Note that dosages can be over the limit but only if supervised by a doctor.
For muscle building and lean mass
If your concern is bodybuilding and lean mass development, a dosage of 4 to 8 IUs is important for muscle building and lean mass. However, the most common dosage for such benefits is 4 to 5 IU’s, which most people are known to respond very well.
This dosage can vary if you use supplements like IGF-1 or testosterone and HGH supplements. Whatever your intended benefits may be, an important fact to remember is to use as low a dosage as possible at the start. This will help you deal with some of the common side effects of using HGH, like swelling, bloating, and joint pain.
Generally, you can start with 2 IUs and then gradually move to a dosage of 2.5 to 3 IUs. Also, you might want to consider the intake of the prescribed dosage in a split amount over the day.
Dosage plans
A common plan for using HGH supplements based on their dosage is:
- Start with 2 IU’s of HGH from Weeks 1 to 4.
- In week 5, increase dosage to 2.5 IU’s
- In week 6, use a total of 3.0 IU’s of HGH into two parts of 1.5 IU’s each
- Finally in the 7th week, increase the dosage to 3.5 IU’s and take it in two parts of 1.75 IU’s each.
Further, your doctors will advise you about how to increase or maintain the dosage of your HGH supplementation.
Administration of HGH
The dosage of HGH supplements is a major concern for most users. There are all sorts of HGH products available in the markets, like pills, injections, and patches, and it is really not easy to find which one of them is suitable. GenF20 Plus and HyperGH 14X are some of the known brands for those not aware of reliable HGH supplement brands. They offer oral pills as well as spray formulations for the users. Thus, you can use these supplements to enjoy the many health benefits natural HGH offers.
Tips for safe and effective administration
The right HGH dosage varies from person to person and also depends on several factors, like the duration of the therapy, tolerance power of the individual, effectiveness, and more. Studies have shown that high dosage taken for a short period in scenarios like muscle gain, anti Aging, injury recovery and surgery is better. For instance, trials in aged people showed positive effects when taking 2mg doses 3 times a week for about 6 months.
Monitoring and Adjusting Dosage
Importance of regular monitoring Regular close monitoring of your symptoms and dosage not only ensures the efficacy of the treatment but also reduces the risk of potential effects. This way, you can maintain the dosage and be safe. This approach enhances patient satisfaction and safety, thus promoting better health.
Symptoms of HGH overuse
Just like having low HGH is detrimental to health, having too much can also lead to issues. While it is rare that you overdose on HGH, there can be adverse effects of increasing your HGH levels. The following are the symptoms of too much HGH in the body:
- Edema
- Type 2 diabetes
- Water retention
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Acromegaly
- Enlarged breast tissue in case of males
- Increased risk of cancers
- Insulin resistance
So, if you wonder how much HGH can be taken, the important thing to always remember is that you cannot decide that for yourself. Taking advice from a trained hormone professional can only ascertain the right HGH dose for you. Physical examination, proper blood tests, and a thorough history of your medical records will review the necessary dosage.
Symptoms of HGH under use
Some common signs that HGH levels may need to be raised include-
- High level of fat, mainly belly fat
- Feeling of lethargy, less stamina, energy drain, etc
- Reduced bone density and joint pains
- Difficulty maintaining mental performance and focus
- Reduced lean body mass and muscle bulk
- Change in hair texture
- Feeling of depression, mood swings
- Excessive skin sagging and wrinkles
- High level of bad LDL cholesterol
- Less motivation and drive
The earlier you see any of these signs and symptoms, the greater the need to seek blood examination and HGH treatment from a professional hormone replacement therapist.
Ethical Considerations
A lot of studies, mainly that involve patients with growth hormone deficiency, have shown the important role of HGH in the mental and emotional well-being of the users and in maintaining high levels of energy. Adults who face GH deficiency have a higher rate of depression than the ones who do not have it. While HGH therapy has been proposed to cure depression associated with GH deficiency, long-term effects are still unknown.
Advice on obtaining HGH legally and safely
HGH treatment should start with a low dosage of about 1.0 IU a day and then increase gradually by 0.5 IU per month till the time the target dosage is achieved. If you do not face any side effects, the HGH dosage may be too low, perfect for your body, or too high. GH-dependent serum marker measurement provides the most promising approach to noticing GH depletion as well as excess. Being aware of HGH excess symptoms is crucial, particularly in patients with high normal-range IGF-1 levels.
Final advice on HGH dosage and administration
In short, if you are considering HGH therapy, you must consult with a medical professional and determine the correct dosage tailored to your specific needs and health conditions.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/administration-of-medication
https://www.drugs.com/npp/human-growth-hormone.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9434041/