Key Takeaways
Growth hormone injections increase muscle and energy in people with low hormone levels. HGH therapy is used for hormone deficiencies and certain chronic conditions. Side effects like swelling and joint pain can occur from HGH therapy.
Growth hormone injections are used to improve muscle mass, energy, and body composition in those with hormone deficiencies. While they offer significant health benefits, they can also lead to side effects like fluid retention and joint discomfort. HGH injections may help several indications.
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What Does HGH Do?
Growth hormones, produced by the pituitary gland found at the base of the brain, are essential for growth, metabolism, and cell repair. They help:
Regulate metabolism: Growth hormones increase fat breakdown and use it for energy. Support bone health: They stimulate osteoblasts to form new bone tissue, promoting healthy bones and reducing fracture risk. Promote growth in children: Essential for normal growth, they stimulate long bones, aiding height increase in children with deficiencies.
Reasons for HGH Therapy
HGH therapy supplements or replaces the body's natural hormone and may be prescribed for FDA-approved reasons, including:
Growth hormone deficiency: Helps with symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased bone density due to pituitary dysfunction. Chronic conditions: Used in conditions like Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome to manage symptoms, enhance muscle strength, and maintain healthy body composition. HIV-associated wasting syndrome: Increases weight and endurance in those with involuntary weight loss from HIV. Short bowel syndrome: Benefits those with nutrient absorption issues by improving nutrient and fluid absorption alongside nutritional support.
Non-Approved Uses
Non-FDA-approved HGH injections are commonly used by athletes, bodybuilders, and older adults seeking to reverse signs of aging. However, there’s no evidence that HGH builds muscle, reduces fat, or improves performance in healthy people, and no anti-aging claims have been proven.
How Does It Work?
HGH therapy uses synthetic hormone injections to supplement the natural hormone produced by the pituitary gland, helping regulate growth, metabolism, and body composition.
It stimulates IGF-1 production, promoting cell, bone, and muscle growth.
Effects vary by dose and individual response.
Treatment length may also vary and may be lifelong, with regular reassessment by a healthcare provider. Results may develop over weeks to months of consistent use.
Your healthcare provider may reassess after six months to a few years to determine whether continued therapy is necessary.
Side Effects and Risks
HGH therapy can benefit those with growth hormone deficiency, but it carries risks. The likelihood of side effects depends on the dose, treatment duration, and individual response.
Common side effects include:
Swelling and fluid retention: HGH can cause the body to retain excess fluid, leading to swelling in the hands, feet, or face, possibly resulting in discomfort or mild joint pain. Joint and muscle pain: Some individuals experience muscle stiffness or joint pain due to the increased growth and metabolic activity stimulated by HGH. Headaches: Some individuals undergoing HGH therapy may experience persistent headaches. If headaches become severe or persistent, a healthcare provider should evaluate whether a dose adjustment or further medical attention is needed.
Other risks include:
Acromegaly (excess growth hormone effects): In cases of HGH overuse or misuse, excessive bone and tissue growth may lead to acromegaly, causing enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. Cardiovascular risks: Long-term use may contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension), heart enlargement, and increased risk of heart disease.
Who Should Not Take HGH Injections?
Specific groups should avoid HGH injections due to potential risks and complications:
People with active or previous cancer People with severe heart disease
Before starting HGH therapy, you'll need to undergo a medical evaluation to determine that it is safe for you. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential benefits vs. risks of treatment.
Can You Take Too Much?
Yes, taking too much HGH, through high doses or misuse, can cause serious health risks.
Overuse may lead to short- or long-term effects, some irreversible, especially without medical supervision.
Anyone considering HGH therapy should always follow prescribed dosages and consult a healthcare provider if they experience unusual symptoms such as:
Abnormal bone growth Carpal tunnel syndrome (symptoms of tingling and numbness in the hands due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist) Joint and muscle pain Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Alternative Ways to Boost HGH
Some alternative therapies and approaches may provide similar benefits or support overall health without synthetic growth hormone. These alternatives may be more accessible or have fewer risks:
Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can naturally stimulate the body’s production of human growth hormone. Healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients can help promote optimal hormone production. Specific foods, like high-protein meals, arginine-rich foods (turkey, nuts), and healthy fats, may support natural growth hormone release. Testosterone therapy: Testosterone therapy for people with low testosterone levels can help with muscle mass, fat distribution, and energy levels, which indirectly supports the body’s natural growth hormone production.
For some people, particularly those with age-related hormone decline, HRT can address deficiencies in testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones that influence growth and overall vitality.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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