Healthcare professionals utilize a synthetic version of HGH, occasionally referred to as recombinant HGH, to address specific medical conditions, such as growth hormone deficiency. It is imperative never to use synthetic HGH without a prescription from a healthcare provider.

What test measures HGH levels?

Your healthcare provider can order a series of blood tests to check your HGH levels if you’re experiencing symptoms related to HGH issues.

Your pituitary gland normally releases HGH into your bloodstream in pulses throughout the day and night, with peaks that occur mostly during the night. Because of this, a single blood test to measure HGH measurement is difficult to interpret and is not usually medically useful.

Providers most often use procedures called growth hormone stimulation and suppression tests to diagnose conditions caused by HGH deficiency or excess.

They may also order a blood test that measures the amount of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in your blood.

How is HGH used as medication?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the synthetic form of HGH for the treatment of certain conditions. The synthetic form of HGH is available only by prescription and is injected.

In children, healthcare providers prescribe HGH to treat:

• Growth hormone deficiency.
• Conditions that cause short stature, such as chronic kidney disease, Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.

In adults, providers prescribe HGH to treat:

• Growth hormone deficiency.
• Loss of muscle tissue from HIV.
• Short bowel syndrome.

It’s important to only take synthetic HGH if your provider has prescribed it for you.

What are the side effects of synthetic HGH?

The use of synthetic HGH for medical treatment can cause certain side effects including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Increased insulin resistance and/or Type 2 diabetes.
• Swelling in your arms and legs (edema).
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia) in people assigned male at birth.
• Increased risk of certain cancers.

Researchers don’t have enough information about the long-term effects of HGH treatment.

When should I see my healthcare provider about my HGH levels?

If you’re receiving treatment for abnormal HGH levels, it’s important to see your provider regularly to make sure your treatment is working.