Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Therapy: Muscle, Recovery and Healthy Ageing
Human Growth Hormone (HGH, or somatotropin) is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays a central role in growth during childhood, but in adulthood remains essential for tissue repair, body composition, metabolism and cardiovascular health. HGH secretion peaks in adolescence and then declines progressively — by 14% per decade after age 30 — a process termed somatopause.
At Live More Clinic, HGH therapy is offered only after laboratory confirmation of low IGF-1 (the downstream marker of HGH activity) and a thorough medical consultation. It is a prescription-only therapy with specific indications and risks.
What Is Human Growth Hormone?
HGH is released in pulses, predominantly during deep sleep. It acts both directly on tissues and indirectly through Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which is produced primarily in the liver in response to HGH stimulation. Together they regulate protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis and the maintenance of lean tissue.
Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) is a recognised clinical condition associated with reduced muscle mass, increased adiposity, decreased bone density, fatigue, lower exercise capacity and impaired quality of life. It is diagnosed through stimulation testing under endocrinological supervision.
Key Benefits of HGH Therapy
Body composition. The landmark 1990 study by Rudman et al. in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that HGH replacement in older men with low IGF-1 increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass over six months.
Muscle and bone support. HGH stimulates protein synthesis and supports bone mineral density, which is particularly relevant in adults at risk of sarcopenia or osteopenia.
Recovery and tissue repair. HGH plays a role in tissue regeneration and is sometimes used adjunctively for recovery from prolonged illness, injury, or in patients with confirmed deficiency.
Skin and hair quality. Patients on HGH replacement often report improvements in skin elasticity, hair quality and overall sense of wellbeing.
Metabolic and cardiovascular markers. In adults with AGHD, replacement can improve lipid profiles, exercise capacity and quality-of-life scores.
Who Can Benefit from HGH Therapy?
HGH therapy is appropriate only in carefully selected adults with:
- Documented Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (low IGF-1, abnormal stimulation test)
- Pituitary dysfunction following surgery, radiation or trauma
- Specific clinical contexts identified by your physician
HGH is not recommended for healthy adults seeking general anti-ageing benefits. Major reviews (including a 2007 Annals of Internal Medicine systematic review) concluded that the modest body-composition benefits in the elderly are outweighed by adverse effects when used outside of true deficiency.
HGH is contraindicated in active malignancy, severe sleep apnoea (untreated), and certain other conditions. All candidates require comprehensive blood work and a thorough medical history.
How It's Administered at Live More
HGH is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection (typically in the evening to mimic the natural pulsatile release during sleep). Dosing is individualised, starting low and titrated based on IGF-1 response, clinical effect and tolerability. Monitoring includes IGF-1 levels, glucose, blood pressure, body composition and side-effect tracking.
What to Expect During and After
Subcutaneous self-injection is well tolerated after initial training. Common, dose-dependent side effects include fluid retention, joint discomfort and mild insulin resistance — these typically respond to dose adjustment. Benefits build gradually over months. Treatment is reviewed every 3 to 6 months.
Is HGH Therapy Right for You?
HGH therapy is powerful but specific. It is most appropriate for adults with documented deficiency under appropriate medical supervision. If you have symptoms suggestive of AGHD, our doctors can arrange the necessary testing and discuss whether therapy is suitable for you.
References
- Rudman, D., Feller, A. G., Nagraj, H. S., et al. (1990). "Effects of human growth hormone in men over 60 years old." New England Journal of Medicine, 323(1), 1–6
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199007053230101 - Liu, H., Bravata, D. M., Olkin, I., et al. (2007). "Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly." Annals of Internal Medicine, 146(2), 104–115
https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-146-2-200701160-00005 - Molitch, M. E., Clemmons, D. R., Malozowski, S., et al. (2011). "Evaluation and treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(6), 1587–1609
https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-0179 - Sigalos, J. T., Pastuszak, A. W. (2018). "The Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone Secretagogues." Sexual Medicine Reviews, 6(1), 45–53
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.02.004 - Brinkman, J. E., Tariq, M. A., Leavitt, L., Sharma, S. (2024). "Physiology, Growth Hormone." StatPearls — NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482141/