What Are the Side Effects of HGH Injections?

Human growth hormone therapy is one of the best options for adults diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It can safely reverse the symptoms associated with GHD when properly prescribed by a hormone specialist. However, that does not mean it is without risk. What are the side effects of HGH injections? That is the question we are here to answer. The side effects of HGH injections include issues such as injection site reactions and edema. In the sections below, we will compare the benefits to the side effects to determine who should consider this treatment. We will then look at the common and rare side effects of growth hormone injections.

What are the side effects of HGH injections for women as opposed to men?

That is another topic that will have a section below, as there are some differences with how HGH impacts men vs. women. We will also look at long-term side effects, as well as how to reduce the risk of developing adverse reactions from HGH therapy.

Comparison of Benefits to Side Effects of HGH Injections

The primary question that doctors look at before prescribing human growth hormone therapy to adults is this:

What are the side effects of HGH injections compared to the benefits?

It is about weighing the positive and negative aspects of treatment. For example, if a person is unhappy due to being overweight, fatigued, and in poor health resulting from GHD, then the benefits will far outweigh any side effects.

Here is a comparison of the benefits and side effects of HGH injections:

• Benefits
  • Improved metabolism and weight loss
  • Better sleep
  • Increased energy and endurance
  • Improved cell regeneration:
    • Better muscle mass, tone, and strength
    • Stronger bones
    • Increased internal organ size and functions
    • Better collagen and elastin production for reduced wrinkles and firmer skin
    • Thicker, fuller hair growth
    • Stronger nails
  • Enhanced sex drive and sexual functions
  • Improved immune system functions
  • Sharper cognitive processes, including focus, learning, memory
  • Decreased depression and stress – happier mood
  • Improved coronary flow reserve, anaerobic capacity, and cardiac output
  • More normalized blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels
  • Reduced risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, dementia, and depression
• Side Effects
  • Common side effects
    • Injection site redness, itching, irritation, pain, swelling
    • Fluid retention (edema)
    • Nerve, joint, or muscle pain
    • Tingling or numbness of the skin
  • Less common side effects
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • High cholesterol
    • Insulin resistance
    • High blood sugar
    • Enlargement of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia)
    • Fatigue

It is clear that the positive benefits far outweigh the negative side effects of HGH injections. It is also vital to remember that the positive aspects of HGH therapy apply to those individuals who receive a diagnosis of GHD due to their symptoms. Those most likely to experience side effects are people whose growth hormone levels get too high due to abuse or misuse of this medication.

Are There Long-Term Side Effects of HGH Injections?

Potential long-term side effects of HGH injections are entirely different. These rare side effects occur most often in people who abuse this medication. They may purchase it online from unregulated websites, or from other individuals that they know. These types of sales are referred to as black market purchases and are illegal.

What are the side effects of HGH injections that could affect a person’s long-term well-being?

The list below shows the possible rare side effects, by way of potentially dangerous medical conditions:

• Rare side effects
  • Acromegaly
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Enlarged heart
  • Liver damage
  • Tumor growth

Although the rare side effects of HGH shots may seem concerning, we most often see reactions such as these in people who abuse human growth hormones – not those who use it under a doctor’s care for a legitimate reason. Bodybuilders and athletes fall under this category. Liver damage and type 2 diabetes do not just happen. A person would have to blatantly ignore other side effects for quite some time before these issues occur.

Do Men Have Different Side Effects of HGH Injections from Women?

For the most part, the side effects of HGH injections on women are similar to those of men. One interesting fact is that women often need a higher dosage of growth hormone as their naturally higher estrogen levels.

What are the side effects of HGH injections that differ in men from those in women?

One primary difference is gynecomastia – the swelling and tenderness that can occur in male breast tissue when growth hormone levels get too high. Some studies have shown that older, overweight, and female patients have a greater risk of side effects compared to individuals who do not fall under those categories. Also, in adults over age sixty, the doctor will likely start with a lower dosage to give the body a chance to adjust, before increasing the doses in increments until the ideal level is attained.

How Can I Reduce the Risk of HGH Injections Side Effects?

The best way to decrease the risk of side effects of taking HGH injections is to follow the directions provided by the doctor. Do not use HGH therapy for any reason other than that which is authorized by a physician. That eliminates HGH use for anti-aging, athletic, or bodybuilding purposes.

Are there side effects of stopping HGH injections?

People stop taking HGH injections for a variety of reasons, including that they have reached their goals, they can no longer afford the treatment, they have not achieved the desired results, or they have experienced adverse reactions. In each of these situations, it is imperative to get the proper guidance in stopping HGH therapy to avoid the body experiencing a rapid decline in growth hormone levels. Some people transition to sermorelin or ipamorelin injections, which can help increase natural growth hormone production. Secretagogue therapy, such as this, is an excellent way to maintain the benefits achieved by HGH therapy. The last thing anyone wants after HGH therapy is to return to the way things were before starting treatment. Working with a hormone specialist even after treatment ends can help reduce those effects. What are the side effects of HGH injections that you may experience, and will the benefits outweigh the risks? We can help you determine the answer to that question. If you have concerns about growth hormone deficiency, please contact Greenberg Health for a free, confidential phone consultation with one of our medical advisors.