Growth hormone: what it does and when it helps

Growth hormone (GH) controls growth, muscle, and how your body uses fat and sugar. Doctors call the lab-made version "recombinant growth hormone" or rGH. It treats real hormone deficiencies in kids and adults, but it’s also sold and hyped for anti-aging and sports — uses that bring risk without clear benefit.

How do you know if someone needs GH? Short kids who show slow growth, and adults with true GH deficiency after pituitary disease, are the main groups. Endocrinologists use blood tests like IGF‑1 and special stimulation tests to check levels. Treatment starts only when tests and symptoms match the diagnosis.

How treatment works and what to expect

GH is given as a daily injection. Doses vary by age, weight, and reason for treatment. When used correctly under a doctor’s care, it can boost growth in children and improve energy, bone density, and body composition in people with a confirmed deficiency. Expect regular follow-ups: blood work, dose tweaks, and checks for side effects.

Common side effects are joint pain, fluid retention, carpal tunnel symptoms, and higher blood sugar. That’s why doctors monitor blood pressure, glucose, and signs of swelling. If you have active cancer, serious heart disease, or uncontrolled diabetes, GH is usually not recommended.

What about anti‑aging and bodybuilding claims?

People sell GH for aging or muscle gain, often online without a prescription. That’s risky. Trials do not prove clear anti‑aging benefits, and unsupervised use raises your risk of diabetes, abnormal growth of tissues, and other problems. If a seller asks for no prescription, no face-to-face visit, or payment by odd methods, walk away.

Need practical steps? First, talk to your primary care doctor if you notice unexplained fatigue, reduced muscle, or very slow growth in a child. Ask for a referral to an endocrinologist for proper testing. Second, never buy hormone injections from unverified online shops. Use licensed pharmacies and keep records of prescriptions and lab results.

Costs can be high. Insurance often covers GH for approved medical reasons but not for cosmetic or performance use. Before starting treatment, ask your doctor about expected costs, insurance rules, and how long therapy will be needed.

Monitoring tips: Expect IGF-1 checks every 1-3 months early on, then spacing out. Doctors check blood sugar, lipid profile, and sometimes a bone density scan over time. Keep a symptom diary — sleep, energy, headaches, swelling — to report side effects quickly.

Storage and injection safety: store GH in fridge, do not freeze. Use a new sterile needle for each injection and dispose in a sharps bin. Never share medication or syringes. If you change brands or pens, get dosing help from your clinic to avoid mistakes.

On HeyDoctor.com we write about medication safety, treatment options, and how to spot shady online pharmacies. If you want more detail, search our guides on safe medicine buying and hormone therapy basics. Treat GH as a real medicine: useful when prescribed and monitored, dangerous when misused.

Questions? Ask an endocrinologist — they deal with GH and can give tests and plans.