Theoretical Side Effects of HGH Therapy
Concern over theoretical side effects of HGH therapy, such as blurred vision, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, edema, and joint pains, among others, should not keep those who have been found to be deficient in growth hormone from receiving treatment. Warnings of associated risks can be found on any medication, and the adherence to provided instructions can help minimize the chances of adverse issues, such as the ones mentioned here, from occurring.
The most serious factors that can occur – type 2 diabetes, acromegaly, cancer, leukemia, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) – are extremely rare, and most likely to be seen in individuals who are taking unusually large doses of HGH injections – not typically ordered by doctors specializing in hormone replacement therapy. In some of these instances, especially with cancer or leukemia, the individual may have been predisposed to or already diagnosed with this condition and not have provided this information to the doctor. *This is one of the reasons why comprehensive blood testing is done before treatment is authorized.
There are some minor side effects of growth hormone therapy that are occasionally seen when adults begin treatment with HGH injections for the first time, and they are handled in these ways:
- In some cases, these unwanted symptoms disappear on their own within a few weeks as the body gets used to the increased level of GH in the bloodstream. The physician will monitor these concerns.
- Other times, the doctor will lower the dosage that the individual is administering to allow for a cessation of the effects, and may, in the future, gradually increase the amount prescribed. (Doctors typically start out with a lower dosage in adults aged 60+ to avoid this risk)
- The majority of side effects will also disappear once treatment is ended.
It is also important to understand the difference between side effects that are minor annoyances and those which can be considered to be a bit more serious in nature, requiring doctor contact to ensure that everything is all right. The next sections will cover the issues that could arise that would necessitate checking with the medical practitioner who prescribed HGH therapy for use. To find out more about other possible, less concerning human growth hormone side effects, please see “Possible Side Effects of HGH Therapy.”
More Common Side Effects
If any of the following growth hormone replacement therapy side effects should become evident, please contact the doctor as soon as possible:
- Sudden or severe headache
- Changes in heartbeat – fast or slow
- Decreased or unusual touch sensations – feelings of "pins and needles" or tingling
- Feelings of dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Itching skin, numbness, prickling, burning, or crawling sensations
- Patients with Turner’s syndrome experiencing ear infection or other ear concerns
- Pounding or ringing in the ears
- Agitation or nervousness
Less Common Side Effects
The following list of possible HGH therapy side effects are very rarely noticed, but also require contacting the doctor if they should appear:
- Pain in the bones
- Acute emotional depression that was not there previously
- Chest pain
- Swollen ankles
- Changes in voice/vocal sounds
- Feeling cold
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in all of the fingers except the pinky
- Sudden hair loss
Rare Side Effects
The following growth hormone therapy side effects are exceedingly rare, but also require immediate contact with the prescribing physician:
- Sudden or severe changes in vision
- Pain in the knee or hip, limping
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Feelings of nausea or vomiting
- depression of skin at the injection site
- Swelling and pain at the site of injection
- Headache
- Itching and skin rash
How to Avoid and Minimize Side Effects of HGH Therapy:
- The best way to avoid or minimize any risks of side effects associated with HGH therapy is by following all instructions as provided by the doctor.
- Do not use human growth hormone injections if they have not been prescribed by a specialist following a blood test to determine GH deficiency.
- Purchase all medications from a legitimate source – a doctor or licensed pharmacy in the US.
- Do not increase the dosage of medication without medical advice.
- Report any noticeable adverse reactions as soon as possible.
By following these guidelines, adults who have been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency can expect to receive superior benefits without worrying about unwanted side effects. The medical staff and expert physicians here at National HRT are available to answer any questions and provide continued support, testing, and treatment with bioidentical HGH injections. Call for a complimentary consultation today.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.