Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is responsible for hundreds of functions in the body that make you strong, healthy, and energized. It assists growth when you’re young, but its work is not done. As you age, growth hormone still helps with muscle tone, skin health, metabolism, quality of sleep, and the way your body heals from injury. But your hormone levels can decline naturally with age or because of stress, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. When this hormone dips too low, your body will signal you. Now, let’s carefully examine some of the external and internal symptoms of low human growth hormone and what you can do if you believe it may be happening to you.
Outer Signs of Low Growth Hormone Levels
When your hormones first start to decline, you will notice external symptoms. Sure, these symptoms can have other causes, but you will need to consult your doctor if any of these should occur together. Here are some external symptoms you need to watch for.
Dry, Thinning Skin
Human growth hormone keeps your skin smooth, elastic, and tight. With too little, it can dry and thin your skin. You might also see more wrinkles or sagging, particularly in your face and hands.
Weight Gain
Low growth hormone levels can also put the brakes on your metabolism. That means your body no longer burns as many calories as you once did, and you can start to gain weight. Most of the weight will gather in your belly.
Decreased Muscle Tone
HGH is involved in the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. When your hormone levels decline, which happens as you age, your muscles may feel weaker or less firm, and it may be harder for you to perform physical activities.
Thinning Hair or Hair Loss
Hair may grow more slowly, or it may even fall out more frequently. HGH is responsible for promoting healthy hair follicles. So, in its absence, you may experience thinning hair or hair loss.
Slower Healing
Cuts, bruises, or sore muscles that are slow to recover may be due in part to low HGH. This hormone is critical for repairing and healing tissues.
Inner Signs of Low HGH
Some symptoms and signs associated with human growth hormone deficiency are readily apparent. Some of the most vexing symptoms occur inside your body and can determine how you feel the rest of the day. These are frequently the ones that affect your day-to-day life the most:
Low Energy
If you are feeling more fatigued than usual or unable to keep your eyes open throughout the day without a nap, low growth hormone levels may be the cause. This hormone helps keep your body energized. With levels dropping, so may your energy.
Brain Fog or Poor Focus
You may notice that you are having trouble focusing, remembering things, or getting work done at the office or in the classroom. Hormonal shifts, especially a reduction in HGH, may influence not just your ability to think clearly but also how well your mind functions.
Mood Changes
Low levels of human growth hormone can also affect your mood. Some people may experience more sadness, irritability, or outright depression. These emotional shifts can also impair the ability to enjoy life and activities of daily living.
Poor Sleep Quality
Despite being produced during sleep, low growth hormone levels can prevent you from falling or staying asleep. You may wake up groggy and unrefreshed, or you may feel as if you barely slept, even when you’ve spent the night in bed.
Reduced Libido
Human growth hormone is also responsible for reproductive and sexual health. A decrease can have implications for libido or performance in the bedroom, which may impact confidence and relationships.
What to Do If You Think You Have Low Human Growth Hormone Levels
If you’ve observed a few of the signs and symptoms above, you can’t afford to try to diagnose or treat the issue yourself. The first step is to have a conversation with a healthcare provider. They also might be able to order blood tests to measure your hormone levels and see if anything else in your health may be contributing to your issues.
If you’re found to be deficient in growth hormone by tests, your doctor may talk to you about treating it. One treatment often used is injections of growth hormone. These are prescription only, and you should always use them under medical guidance.
What About the Cost?
Some may be reluctant to undergo treatment because they fear the cost. It’s true that the growth hormone injection price can vary. But now many clinics have payment plans to reduce treatment costs.
The ultimate price will hinge on several factors, including:
- Your specific dosage
- Duration of Treatment
- How much do you pay, or if your insurance reimburses part of the cost
It’s a smart idea to consult your doctor and your insurance company to see what your options are.
If you suspect low HGH may be the reason you’re feeling the way you are, talk to your doctor. Given the right testing and care, you can discover what is happening — and take steps to feel better, stay stronger, and live your healthiest life.
