The use of human growth hormone (HGH) to grow taller is most common in children, though it can be used on adults. HGH replacement therapy primarily encourages growth by increasing the development of muscle mass. The hormone is administered daily via injection with an insulin syringe into either the muscle or the third layer of skin, known as subcutaneous tissue.
As it naturally occurs in the body, human growth hormone is located in the pituitary gland, a structure about the size of a pea that rests at the base of the brain. If the pituitary gland does not work correctly, growth and body development can be stunted. The hormone is prescribed to both children and adults, primarily as a response to various medical conditions, though the cause of short stature need not always be known.
Regular injection of HGH is all that is necessary in order to see a change within months. In some situations, medical professionals recommended that growth hormone be taken over the course of a lifetime. Though many patients may mostly take the human growth hormone to grow taller, they may also notice other benefits such as a drop in body fat, improved muscle tone, and a boost in motor function.
There are several conditions where patients can be prescribed human growth hormone. It is most commonly given to young children for conditions such as Turner’s syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, both of which are genetic disorders, and for chronic insufficiencies in the kidneys or in HGH levels. It is also given to children who were born small for their gestational age.
Adults are prescribed HGH when they have conditions such as a deficiency of the hormone due to a tumor or other disorder of the pituitary gland and as treatment for muscle-wasting diseases, which can be a result of HIV. It has also been administered as a treatment for short bowel syndrome, an intestinal disease that causes an improper absorption of nutrients. There are some instances where human growth hormone has been prescribed to address short stature for which the cause is not known.
Taking human growth hormone to grow taller can be dangerous if done incorrectly, so it is important to only take the drug under the guidance of a medical professional. This is partly because only FDA-approved versions of the drug are of consistent quality. Medical professionals also need to regularly monitor patients on human growth hormone therapy in case the amount of the drug administered needs to be changed.
