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Are you the parent of a child who may need to take human growth hormone (HGH) injections? First, it’s important to know that HGH for kids is safe and effective. One study even showed that the children who received HGH injections had a “significantly higher height increment” at the end of the study versus the control group.
However, when should children start taking HGH? It’s an understandable question for any parent to have; you want your child to stay healthy and continue growing, but at what point is it necessary or advisable for kids to start taking HGH injections?
In this complete guide, we’ll answer that question as we discuss when your child should begin receiving human growth hormone injections. By exploring some of the factors associated with childhood hormonal health and growth, both medical and otherwise, this article will help guide parents so they can make informed decisions about their children’s health.
What Are Human Growth Hormone Injections?
Human growth hormone injections are a medical treatment used to increase growth hormone levels in the body. The pituitary gland produces growth hormones essential for normal growth and development.
Why might you want to increase the HGH levels in your body? It supports the metabolism, increasing muscle mass and strength in adults. However, HGH injections are often used to treat children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency.
Various factors, including genetic disorders, traumatic brain injury, or tumors within the brain, can cause growth hormone deficiency. Children who are diagnosed with this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Delayed growth
- Decreased muscle mass
- Delayed puberty
HGH injections help increase growth hormone levels in children, allowing them to grow and develop at a more normal rate. The injections are administered via a needle, usually into the thigh muscle or abdomen, and are typically given once daily. A qualified doctor at one of our clinics can evaluate your child and recommend the best dosage and course of treatment.
Overall, it’s important to note that HGH injections should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional, as misuse can lead to serious health risks. If you think your child may have growth hormone deficiency, you should talk to your doctor about the best treatment options.
HGH Levels by Age
As mentioned, HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and is essential in regulating growth and development in children. The body releases growth hormones in bursts (sometimes referred to medically as pulses), which change depending on factors such as age, sex, and time of day.
HGH levels peak during adolescence but gradually decrease as we age. In infants, for example, HGH levels are high as the baby grows, with levels beginning to decline after the first year.
By puberty, HGH levels have peaked, but they start to diminish once a person reaches age 21. By age 55 or 60, HGH levels are typically only one-third of what they were during adolescence.
Here’s a helpful HGH levels by age chart to demonstrate average levels:
- Adult Males: 0.4 to 10 ng/mL
- Adult Females: 1 to 14 ng/mL
- Children: 10 to 50 ng/mL
Low HGH levels in children can lead to several health concerns. As mentioned above, children with insufficient HGH levels may experience stunted growth, delayed puberty, and shorter stature than their peers. Low HGH levels can also cause skeletal abnormalities, impaired immune function, and reduced muscle mass.
If you suspect your child may have low growth hormone levels, speaking with a healthcare provider is essential. Through blood tests, doctors can measure these levels and determine if treatment is necessary. Early detection and intervention can help prevent long-term health issues and improve overall well-being.
An Overview of HGH for Kids
Even with the information above, parents often have many questions and concerns about HGH injections for their children, and we’re here to provide answers. By now, you hopefully know that HGH injections are commonly used for children with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and chronic kidney disease.
However, like any medication, HGH injections can have side effects like joint pain and swelling. Follow along as we discuss these topics and more in this section, giving parents like you all the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s health.
Uses
The human growth hormone is a protein hormone that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children. In children especially (but in all of our bodies), it’s responsible for stimulating the growth of:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Organs
The pituitary gland naturally produces this hormone. However, some children can have a deficiency and require HGH therapy to reach their full potential height.
HGH therapy can also benefit children with the following conditions:
- Turner syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- Prader-Willi syndrome
However, HGH can be helpful for various treatments, even for teens whose growth plates have already fused (we’ll talk more about that below). Adults commonly take HGH to increase muscle mass and bone density or even as a solution for chronic pain and inflammation.
Ultimately, it’s important to note that HGH therapy should only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider. If you’re curious about HGH therapy for your child, talk to your doctor to determine if it’s appropriate for their needs.
Safety
Safety is likely your number one concern if you’re a parent considering HGH injections for your child. Luckily, when HGH injections are administered by a qualified specialist, such as those at our clinic in Puerto Vallarta, they are considered safe for children.
HGH injections have been used for decades to treat issues like growth hormone deficiency, short stature, and Turner syndrome. They can also positively affect muscle mass, bone density, and metabolism. However, it’s important to note that any medical treatment has potential risks.
This is why it’s crucial to discuss HGH injections with a qualified specialist and closely follow their recommendations for your child’s safety. Getting the correct dosage is helpful. However, working with a health professional who knows what they’re doing is key, too.
Side Effects
Introducing kids to human growth hormone injections can lead to impressive gains in height and muscle development. However, parents should be aware of the potential side effects this treatment can cause. Common side effects are minimal and include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Itching at the injection site
Children may also experience headaches, high blood pressure, or a heightened risk of diabetes. While rare, HGH injections can also stunt growth. In even rarer cases, they might affect the thyroid.
Overall, HGH for kids is a safe treatment option. However, it’s important to carefully consider these risks before making a treatment decision. Always work closely with a skilled and certified healthcare provider to minimize the impact of any side effects.
Availability
If you’re a parent with a child who may be a good candidate for HGH injections, you might wonder where to start. In the US, HGH injections are available only by prescription and are typically administered by an endocrinologist or pediatrician.
To qualify for these injections, your child must undergo certain tests to determine if they have a deficiency in growth hormone production. These tests usually involve bloodwork and can take up to several months to complete. But once the diagnosis is confirmed, your child may be able to start HGH injections as early as age two.
At What Age Should HGH Be Taken?
The answer to this question may vary depending on factors such as the child’s diagnosis and growth rate. In general, it is better to start HGH treatment earlier rather than later.
Pediatric endocrinologists may diagnose growth hormone deficiency in children as early as four or earlier. For conditions like Turner Syndrome, where a female child only has one X chromosome and Prader-Willi Syndrome, treatment should start as early as possible, typically by six years old.
However, it is essential to understand that it is generally too late to start HGH treatment once the child’s growth plates have fused, meaning growth is complete. Growth plates can fuse anywhere around 14 to 15 years old for girls and 16 to 17 years old for boys. Therefore, it is crucial to work closely with your child’s endocrinologist and get the diagnosis early to start the treatment promptly.
HGH treatment has been shown to increase height and improve growth-related symptoms. However, this is only possible if your children’s growth plates haven’t fused. After they have, HGH injections might only help with issues such as strength and muscle mass.
How Much Does HGH for Kids Cost?
HGH injections for kids can be very expensive in the United States. The cost of HGH injections can range from about $1,000 to $5,000 per month or upwards of $10,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the dosage, frequency of injections, and other factors.
For parents considering HGH injections for their children, this can be a huge financial burden.
Fortunately, our clinic in Puerto Vallarta offers a more affordable option for growth hormone products. We can provide lower prices due to Mexico’s lower cost of living and medical care. Additionally, we offer Mexican-branded growth hormone medications, which are more budget-friendly than US brand-name options while maintaining the same safety standards.
Despite the lower cost, parents can have peace of mind knowing that our clinic offers high-quality and safe HGH injections. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing the best care for our patients.
Overall, if you want to save money on HGH injections for your child, consider getting them from our clinic in Mexico. We offer quality care at a more affordable price, so your child can reap the benefits of HGH without breaking the bank.
HGH for Kids: What to Expect During Treatment
The bottom line? Whether your child has a growth hormone deficiency or any other growth problem, HGH injections can help them grow taller and stronger. Here is what you can expect during the treatment.
1. Getting Started
Before starting HGH injections, your child will have a physical examination to check their height, weight, and overall health. Blood tests may also be taken to measure hormone levels. Once the doctor concludes that HGH therapy is necessary, they will guide you through the process.
2. Injection Process
HGH injections are administered through a tiny needle under the skin, usually in the thigh or buttocks. In most cases, your child will need one injection per day. The needle is small and thin, so most children experience minimal discomfort. In fact, some older children find it so painless and simple that they administer the injections themselves!
However, it is recommended to numb the area with ice or numbing cream before the injection to reduce the pain. We also suggest monitoring your child’s injections to ensure they receive the right dose.
3. Treatment Duration
The treatment duration varies depending on the child’s condition and the level of their HGH deficiency. On average, the treatment lasts two to four years. Significant growth occurs in the first year, and your child’s height and weight will be monitored regularly to track their progress.
4. Side Effects
As mentioned, side effects from HGH injections are minimal. However, we suggest speaking with your child about anything they’re experiencing. The most common side effects include swelling, itching, or redness at the injection site. These effects usually disappear quickly. In rare cases, children with HGH deficiency may experience headaches, nausea, or joint pain.
Visit HGH Vallarta
In conclusion, HGH for kids can be a safe and effective option for children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency or other medical conditions. Children who receive HGH injections typically experience increased growth rates and improved bone density, leading to better overall health and quality of life.
However, it is important to consult with a qualified physician to determine if growth hormone treatment is necessary for your child. If you’re considering this option, our team at HGH Vallarta in Mexico can provide expert guidance and comprehensive treatment plans.
Visit us online or in-person to learn how we can help your child reach their full potential.
