Growth Hormone/IGF-1
What is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
Athletes have long recognized the advantages of insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1. Recent research is now highlighting how IGF-1 can benefit men not just in athletic performance, but also in their daily lives through IGF-1 treatment. New discoveries suggest that IGF-1 can help protect cells, combat age-related diseases, and enhance overall health for countless men who may be unaware of a deficiency in this vital hormone.
Trillum Med Spas is a national leader in IGF-1 hormone therapy. We are among the few clinics in the country equipped to identify and address IGF-1 deficiencies in men. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, want to lower your disease risk, or think you might have a hormone deficiency, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
What Is IGF-1?
IGF-1 is produced through a series of reactions that start in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain. In response to internal signals, the hypothalamus releases growth hormone-releasing hormone, which stimulates the pituitary gland to increase the production of human growth hormone (HGH). This hormone has been used by professional athletes for years to boost performance.
However, many people are unaware that many of HGH’s most significant benefits come from its conversion to IGF-1 in the liver. In fact, HGH therapy, along with direct IGF-1 therapy, is one of the most effective ways to elevate IGF-1 levels.
Under ideal conditions, a healthy body maintains sufficient IGF-1 levels through regular "surges" of HGH production, typically occurring every 3 to 5 hours, depending on age. Maintaining optimal IGF-1 levels is essential for men's health, as it supports several vital functions, including:
- Cell division
- Fat reduction
- Increased protein synthesis
- Enhanced sexual function
- Muscle and bone growth
- Nerve regeneration
- Regulation of normal blood sugar levels
- Stimulation of organ growth (except the brain)
- Boosting the immune system
The most common cause of IGF-1 deficiency in men is aging. Other factors contributing to IGF-1 deficiency include liver disease, pituitary tumors, genetic mutations, head injuries or trauma, infections, radiation exposure, and surgery.
Diabetes Management
Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic men can lead to severe complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. IGF-1 and insulin share similar structures and both lower blood glucose by binding to insulin receptors, stimulating glucose transport in fat and muscle. When administered to diabetic men, IGF-1 improves blood glucose control and reduces the insulin dose needed to achieve normal levels. Similar improvements and fat mass reductions are seen in men with Type 2 diabetes receiving higher doses of IGF-1.
Muscle Building
IGF-1 is well-known for its role in muscle building and repair. During childhood, it works alongside other growth hormones to facilitate normal growth.
In adults, IGF-1:
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Promotes the repair of skeletal muscles.
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Responds to exercise: During and after workouts, HGH levels rise, leading to increased IGF-1 levels.
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Helps prevent frailty, which is a significant health concern for aging men, raising risks of fractures, obesity, loss of mobility, and early mortality.
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Increases muscle mass and encourages rapid reproduction, regeneration, and survival of muscle cells.
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Supports new cell growth and differentiation, critical for healing.
Benefits of IGF-1
Cardiovascular Health
Men with cardiovascular disease have lower IGF-1 levels, with worse conditions correlating to greater deficiencies.
IGF-1 helps combat endothelial dysfunction, an early step toward serious heart disease, in several ways:
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Increasing nitric oxide production: IGF-1 interacts with high-affinity endothelial binding sites, causing arteries to relax and open, which reduces the progression of heart disease.
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Promoting insulin sensitivity: This helps maintain normal blood glucose levels, preventing the development of fatty deposits or plaques in the blood vessels.
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Exhibiting anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties: These effects contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
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Inducing vasodilation: This increases blood flow to the heart and contributes to plaque stability.
Bone Health
IGF-1 is produced within bones, acting directly on bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Although IGF-1 and HGH levels decline after puberty, IGF-1 continues to significantly influence bone health throughout life.
A review of numerous high-quality studies found that administering IGF-1 and HGH to osteoporosis patients “significantly increased bone formation.”
Inflammation Reduction
Inflammation is linked to many diseases, including cancer, and chronic inflammation is particularly dangerous. It occurs when the body's inflammatory response is continuously activated, flooding the system with harmful chemicals that attack body tissues. Given IGF-1’s role in cell function, maintaining healthy levels is essential. One study found that IGF-1 is critical for muscle repair after exertion by helping reduce inflammation. Low IGF-1 levels alongside chronic inflammation have been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, increased IGF-1 levels have been shown to diminish vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, slowing the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
As men age, IGF-1 levels tend to decline, contributing to erectile dysfunction. IGF-1 is known to facilitate the production of nitric oxide, which is essential for penile erection by relaxing vascular smooth muscle and allowing for blood engorgement. Maintaining healthy IGF-1 levels can help optimize nitric oxide levels, potentially reducing the incidence of ED.
Injury Recovery
Men involved in sports and weightlifting are at a higher risk for injuries. IGF-1 aids in repairing damaged muscle fibers by activating satellite cells, promoting muscle growth. It also facilitates the biological processes necessary for healing muscles, tendons, and ligaments following acute injuries or overuse. Both animal and human studies have demonstrated clear benefits in terms of accelerated healing, including stimulating local collagen formation for wound healing.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
DMD is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakening and is more common in men. IGF-1 administration can help prevent muscle wasting by stimulating growth and suppressing protein breakdown. Its role in skeletal muscle growth, myogenesis, and regeneration makes IGF-1 a promising therapeutic option for advanced muscle weakness.
Autism
Autism is characterized by difficulties in communication and forming relationships, with males at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent studies show that IGF-1 supplementation significantly improves social withdrawal in children with a rare form of autism spectrum disorder. This improvement may be due to IGF-1’s ability to promote nerve cell survival and enhance synaptic activity.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and is more likely to develop in men. The primary cause involves the death of dopamine neurons that communicate with the brain's movement control centers. IGF-1 helps protect against the loss of these neurons, potentially slowing disease progression and improving symptoms.
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What to Expect During Your Consultation:
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Usually takes 15-30 minutes
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Completely confidential
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No obligation to purchase anything
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We will discuss your symptoms along with your health and fitness goals
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Free post-consult access for any additional questions you may have