When searching for medications that treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults, residents in Austin, TX, have many options. Upon diagnosis of GHD by a hormone specialist, the prescribed treatment could include HGH therapy, sermorelin, ipamorelin, or a combination of more than one medication.
The most popular form of treatment for GHD is HGH injections. Austin men and women know that the human growth hormone injections they get in the US are safe, legal, and effective at increasing growth hormone levels. Prescription HGH medications come from pharmacies licensed and regulated in the US.
In this review of medications used to treat GHD in adults, we will examine the differences between HGH, sermorelin, and ipamorelin. We will also explain the differences between these medications and the over-the-counter forms of HGH you may see advertised for sale.
The three best medications used to treat adult growth hormone deficiency are HGH, sermorelin, and ipamorelin.
HGH Injections – Medications That Directly Increase Growth Hormone Levels
Unlike any of the other medications we will discuss on this page, only HGH injections directly increase the available amount of growth hormone in the body. HGH is produced through recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology. It is an expensive and multi-step process that ensures the molecularly bioidentical structure to 191 amino acid somatotropin (growth hormone).
What sets HGH apart from other growth hormone medications is that once injected, HGH travels through the bloodstream to growth hormone receptors. When HGH reaches these same cells that rely on pituitary secreted somatotropin, the HGH binds to the cells on the surface of the body’s tissues to initiate the corresponding actions. No other growth hormone medication can accomplish that function.
Because HGH injections directly influence growth hormone actions, the results are rapid. Benefits such as better sleep, increased energy, decreased inflammation, and a better sense of humor and emotional state appear first. With the passing of a few weeks and months, muscles, skin, hair, bones, libido, metabolism (weight loss), and brain functions will improve.
The top brands of HGH as determined and recommended by our HGH Clinic Austin doctors are:
- Omnitrope
- Genotropin
- Saizen
- Humatrope
- Norditropin
- Zomacton
You can purchase HGH medications in standard vials containing freeze-dried powder ready for reconstitution. This economical way of injecting HGH utilizes insulin syringes. HGH is also available in convenient injector pen models, as well as individually prefilled single-dose syringes.
HGH medications directly increase the amount of growth hormone in the bloodstream for the fastest results.
Sermorelin and Ipamorelin – HGH Medications That Increase Natural Hormone Production
The next two HGH medications are sermorelin and ipamorelin. These medications serve as secretagogues – substances that promote the production of specific hormones. Sermorelin and ipamorelin act to increase the pituitary gland’s secretion of growth hormone.
Sermorelin and ipamorelin accomplish this in different ways, as detailed below:
- Sermorelin:
Sermorelin functions in the same way as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a chemical secreted by the hypothalamus which goes to work on the somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. The somatotrophs are the cells that manufacture and secrete growth hormone. When using sermorelin injections, the body increases its natural production of GH.
- Ipamorelin:
Ipamorelin functions in a slightly different way, working on the hypothalamus to decrease secretion of somatostatin – the hormone that inhibits somatotropin production. By reducing the amount of somatostatin that leaves the hypothalamus, ipamorelin allows for increased growth hormone production by the somatotrophs.
With both options, natural growth hormone production increases, although the results typically take a few months before they are noticeable. Sermorelin and ipamorelin are better choices for people who do not yet suffer from extensive growth hormone deficiency symptoms.
Another option for some people is to use either sermorelin or ipamorelin in conjunction with HGH injections. In this way, there is an immediate boost in growth hormone levels to provide fast results. At the same time, the secretagogue works to increase natural somatotropin production. There is also a monetary saving as many adults can stop using HGH therapy sooner and maintain the lower-costing option of one of the secretagogues.
Sermorelin and ipamorelin work as secretagogues to increase natural growth hormone production.
Pills, Pellets, Drops, Sprays, Lotions, and Patches – False HGH Medications
Many other products on the market “claim” to do the same thing as sermorelin or ipamorelin through increasing growth hormone production. HGH sold in the form of pills, pellets, drops, sprays, lotions, patches, or any other product other than a prescription injectable does not contain real HGH. The primary reason why HGH is only available as an injectable is its molecular structure and size. It cannot enter into the bloodstream through the skin or when taken orally as the natural digestive processes in the body will destroy its properties.
HGH medications sold in any other form is most likely a blend of various types of amino acids. While some of these preparations may have benefits for specific functions, research has not shown them to be effective at increasing HGH levels.
When looking to increase HGH levels in Austin, Texas, please contact our HGH Clinic Austin for a free and confidential consultation.