Adult Growth Hormone Therapy — Deficiency Symptoms and the Treatment Process
Growth hormone (GH) is a messenger substance secreted by the pituitary gland. It travels through the bloodstream to various organs and tissues, influencing their structure and function. While it is well known as the hormone that makes children grow taller during their growth years, it continues to be secreted in adults after growth has finished, playing an important role in regulating metabolism.
As growth hormone secretion decreases with age, deficiency symptoms resembling signs of aging may appear. At Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery in Apgujeong, adult growth hormone therapy is provided based on pre-treatment blood tests and regular hormone-level monitoring. This article summarizes the treatment process based on the clinic's original guidance materials.
What Kind of Hormone Is Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master gland" because it regulates many other glands in the body. In addition to supporting the growth and development of cells in the long bones, growth hormone is known to mobilize fat to increase muscle protein synthesis, regulate the balance of water and minerals, and influence psychological stability and energy levels.
Its secretion follows a daily rhythm, with the largest amount released during deep sleep in the early part of the night. Growth hormone injections are typically administered once a day in the evening in order to mimic this natural secretion rhythm as closely as possible.
Do Adults Also Need Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone does not act on a single target organ alone; it affects multiple organs, and it continues to be secreted after adulthood to help regulate metabolism. According to the original reference material, growth hormone secretion is said to decline by approximately 14.4% each decade after one's twenties, potentially dropping to less than 50% of youthful levels after age 60, at which point deficiency symptoms resembling signs of aging may appear. However, whether treatment is actually needed must be determined by a physician through testing and examination, and this varies from person to person.
What Symptoms Can Appear When Growth Hormone Is Deficient?
The original reference material lists the following as symptoms that may appear with adult growth hormone deficiency.
- Abdominal obesity due to increased body fat
- Hyperlipidemia
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Reduced skin elasticity and increased fine lines
- Chronic fatigue, lethargy, and depressed mood
- Hair loss and diminished vision
These symptoms can also result from other causes, so rather than relying on self-diagnosis, an objective differential diagnosis through blood tests and other examinations should come first.
How Is the Growth Hormone Injection Administered?
Because growth hormone is a protein, if taken orally it would be digested and broken down just like the protein in food, and would not be able to perform its intended function. For this reason, it is administered as a subcutaneous injection under the skin so that it can reach the bloodstream and take effect. The growth hormone used clinically is produced through biosynthesis and has the same structure as natural growth hormone. There are two administration methods: self-injecting into the abdomen or buttocks every night before bed, or visiting the clinic once a week for an injection. The injection site is rotated each time to prevent skin damage, and because the needle is thin, discomfort is generally described as minimal.
If you forget an injection, administer the usual dose the next day, and never inject a double dose to make up for it. Administering an excessive amount over a long period can cause side effects or symptoms of overdose, so you must always consult your doctor.
What Tests Are Performed Before and During Treatment?
Growth hormone is a prescription medication and must be used strictly under a physician's diagnosis and prescription. At Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery, blood tests are performed before treatment to check for various cancers that can be detected through blood work, and patients are advised to undergo regular screening for breast cancer and uterine cancer. During treatment, hormone levels are checked once every three months to monitor progress. This regular testing and monitoring is an essential process for safe treatment.
You can find information about our treatment philosophy and medical staff on the About the Director page, and if you are also interested in anti-aging care, you may find the Metacell MCT page helpful as well.
Consultation Information
Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a Consultation
This article is for informational purposes only. Treatment results may vary by individual. Hormone therapy always requires a physician's diagnosis, prescription, and regular checkups, and side effects may occur, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist beforehand.