Hormones work in unison in a delicate balance. Some men can use testosterone therapy, some men growth hormone therapy (or HGH Therapy) and still others may benefit from both.
“Is there a difference between testosterone therapy and growth hormone therapy?” That is a question I often get asked.
The title of this blog post is a little deceiving. The use of the word “versus” was really used just to grab your attention. But in reality, I never like to talk about “testosterone replacement vs HGH replacement, because “vs” implies “adversaries,” or something antagonistic, but that simply is not the case in the way we apply hormone replacement therapy for men.
While it is true that growth hormone and testosterone are different hormones with different purposes, when it comes to hormone replacement, usually these are given together because they have a “synergistic effect.”
The truth is both HGH and testosterone are vital for strength, vitality and peak performance. Furthermore, they start to decline with age around the same time, so that by the time a man is between the ages of 35 and 55, he is likely feeling the effects of the loss of both critical hormones.
Signs and Symptoms of Low HGH or Low Testosterone
The signs and symptoms of low testosterone, also known as Low-T, do overlap with those of low HGH, also known as adult growth hormone deficiency.
Furthermore, hormone replacement is not so much about increasing your levels of one hormone or the other, but of keeping everything in proper balance. You could be suffering from a hormone imbalance if:
- You are having sexual wellness issues, such as loss of libido, decreased performance, or erectile dysfunction.
- You feel tired and have an overall lack of vitality.
- You are having emotional issues such as: moodiness, anxiety or depression.
- You are putting on weight, particularly belly fat, and are having difficult building muscle even if you are working out.
Testosterone levels and growth hormone levels “peak” around the same time, in your early 20s. After that, the levels of both hormones begin a steady decline. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, you probably are feeling the influence of the loss of both of these critical hormones, and are probably a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone Therapy – Make the Right Choice
Once your levels are checked, and there is an indication of a problem, doctor prescribed testosterone therapy, and/or growth hormone therapy is a safe and effective way of returning what time and nature take away. If you are prescribed a course of testosterone therapy, growth hormone therapy, or both, there are some differences in the way each is delivered.
Prescription growth hormone therapy is only given in daily self-injections. There are more options for testosterone therapy including gels, creams and sub-dermal patches.
If you are diagnosed with low growth hormone or low testosterone and you do not follow your doctor’s advice, things will only go from bad to worse. Your energy will continue to decrease, you will continue to gain weight, experience sexual health issues and generally be on the path to being the proverbial “crotchety old man.”
Or, you can change all of that, and make the first move. Contact us today and you will take the first steps on a path to a longer, healthier, more productive life.
Call or text (305) 682-1818 or complete a Free Consultation Form
Dr. Alvaro J. Ocampo
Dr. Ocampo is an expert physician specializing in anti-aging, hormone therapy, pathology and environmental medicine. He received his medical degree from Columbia State Medical School in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Ocampo’s comprehensive medical experience includes working as medical officer for the U.S. Public Health Service and C.D.C, National Institute for Occupational Health, medical director for the U.S. Public Health Service, and as a Principal Investigator for American Pharmaceutical Companies.
