Is Tesamorelin the Same Thing as Human Growth Hormone?
Tesamorelin vs. Human Growth Hormone: Understanding the Differences
In the world of hormone therapy, there’s often confusion
about the various treatments available, especially when it comes to peptides
like Tesamorelin, Sermorelin
and human growth hormone (HGH). While they are all related medications/peptides
and are used in hormone-related therapies, they are not all the same. Whether it’s
mechanism of action, administration, costs or FDA approved use, understanding
their differences is crucial for anyone considering these medications for
anti-aging, fat loss, or other health-related goals. This article will explore
what Tesamorelin and HGH are, how they work, and what makes them distinct from
each other.
What is Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a naturally occurring hormone
produced by the pituitary gland, a small structure located at the base of the
brain. HGH plays a vital role in growth, body composition, cell repair, and
metabolism. It’s particularly crucial during childhood and adolescence for
growth, but it continues to have significant effects throughout adulthood
making it a popular anti-aging treatment option, but the problem is that age is
not an FDA approved reason for being prescribed HGH so obtaining an Rx can
become a difficult process. Most physicians will test for HGH levels by using a
simple blood test which measures IGF-1 levels.
HGH affects various processes in the human body, including…
The stimulation of growth: HGH promotes the growth of
bones and tissues, especially during childhood. Often children who aren’t growing
or are considerably smaller than their peers will be considered candidates for
hgh therapy.
The regulation of metabolism: It helps regulate
metabolism, including how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This
can aid in several metabolic processes for both children and adults.
Cellular regeneration: HGH supports the repair and
regeneration of cells, which is important for maintaining healthy skin,
muscles, and organs and more. Often men on TRT will take HGH to help build
more muscle.
Muscle and bone health: By supporting protein
synthesis, HGH helps maintain muscle mass and bone density which is why it’s
also popular among body builders and professional athletes as it aids recovery
and improves performance.
Synthetic HGH, First developed in the 1980s, it’s been
used to treat various conditions related to growth hormone deficiency, such as
Turner syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and muscle wasting due to HIV/AIDS.
It’s also used off-label for anti-aging purposes, athletic performance
enhancement, and body composition improvement. Often patients looking for HGH
for off label use are interested in this type of medication, however most
reputable doctors will avoid prescribing it for “anti-aging” or “performance
enhancing” as it can be a major problem for them if they have to explain a
legitimate reason to a medical board as to why it was prescribed to a patient
with normal hgh levels, with no FDA approved underlying medical condition to
justify treatment. Fear of regulatory actions against a doctor’s license will
be a significant hurdle for patients that want to start HGH, as most physicians
will not want to risk any potential investigation/penalty.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH),
specifically synthetic forms such as somatropin, are FDA-approved for the
treatment of various conditions in both children and adults and for these reasons,
a doctor can and often will have no problem prescribing it for these legitimate
purposes. Here’s a breakdown of these approved uses and a link to the FDA
website regarding its use.
FDA-Approved Uses for HGH in Children:
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): For children who aren’t
producing enough growth hormone, leading to short stature and growth failure.
These kids will usually be much smaller than their classmates and GH can help
them to grow and reach normal heights Turner Syndrome: A chromosomal
disorder in females that results in short stature and delayed puberty. Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD): In children with CKD, HGH is approved to help with
growth failure before they undergo a more serious procedure like a kidney
transplant. Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): A genetic disorder
characterized by poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones, and a constant
feeling of hunger. HGH helps in improving growth and body composition in
children with PWS which can help them to gain weight and grow. Idiopathic
Short Stature (ISS): For children who are significantly shorter than their
peers and classmates without any identifiable cause. Small for Gestational
Age (SGA): For children born smaller than the average size for their
gestational age who fail to catch up in growth by age 2.
FDA-Approved Uses for HGH in Adults:
Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD): For adults
with growth hormone deficiency due to pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease,
surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma. HIV/AIDS-Related Muscle
Wasting: To counteract the severe muscle wasting that can occur and improve
overall body composition in patients who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Short
Bowel Syndrome: For patients with short bowel syndrome, HGH can be used to help
improve intestinal absorption and nutritional status which obviously will help
improve health, growth and body composition.
Non-Approved or Off-Label Uses:
As discussed before, while HGH has several FDA-approved
indications, it is also used off-label for purposes for things such as
anti-aging, relative
androgen deficiency, athletic performance enhancement, and body composition
improvement. However, these uses are not approved by the FDA, and the safety
and efficacy of HGH for these purposes are not well-established making it risky
for doctors to prescribe and treat patients for these reasons.
It's important to note that the use of HGH should be closely
monitored by a healthcare provider, particularly because of the potential for
side effects and the legal restrictions associated with its use. Still, there
are many doctors and clinics that write prescriptions for these medications and
often the costs are equally as high as the risks.
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin
is a synthetic peptide, which is a small protein-like molecule. It mimics
the action of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hormone that
stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release HGH. Tesamorelin’s
primary use is to increase the body’s natural production of HGH. It works by
binding to the GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, thus triggering a cascade
of events that lead to the secretion of HGH. Because it triggers the natural
production of HGH in humans, it is considered by many healthcare providers to
be an excellent and safe alternative to synthetic HGH.
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for the treatment of
HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition where abnormal fat distribution
occurs in the body. It’s not FDA-approved for anti-aging or general fat loss,
but it’s sometimes used off-label for these purposes due to its ability to
increase HGH levels naturally. It’s SIGNIFICANTLY less expensive than synthetic
GH and has the benefit of being both readily available and effective in its
ability to increase natural GH production.
How Do Tesamorelin and HGH Differ?
While both Tesamorelin and HGH are involved in increasing
growth hormone levels in the body, they do so in different ways and have
different applications for patients.
Mechanism of Action:
HGH: When administered as a treatment, synthetic HGH
bypasses the body’s natural hormone regulation processes. It directly increases
HGH levels in the bloodstream, which can lead to rapid effects on growth,
metabolism, and other bodily functions. This can be both good and bad. Good when
it works on the desired targeted areas like muscles and skin for example. Bad
if it causes the rapid growth of a tumor.
Tesamorelin: Rather than directly adding HGH to the
body, Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release more of
the body’s own HGH. This makes Tesamorelin a more natural way to increase HGH
levels because it works within the body’s existing hormonal pathways which is why
many doctors prefer this over GH for some patients.
Treatment Goals:
HGH: HGH is typically used when there is a need for
immediate and significant increases in growth hormone levels, such as in cases
of growth hormone deficiency or severe muscle wasting. It’s also used in
off-label scenarios for anti-aging, body composition improvement, and
performance enhancement.
Tesamorelin: Tesamorelin is primarily used for
reducing visceral fat in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its
off-label uses include anti-aging and fat loss, but it’s often chosen because
it stimulates the body’s own HGH production rather than adding synthetic HGH.
Side Effects and Risks:
HGH: Because synthetic HGH is a potent hormone, it
carries the risk of side effects, especially if used inappropriately or at high
doses. Potential side effects include joint pain, insulin resistance, carpal
tunnel syndrome, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Long-term use of HGH
can also lead to acromegaly, a condition where bones and tissues grow
excessively. Having a physician with experience with this medication is vital
in preventing side effects and maximizing the benefit of treatments.
Tesamorelin: Since Tesamorelin stimulates the body’s
natural production of HGH rather than adding it directly, it’s considered to
have a lower risk of side effects. However, it can still cause reactions such
as hypersensitivity, joint pain, and swelling. Because Tesamorelin increases
natural HGH levels rather than directly supplementing them, it’s generally
thought to have a more favorable safety profile for long-term use as well as
the benefit of being much less expensive.
Regulation and Availability:
HGH: Synthetic HGH is a controlled substance in many
countries due to its potential for abuse in sports and bodybuilding. It’s only
available by prescription and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare
provider that understands the risks and benefits before taking it..
Tesamorelin: Tesamorelin is also a prescription
medication, but its use is more specifically targeted towards patients with
HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Off-label use is less common compared to HGH but
is still prevalent in anti-aging and wellness clinics and its affordability
makes it more appealing to many patients.
When to Use Tesamorelin vs. HGH
Choosing between Tesamorelin and HGH depends on your health
goals, underlying conditions, and the guidance of a healthcare provider as well
as financial ability to afford expensive treatments. Often, HGH is only covered
for certain conditions by insurance so check with your provider to determine
what type of coverage you can expect.
For Hormone Deficiency: If you have a diagnosed
growth hormone deficiency, synthetic HGH may be the more appropriate choice, as
it can directly and significantly increase HGH levels to address the
deficiency. This will be determined by tests performed by a licensed healthcare
provider and appropriate bloodwork/imaging.
For Fat Loss and Body Composition: Tesamorelin is
often favored for fat loss, particularly in the abdominal area, due to its
specific FDA approval for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. For those looking to
improve body composition while minimizing side effects, Tesamorelin’s ability
to increase HGH naturally may be more appealing and appropriate for long term
use.
For Anti-Aging: Both HGH and Tesamorelin are used in
anti-aging therapies. However, Tesamorelin might be preferred for those looking
for a more natural increase in HGH levels, as it reduces the risk of the more
severe side effects associated with synthetic HGH. It can be used safely for
long term treatment and is more affordable as well as easier to obtain a
prescription for.
For Performance Enhancement: Synthetic HGH is more
commonly used for performance enhancement in sports and bodybuilding, despite
its legal and health risks. Tesamorelin is less likely to be used in this
context due to its more gradual and natural approach to increasing HGH. It’s
not recommended to take any hormones or peptides for performance enhancement
due to lack of FDA approval as well as the potential policy violations from any
sports governing body. NCAA, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, UFC and other organization
have strict policies regarding what can and cannot be used, so always check to
see if you are putting yourself at risk of violating and substance use
policies.
A Personalized Approach to Hormone Therapy
While Tesamorelin and HGH are related in their effects on
growth hormone levels, they are distinct treatments with different mechanisms
of action, applications, and risk profiles. Tesamorelin stimulates the body’s
own production of HGH and is primarily used for fat reduction and anti-aging,
while synthetic HGH is a more direct and potent intervention, used for treating
severe hormone deficiencies and in some off-label uses.
Choosing between these treatments should be based on
individual health needs, goals, and a thorough discussion with your healthcare
provider who can provide guidance on the best option. Whether you’re looking to
address a hormone deficiency, reduce visceral fat, or explore anti-aging
therapies, understanding the differences between Tesamorelin and HGH can help
you make an informed decision for your health.
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