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HGH Therapy – Possible Side Effects in Adults

Written by Author - Authors Medical experts of the National HRT Clinic - October 16, 2015

possible-side-effects-of-hgh-therapy

Human growth hormone (HGH) has some possible side effects for adults.

HGH is approved for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency. HGH is generally regarded as safe. However, as with any prescription medication or medical procedure, HGH therapy has some possible side effects.

If you are a man or a woman suffering from a growth hormone deficiency, you should not avoid treatment via growth hormone therapy due to a fear of side effects. While HGH does have some possible side effects for men and for women, most if not all of these potential negative effects of HGH therapy can be avoided when you follow your doctor’s instructions.

HGH therapy is approved and generally regarded as safe.

Negative Effects of HGH On Men

negative-effects-of-hgh-on-men

HGH therapy is only give via injection. The side effects of growth hormone injections really are minimal. Some of the more general negative effects of HGH injections for men include:

  • Joint pain
  • Inflammation at the injection site
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

The complete list of possible negative effects of HGH on men, including less common and rare HGH side effects, include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Increased insulin resistance
  • Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Ear congestion or ear infections
  • Feeling cold
  • Fluid retentions, bloating, and weight gain
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Swelling of extremities
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Nausea and vomiting

Negative Effects of HGH On Women

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Women once shied away from HGH therapy because they were afraid it could make them look to “muscly.” Nothing could be further than the truth, and now many women are realizing that HGH can help them to lose weight and otherwise look and feel younger.

However, just like men, women continued to be concerned about the negative impacts of HGH therapy. For the most part, the list of side effects of HGH for women, are the same as the list for men, and equally uncommon. Some of the other rare, but reported negative impacts of HGH on women receiving HGH therapy include:

  • Allergic reaction, including swelling at the injection site, rash, or hives
  • Hip, knee, or other joint pain
  • Headache
  • Progression of spine curvature in patients with scoliosis
  • Temporary increase in blood sugar levels, which stops when the HGH treatment stops

HGH therapy does have some potential side effects for both men and for women.


Understand that there are many positive benefits that any man or woman suffering from a growth hormone deficiency can receive from growth hormone injections.

Anyone who is reading this page who might be considering growth hormone injections, should not look at this list of HGH side effects for men and women and be frightened. This may look like a long and scary list of negative effects of HGH, but you must understand that by law, a drug manufacturer must report every side effect that was ever experienced by the use of a drug, even if it occurred in just a few people.

Most of these side effects of HGH therapy are exceedingly rare. Almost all of our HGH therapy patients, experience few if any issues with their HGH injections. Furthermore, since you will be closely monitored throughout your course of growth hormone injections, if you do experience any side effects, we can usually adjust your dose accordingly to eliminate the problem.

Why Do These HGH Side Effects Occur?

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Once again, understand that the side effects of HGH are rare. Almost all of the time that a person is experiencing negative effects from HGH is when they are not using HGH legally or properly. The negative effects of HGH usually occur when someone is:

  • Abusing HGH or taking HGH injections illegally
  • Taking “black market” or low quality HGH from China or India
  • Not following their doctor’s instructions
  • Taking more than their recommended dosage
  • Not being properly monitored by a physician
  • Not reporting any HGH side effects to their doctor or healthcare provider

How to Avoid Negative Effects of HGH

how-to-avoid-negative-effects-of-hgh

You can avoid most if not all of the potential side effects of HGH, by choosing where you get your HGH therapy from, wisely.

There is no getting around the fact that any drug has possible side effects. However, you can minimize the risks by working with skilled and experienced hormone therapy providers. Our doctors understand the risks of HGH replacement therapy and will do everything in their power to see that you achieve your goals, with few, if any side effects. Also, our doctors only prescribe the highest quality brand names of HGH made by well-known pharmaceutical companies.

When looking at the possible negative effects of growth hormone injections, it is more important to think about the long-term positive effects of HGH therapy for men and women. You will be carefully monitored throughout your course of HGH injections. Should you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or case coordinator immediately. We can usually resolve any issues by adjusting your dose of HGH.

In the rare case that you experience some side effects of your growth hormone injections that we cannot completely eliminate, they will probably be a minor discomfort that will pass quickly, and be insignificant when balanced against the long term positive benefits of growth hormone injection therapy.

Most if not all of the potential negative effects of HGH, can be avoided by working with doctors experienced in prescribing HGH for age-related growth hormone deficiencies.


Now that you understand a little bit more about the possible side effects of HGH and how to avoid them, why not contact us today, and find out if you are a candidate for the many life-changing benefits of HGH replacement therapy.

Medically reviewed by   Reviewers National HRT Staff - Updated on September 26, 2022

Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.