Studies have shown levels as low as six IU per day can lead to early signs of acromegaly, which include physiological changes (insulin resistance) as well as the disfiguring alterations in appearance.15,16 When GH is low in adults, clinical features are noted, including: central (waist) obesity, weak bones, unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels, reduced muscle, decreased exercise tolerance, depression and anxiety.17,18 These features are resolved with GH replacement therapy, which can be used safely for years if IGF-1 levels are measured to ensure excess hormone isn’t being administered.18,19 IGF-1 is a protein growth factor, which is produced in response to GH and is responsible for many of its anabolic effects.
Ironically, though GH provides wonderful benefits up to a point, when it’s provided beyond what the body can tolerate, it can induce the disfiguring changes of acromegaly and lead to the development of the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors relating to poor health and early death.