HGH Injections Sites: Where to Administer Human Growth Hormone

Individuals getting ready to begin human growth hormone therapy for the first time have a lot of questions, including what HGH injection sites they should use on their bodies. Where and how HGH is injected can have an impact on absorption of the hormone into the bloodstream. This, in turn, can increase or decrease the results of the treatment.

HGH will be prescribed by a doctor specializing in hormone replacement therapy following blood testing and physical examination. A detailed medical history is also required to ensure that treatment will be safe to use before any determination of an appropriate HGH injection site and dosage.

HGH delivery is subcutaneous. For those not familiar with the term, subcutaneous tissue is the layer immediately beneath the skin – the hypodermis. You will also find subcutaneous tissue above muscle tissue. Unlike testosterone therapy which is delivered via intramuscular injection, HGH absorption is best when administered subcutaneously so that it is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

In the subcutaneous tissue you will find:

• Blood vessels
• Fat
• Hair follicle roots
• Elastin fibers
• Collagen
• Sweat glands
• Lymphatic vessels

For the majority of people, the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen is ideal for HGH administration.

How to Increase HGH Absorption through Injection Site Selection

A 1991 study measured the absorption of human growth hormone through subcutaneous injections via the abdominal area vs. the thigh. The objective of the research was to investigate whether the absorption of HGH was site dependent.

The selected brand of HGH for this test was Norditropin at a dosage of 4 IU. The subjects were eight males and three females – all healthy young adults.

On one occasion, the subcutaneous HGH injection site was the thigh and on the second human growth hormone was administered to the abdominal tissue. Blood was tested for GH, glucose, insulin, glycerol, and non-esterified fatty acids before the injection (baseline) and then hourly after that for a total of twelve hours. Serum IGF-1 (insulin growth factor 1) levels were measured at baseline, and then again at the twelve and twenty-four-hour marks.

The results showed that peak growth hormone levels were significantly higher when the HGH injection site was the abdomen rather than the thigh. Although the other blood levels did not vary from one location of injection to the other, the difference in growth hormone levels clearly showed that HGH is better absorbed when administered to the abdominal site.

What to Consider When Choosing an HGH Injection Site

The choice of HGH injection site is a personal one. If you plan on administering this medication to yourself, you want a location that is readily accessible and easy to use.

Here are some points to consider:

• Never use the same site for HGH injections twice in a row – alternate body sides each time
• Keep you injection site at least 1 ½ inches away from the last spot used
• People who are extremely thin should not use the abdomen as there may not be enough subcutaneous tissue available for the injection
• Do not inject HGH around the area of sexual organs, the eyelids, or the face
• Make sure the site is easy to reach

Since many people with growth hormone deficiency are overweight, concern is sometimes expressed about administering this shot to an area with excess fat. This is actually beneficial since when you use the abdominal HGH injection site, fat loss is promoted.

The HGH injection sites picture to the left shows how to select your location. You want to imagine a circle around the belly button extending about 1 to 1 ½ inches from the center. This is the area to avoid when giving your HGH injections.

After swabbing the injection site with an alcohol prep wipe, you will take a 2-inch fold of skin between your index finger and thumb while holding the syringe or HGH injector pen in your other hand. Once you insert the needle, release the pinched skin and proceed with your shot.

For additional information about choosing the right HGH injection site, contact the hormone specialists at Kingsberg HRT Clinic for help and a free consultation.