Can You Take HGH and Testosterone Together?

Does Taking HGH and Testosterone Together Deliver Better Results?

Maintaining hormonal balance as you age is crucial for your body. Two hormones – testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) – decline as you get older. Correcting any deficiency is the focus of a hormone specialist. Having one of these deficiencies also puts you at risk of being low in both hormones as they influence each other’s production. 

Numerous studies have examined the effects of HGH therapy on testosterone levels and the influence of testosterone treatment on human growth hormone. Other studies measure the responses of dual treatment using testosterone and HGH concurrently as a modality.

This review looks at the pros and cons of taking HGH and testosterone together, their interactions with one another, and the benefits and safety associated with combining these treatments. 

How Do HGH and Testosterone Interact Together?

Protecting the body from a decrease in HGH and testosterone as you age is vital for your health and overall well-being. HGH and testosterone have a mutual (synergistic) relationship with one another. Although HGH is a protein peptide hormone and testosterone is a steroid hormone, their influence on each other is well-studied. 

The decline of human growth hormone with aging is associated with reduced physical performance, increased fatigue, decreased lean body mass, mood changes, and increased visceral fat mass. 

Testosterone decline is also associated with low energy, decreased muscle and bone mass, reduced libido and sexual performance, decreased red blood cell count, and impaired emotional well-being. 

One of the effects of human growth hormone is to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes to secrete testosterone and estradiol (estrogen). HGH also modulates luteinizing hormone (LH) induced secretion of these hormones.

Studies on HGH and Testosterone

In a double study that looked at the effects of HGH vs. testosterone, both alone and in combination, subjects in the first part received eighter HGH or HGH and testosterone for one month, then switched to the other treatment for the second month. In the second part of the study, subjects received either testosterone or testosterone and HGH for one month and then switched to the other treatment for the second month.

The results of this HGH or testosterone therapy double study are as follows:

• HGH alone increased insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and protein synthesis and reduced protein oxidation. Testosterone added to the HGH treatment further enhanced those benefits.
• Testosterone alone did not change IGF-1, but it increased protein synthesis and reduced protein oxidation. Adding HGH to the testosterone enhanced those benefits and increased IGF-1.

Testosterone by itself does not influence IGF-1 levels but can improve the effectiveness of HGH therapy in this area. Another study has also shown testosterone to stimulate human growth hormone secretion by modulating pituitary HGH response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).

In another study, men in their sixties completed three different treatments for one month each: testosterone, HGH, and HGHT – a combination of the hormones. The results of this study are as follows:

• Supplementation with human growth hormone and testosterone, single and combined, induced serum concentrations of HGH, IGF-1, and testosterone.
• One month of treatment is not enough time to induce total body fat reduction.
• Combining HGH and testosterone decreased walking and stair climbing time over both modalities alone. 

Benefits of combined HGH and testosterone for the heart

Testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow. Both testosterone and HGH play a significant role in maintaining bone mineral density. Red blood cell production is crucial for maintaining circulation and heart health. 

The following study focused on the effects of HGH and testosterone replacement to treat patients with heart failure, as follows:

• One year of HGH therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen consumption and significantly reduced NT-proBNP levels.
• An additional year of combined HGHT treatment further increased VO2 peak and improved muscular strength.
• No cardiovascular events or adverse effects were reported.

Is It Safe to Take HGH and Testosterone Injections Together? 

It is safe to take HGH and testosterone together while under the care and monitoring of a hormone specialist. Increasing either of these hormones, if not low, can lead to significant problems and side effects. 

Elevated growth hormone levels can cause high blood sugar levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint and muscle pains, heart problems, gynecomastia, edema, and other issues. 

High testosterone levels can lead to polycythemia, worsen sleep apnea, influence prostate growth, and decrease beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

What are the benefits of combining HGH therapy and testosterone replacement?

Conclusion

Testosterone and HGH have some of the same functions, such as aiding in fat burning, muscle building, strengthening bone mineral density, improving circulation and heart health, supporting brain functions, and promoting healthy sexual desire and performance. 

Whether you are prescribed HGH, testosterone, or a combination of both, your doctor will monitor your progress to ensure you receive safe results. A combination of HGH and testosterone can significantly benefit heart health, emotional well-being, physical performance, body composition, and overall quality of life. 

Our hormone specialists are here to help you enjoy a happier, healthier future.