What do doctors prescribe HGH for? Understanding the Approved Medical Uses

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Since the FDA approved synthetic human growth hormone in 1985, its use has been strictly regulated for specific medical conditions. The question of what do doctors prescribe HGH for involves addressing medically-verified deficiencies in both children and adults, rather than unproven cosmetic or performance-enhancing purposes.

Quick Summary

Doctors prescribe synthetic HGH, or somatropin, to treat specific pediatric growth disorders and adult conditions such as growth hormone deficiency, HIV-associated wasting, and short bowel syndrome, based on a confirmed medical need.

Key Points

FDA-Approved Uses Only: Doctors prescribe HGH exclusively for specific, FDA-approved medical conditions, not for unapproved purposes like bodybuilding or anti-aging.
Pediatric Growth Disorders: HGH therapy treats children with conditions such as growth hormone deficiency and Turner syndrome. More information can be found on the {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/somatropin-information}.
Adult Deficiencies and Conditions: In adults, HGH is prescribed for confirmed growth hormone deficiency, HIV-associated wasting syndrome, and short bowel syndrome.
Requires Medical Diagnosis: Obtaining a prescription for HGH necessitates a thorough medical evaluation by an endocrinologist to confirm a genuine medical need.
Risks and Side Effects: Potential side effects include fluid retention, joint pain, and an increased risk of diabetes, which require close medical monitoring.
Illegal and Dangerous Misuse: The illicit use of HGH for unapproved purposes is illegal and extremely dangerous, posing severe health consequences.

Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatropin, is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is essential for growth, metabolism, and cell regeneration. While a healthy body produces a sufficient amount throughout its life, deficiencies or certain medical conditions require therapeutic intervention. Synthetic HGH is administered via injection and is available by prescription only for a range of FDA-approved medical uses. Understanding these specific indications is crucial for differentiating legitimate medical treatment from its illicit, unapproved, and often risky uses.

Pediatric Prescriptions: Addressing Growth Disorders

In children, HGH is primarily prescribed to correct inadequate growth and developmental issues stemming from various medical conditions. For a comprehensive list of pediatric conditions for which HGH may be prescribed, including Growth Hormone Deficiency, Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, and others, please refer to {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/somatropin-information}.

Adult Prescriptions: Managing Hormonal Deficiencies and Disease

Adults with certain medical conditions may also be prescribed HGH to manage symptoms. Unlike pediatric use focused on growth, adult therapy aims to restore muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic function.

Key adult conditions that qualify for prescribed HGH include:

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD): Where the pituitary gland stops producing enough HGH, often due to tumors, surgery, or radiation. Symptoms can include reduced muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, decreased bone density, and fatigue.
HIV-Associated Wasting Syndrome: To help increase body weight and endurance in individuals with severe muscle and weight loss due to HIV.
Short Bowel Syndrome: To help improve the absorption of nutrients and fluids in the intestines for adults requiring nutritional support.

Medical vs. Illicit Uses of HGH

Distinguishing between legitimate prescription HGH and unapproved, illegal uses is crucial. The following table compares these scenarios:


Feature	Medical (FDA-Approved) Use	Illicit (Unapproved) Use
Reason for Use	Treatment of confirmed medical conditions.	Anti-aging, muscle building, athletic performance enhancement.
Administration	Injectable formulation under medical supervision.	Often obtained through unauthorized sources.
Oversight	Requires evaluation by an endocrinologist and ongoing monitoring.	Lacks proper medical supervision.
Risks	Potential side effects managed by a doctor.	Increased risk of serious complications, including diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and potential cancer growth.
Legality	Legal with a valid prescription.	Illegal in the U.S. for unapproved uses.

How the Prescription Process Works

Obtaining an HGH prescription requires a thorough medical evaluation to confirm a genuine medical need. This process includes:

History and Examination: Review of medical history and physical assessment.
Diagnostic Testing: Blood tests, including stimulation tests, and imaging studies to assess pituitary function and growth status.
Endocrinologist Consultation: Referral to a specialist to confirm diagnosis and determine treatment.
Regular Monitoring: Ongoing checkups and tests to adjust dosage and manage side effects.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

HGH therapy can have potential side effects, which require medical supervision. Common side effects include:

Fluid retention (edema).
Joint and muscle pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Headaches.

More serious, though less common, risks include:

Increased insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.
Increased pressure inside the skull.
Gynecomastia in men.
Potential increase in the risk of certain cancers, especially with pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion

Doctors prescribe HGH for a limited set of FDA-approved conditions based on a rigorous diagnostic process. With appropriate medical supervision, HGH therapy is a safe and effective treatment for those with a confirmed medical need. For more detailed information on specific medications and approved uses, consult the {Link: MedlinePlus drug information website https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary medical reason doctors prescribe HGH is to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in both children and adults, a condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough of the hormone.

No, HGH is not FDA-approved for anti-aging, cosmetic, or performance-enhancing purposes. Using it for these reasons is illegal in the United States and carries significant health risks.

HGH is prescribed for pediatric conditions including growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and idiopathic short stature. More details are available on the {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/somatropin-information}.

Common side effects include fluid retention (edema), joint and muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and an increased risk of diabetes. These are typically managed with dose adjustments under a doctor's care.

Doctors diagnose HGH deficiency through a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of symptoms, physical examinations, and specialized blood tests, such as stimulation tests.

Long-term use, especially of high doses, can increase the risk of side effects like diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and potentially higher risks for certain cancers. Close medical supervision is essential.

HGH is contraindicated in patients with active cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and acute critical illnesses. It is also not prescribed for children whose growth plates have already closed.

Prescription HGH is administered via injection, either daily or weekly, typically into the fatty tissue under the skin.