How Long Does Genotropin Shots Take To Increase Energy Level?

Posted on Sun, 2 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Feb 2014 Answered on

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was recently diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency. I started genotropin shots 2 weeks ago, how long does it take for energy level to increase and social isolation or over-all feeling of well being to get better?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Months Detailed Answer: The latest Endocrine Society guidelines on this subject were released in 2011 (updated form the 2006 version) and have re-emphasized the fact that benefits from GH therapy take several months to take effect. The specific aspects that you are enquiring about such as energy levels, social isolation and well being are related body composition changes that occur as a consequence of GH treatment as well as the quality of life improvements that follow. But these typically take 3-6 months before substantive improvements are perceptible. However, individual responses to treatment may take more or less time, depending on the degree of GH deficiency and the duration for which it has been there. Furthermore restoration of GH levels (as evidenced by IGF1 levels) in the normal range is key to success. Often treatment is begun with an empiric dose and adjusted at monthly intervals till reasonable blood levels are attained. This phase itself can take couple months to arrive at the optimal dose for a given person. The full benefits of GH treatment are later realized once good levels are steady in the blood for several weeks to months.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar