GROWTH HORMONE

Most FAQ’s

1. WHO SHOULD RECEIVE HGH THERAPY AND WHY?

Anyone with HGH deficiency detected on IGF-1 testing that is interested in obtaining quality and longevity of life and has no contraindications for treatment.  Patients may be with or without symptoms of aging (chronic illness such as high blood pressure and arthritis) but all must be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially committed to reap the vast benefits of HGH and ICAM’s H.E.A.R.T.

(Hormone-Endocrine-Anti-Aging-Replacement Therapy) Programs.

2. IS HGH FDA APPROVED?

 Yes if it is being given to patients with documented deficiency levels and symptoms.  It is not approved for “off label” use such as performance enhancing in athletes or for strictly cosmetic reasons for those with “normal” growth hormone or IGF-1 levels.  Of note however, these effects are an added benefit for those who begin growth hormone therapy.

3. IS DR. BARTISS QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE ME WITH THIS TYPE OF THERAPY?

 I (Dr. Bartiss) have been providing and supplementing the health care of hundreds of individuals through the use of hormone balancing and other Traditional and Alternative therapies for nearly a decade.  I have attended dozens of conferences and AMA accredited workshops on various topics including Anti-aging medicine and hormone balancing as well as cosmetic procedures all of which I am extremely proficient in.

I am a member of ACAM and A4M (American College for the

Advancement of Medicine and the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine), both of which are exclusive societies of elite physicians from around the world.  I am a diplomat of the American Academy of Family Physicians and hold several certifications in the CAM (COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE) field including Chelation Therapy.  I will take my board certification in Anti-Aging Medicine when I become eligible in about two years. To answer the question in three short  words……  YES I AM.

4.      WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR PRESCRIBING THE USE OF GROWTH HORMONE?

 Documented Growth Hormone Deficiency is the principal and the only indication for which I will prescribe GH therapy.  Among the few exceptions are neurological and/or muscular disorders that have been refractory to other forms of therapy and in patients experiencing cardiac failure (CHF) and only if they have adequate adrenal function.

5. WHAT IS THE CUTOFF VALUE THAT YOU USE TO DETERMINE LOW GH LEVELS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR TREATMENT?

First of all I do not actually measure HGH levels but rather a more reliable marker of

aging known as IGF-1.  This is a byproduct of HGH that is metabolized in the liver

and is much more representative of true biological aging.  As with all hormones, I try

to achieve OPTIMAL levels vs. what conventional medicine labels “Normal Levels”

based on the age, weight and sex of the patient.  Optimal levels generally are those found during the fourth to fifth decades of life (30-40 years old).  It is at this stage in life age development is over but the disease processes and age- related diseases have not

yet made their appearance.  It is also a time where there is the lowest incidence

CANCER.

For IGF-1 in females: less than or equal to 180mcg/L

For males: less than or equal to 200mcg/L

6. ARE THERE OTHER DETERMINING FACTORS OR TESTING THAT WILL NEED TO BE DONE THAT WILL DETERMINE MY NEED/ELIGIBILITY FOR HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

Yes. At ICAM we perform a test called the H-SCAN, which tests medically accepted

changes of aging such as lung capacity, response time, muscle strength, hearing and memory. We also perform cognitive testing on those who are found to have deficits on pre-screening testing.  In addition we encourage that each individual patient keep a diary or log of their progress that includes their height and weight as well as skin turgor, response time, and symptoms check list which are given to every patient in outline form and reviewed at different time intervals throughout their therapy to follow their progress. .

7. WHAT CAN GH DO FOR ME AND CAN IT REALLY ADD YEARS TO MY LIFE?

This is probably the most important question to ask and have the answers to.  Because this questionnaire is only an outline, suffice it to say that not only will GH slow the aging process, it will heal aging tissues and improve global quality of life as well as extend it.  In a well-reviewed study in Sweden, Dr. Bengt-Ake Bengtsson found that people with low levels of HGH had a shorter life span than those of the same age with higher levels.  However, after just six months of therapy with HGH, the aging process of those test subjects was reduced by an average of 10 years.

More information on the benefits of HGH and other hormones can be obtained from Dr. Bartiss at your request and is enclosed in the H.E.A.R.T.  PROGRAM packet.

8. CAN I RECEIVE HGH WITHOUT ANY OTHER HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

Yes but it does not make sense to do so.  For OPTIMAL results it is recommended that you follow a tailor made H.E.A.R.T. protocol designed by Dr. Bartiss to establish a chemical balance that will achieve physical, mental, and emotional unity and stability in order to live a better qualitative as well as quantitative life.  There is a concept known as “Hormonal Synergy” which essentially means that by supplementing with other (sub optimal level) hormones one can achieve a synergistic effect utilizing lower doses of each of these hormones making hormone replacement therapy a safer and less expensive medical intervention.

9.  WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR WITHHOLDING OR DISCONTINUING GH THERAPY?

Absolute contraindications are active malignancy of any kind, benign intracranial hypertension, and proliferative retinopathy (an uncommon eye disorder).  Pregnancy is NOT a contraindication for using physiologic doses of GH in GH deficient pregnant females.

Relative contraindications are needle phobia, severe bleeding disorders and an idiosyncratic allergy/sensitivity to any of the components of the recombinant GH

(But I have never seen or heard of this in my experience or the experience of my colleagues).

10. HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED BEFORE I WILL SEE AND FEEL RESULTS?

In general, most of the improvements are felt during the second, third and fourth months of GH administration and are sustained while on therapy.  Cases of improved functioning three months after stopping short-term therapy have been reported.  Unlike most other supplemented hormone treatments, many patients continue to improve for two or three years after the start of therapy even at doses equal to or less than the initial doses.  This is more frequently observed in people who make major diet and lifestyle changes and follow the H.E.A.R.T. program of multi-hormone replacement therapies.

11. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

There may be none and if given in low incremental doses.  There are however very infrequent complaints regarding adverse effects of hGH which include: rash, hives, tightness of the chest, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and lips, changes in vision (usually improved near vision), headache, nausea, edema, numbness and tingling in the hands and possible worsening of an already established or occult carcinoma (hidden cancer).  Others such as joint pain, hair loss (but most report hair growth, thickening and darkening), muscle pain and abnormal skin sensations.

 12.  I HEARD THAT hGH CAN CAUSE DIABETES, CANCER AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLNESS- IS THIS SO?

 The answer to this question will be different based on whom you ask.  There are as many studies refuting this claim as there are suggesting it.  Be an informed consumer and do your homework.  A list of articles/studies regarding the safety and efficacy of hGH will be presented to you for review before deciding on therapy.  The final decision is up to you and should be based on the pros and cons as well as the risks and benefits of therapy

(Which may be different for everyone).  In my training and experience I have only seen improvement in these parameters and find GH to be a safe and extremely valuable medicinal tool.

 13.  CAN I DIE FROM USING hGH?

 Any drug used improperly may prove fatal but when prescribed by a trained physician and utilizing only high-grade quality pure forms of GH it is essentially unheard of.  Be aware however that any death that is unexpected will most surely raise an eyebrow in the conventional mainstream medical society and give fault, blame and responsibility to the use of hGH.

The doses used at ICAM have been proven to be the safest and lowest possible effective doses to provide positive results.  These doses vary from patient to patient and your dose will be specific to your needs through the H.E.A.R.T. program at ICAM.

 14.  HOW IS HGH ADMINISTERED?

 Only the injectable forms of growth hormone have consistently shown INCREASES in IGF-1 levels and symptom improvement.  The injections are given daily in the exact same way a diabetic administers insulin.  The shots are given subcutaneously and without pain or discomfort.  Everyone will be taught and must show competence in administration prior to obtaining hGH for home use.

There have been reports of oral growth hormone supplements giving benefit to patients but this is probably more a placebo than an actual physiological effect since no increases in IGF-1 or other age related biomarker improvement has been documented with these products.  They are probably a waste of time and money therefore should be avoided although I am not against anyone trying them as there have been no adverse side-effects reported with their use as far as I know.

There was also a recent study performed on secreatogues, which help release GH from the pituitary gland where growth hormone is produced.   The results are only modestly helpful and only in the younger population under the age of thirty-five.

There has also been suggestion that a micron zed inhaled version of growth hormone will be available in the future (this was announced over 10 years ago) which could revolutionize anti-aging medicine and reduce costs remarkably.  To date I have not heard of any progress made or the availability of this substance in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world.

15.  WHAT IS THE COST OF TREATMENT FOR GH?

 The cost of therapy varies from location to location and is also dependant on what is offered in addition to hGH.  ICAM offers one of the most affordable programs available and they are the most comprehensive as well.  Average costs for injectable hGH alone range from $6,000 to $35,000 per year.  At ICAM patients can receive injectable GH, all Sottopelle hormones, all in house testing and procedures, and all office visits for a cost that ranges between ranging from $1,000 to $1,300 per month - $12,000- $15,600  per year. 

 16. WILL I NEED TO STAY ON hGH AND OTHER HORMONES FOR LIFE OR CAN I JUST STOP USING THEM WITHOUT FEAR OF WITHDRAWL OR SIDE- EFFECTS?       

You do not have to stay on therapy life long but why wouldn’t you want to?  If you discontinue therapy, the benefits will slowly decline over time and the 10 years of life that you “regained” from the six months of Growth Hormone supplementation will not be preserved for the next ten years after stopping your therapy.  Most experts in the field of anti-aging medicine recommend daily injections indefinitely but again many including myself, provide a tailor made program that involves the input and preferences of you the patient and optional dosing, testing and therapies can be discussed to fit your medical and financial needs and capabilities.  Talk to your doctor for more information regarding this.

17. WILL I GET BENEFIT FROM hGH IF I DON’T ADMINISTER IT DAILY?

Certainly not to the same degree you would if you optimized your therapy with daily injections.  Perhaps those of you that are considering hGH but don’t have the finances to continue the monthly cost of the program should plan on setting aside the funds to undergo two or three months of daily therapy after which time if you are pleased with the results, discuss with your medical provider an every other day or every other month type protocol or some form of hybrid therapy that will be still be effective yet more economical/affordable to you.  (Although this is not what is recommended by the authorities in the field, this therapeutic option will still be beneficial and certainly not harmful).

18. WILL MY MEDICAL INSURANCE PAY FOR hGH THERAPY?

 No, not for the diagnosis your doctor is prescribing it to you for.  Some insurance companies will cover hGH in children with growth hormone deficiency of short stature but consider adult use of hGH a cosmetic and performance enhancing therapy that is not considered a medical necessity therefore an “out of pocket” expense to you the patient. There are rare occasions where an adult with extreme low levels of HGH associated with other disorders of the pituitary gland that may be covered.

19. HOW DO I PAY FOR GROWTH HORMONE?

 Payment and fees are discussed at your initial visit.  Payment is based on a yearly cost of supplies, visits, testing, follow-ups etc. and divided into equal monthly payments. You “pay as you go” a pre-determined set amount each month when you pick up your medication and supplies.  Office calls for H.E.A.R.T. program related visits are included in the monthly fee as is the cost of the sex hormones (pellet insertion of estrogen and testosterone-Sottopelle) whenever medically indicated or required throughout the course of hGH therapy.  The usual cost of pellets per treatment in women not on a HEART Program, (usually every three to four months) is $50 to $100.  In men, (usually every five to six months) is $350 to $550.  The surgical implantation fee ranges from $300 to $400 for both men and women for each procedure.

20.  HOW AND WHEN CAN I BEGIN THERAPY?

 Call Dr. Mark Bartiss at ICAM (609-978-9002)- Manahawkin Office or (973-790-6363)- Wayne Office for an appointment to discuss the H.E.A.R.T. program and have your specific questions and concerns addressed.  Once you have met with Dr. Bartiss and a complete medical history and PHYSICAL examination has been performed, various lab tests will be ordered and reviewed then discussed with you prior to you formulating your needs- specific program with him.  At that time all questions will be answered and the risks, benefits, pros and cons as well as other options will be re-discussed.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HGH CONSULT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY OR SEARCH THE INTERNET TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE PROS AND CONS AS WELL AS THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF HORMONE.THERAPY.