Manus Solis
Growth Hormone Therapy
Physician-prescribed growth hormone for diagnosed deficiency, body composition, and recovery.
Overview
Growth hormone (GH) production declines steadily after the third decade of life. By age fifty, many adults produce less than half the GH they did at twenty-five. While this decline is physiologically expected, a subset of adults develop clinically significant growth hormone deficiency (GHD) that impairs body composition, exercise capacity, bone density, lipid metabolism, and quality of life. Adult GHD is an established endocrine diagnosis with clear diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment.
At Manus Solis, growth hormone therapy is prescribed only after a thorough diagnostic evaluation. We measure IGF-1, perform stimulation testing when appropriate, and assess body composition, metabolic markers, and functional capacity. Treatment outcomes are tracked across all three domains of the Vis Viva Score: your reported energy and recovery (Sensus), your metabolic and lipid markers (Pulsus), and your lean mass, body fat, and exercise performance (Virtus). Dosing is conservative, individualized, and adjusted based on serial labs and clinical response.
Common Symptoms
- Increased abdominal fat
- Decreased lean muscle mass
- Reduced exercise capacity
- Prolonged recovery from exercise
- Low energy & stamina
- Poor sleep quality
- Reduced bone density
- Dry or thinning skin
- Elevated LDL cholesterol
- Reduced sense of well-being
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal or low motivation
What We Measure
- IGF-1
- IGFBP-3
- GH stimulation test (when indicated)
- Fasting insulin & glucose
- HbA1c
- Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4)
- Cortisol (AM)
- Testosterone (total & free)
- Estradiol
- PSA (men)
- CBC & metabolic panel
- DEXA body composition
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
Hormones & Treatments
- Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH)
- Testosterone (concurrent optimization)
- Thyroid hormone (concurrent optimization)
- Cortisol management
- IGF-1 monitoring
- Peptide secretagogues (select cases)
Custom-compounded by our Ontario pharmacy partner. Individually dosed. Physician-titrated.
Treatment
How We Treat This
Growth hormone is prescribed as daily subcutaneous injections of recombinant human GH (rhGH), beginning at a low dose and titrated upward based on IGF-1 levels, clinical response, and tolerability. We monitor for known side effects including fluid retention, joint discomfort, and changes in glucose metabolism. Concurrent hormone deficiencies (testosterone, thyroid, cortisol) must be identified and addressed, as untreated deficiencies impair the response to GH therapy. Follow-up bloodwork and body composition assessments occur at regular intervals throughout treatment.
Adults with documented or suspected growth hormone deficiency who want a structured, physician-supervised protocol. Patients with declining body composition, exercise capacity, or recovery despite optimized nutrition and training. This therapy requires diagnostic confirmation and ongoing medical supervision; it is not prescribed without clinical indication.
Questions
FAQ
Is growth hormone therapy legal in Canada?
Yes. Recombinant human growth hormone is a licensed pharmaceutical in Canada, available by prescription for diagnosed growth hormone deficiency. At Manus Solis, GH therapy is prescribed by a licensed Ontario physician after appropriate diagnostic evaluation. All prescriptions are dispensed through regulated Canadian pharmacies.
How is growth hormone deficiency diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with measurement of IGF-1 (a stable surrogate for GH production) and clinical assessment of symptoms and body composition. If IGF-1 is low or low-normal in the context of compatible symptoms, further investigation may include GH stimulation testing. We also rule out other hormonal deficiencies that can mimic or coexist with GHD, including low testosterone, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency.
What results can I expect from growth hormone therapy?
Clinical studies in adults with GHD consistently demonstrate improvements in body composition (reduced visceral fat, increased lean mass), exercise capacity, bone mineral density, lipid profiles, and quality of life scores. Most patients notice changes in energy and recovery within the first two to three months. Body composition changes become measurable by four to six months. Results depend on the severity of deficiency, concurrent hormone optimization, and adherence to the prescribed protocol.
What are the risks and side effects of HGH therapy?
Common early side effects include mild fluid retention, joint stiffness, and carpal tunnel-like symptoms, which are typically dose-dependent and resolve with dose adjustment. GH therapy can affect glucose metabolism, so we monitor fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c at every follow-up. There is no established link between physiologic-dose GH replacement and cancer risk in adults with GHD, but we screen appropriately and follow published safety guidelines.
Ontario-Wide
Virtual consultations available to patients in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, and across Ontario. Bloodwork requisitions and prescriptions managed remotely. Compounds shipped directly from our Ontario pharmacy partner.
Begin
Book a Discovery Call
A confidential conversation with our physician and founder.
inquiries@manussolis.com · Yorkville, Toronto