What Every Parent Should Know
If your child is currently on daily growth hormone injections—or has been recommended growth hormone therapy—you may be wondering about the benefits of switching to once-weekly options. Check out this article about what to consider when starting human growth hormone. At Life Pediatric Endocrinology, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this decision and believe strongly in tailored care for every child.
This post explains what long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) is, how it works, and when it may be the best fit for your child. Whether you're new to treatment or re-evaluating your options, you’re in the right place.
What Is Long-Acting Growth Hormone?
Long-acting growth hormone allows for once-weekly injections instead of daily shots. These medications are designed to release growth hormone steadily over a full week.
Popular brands include Ngenla, Skytrofa, and Sogroya—all FDA-approved for use in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Each has unique features, but the common goal is the same: to reduce injection burden while maintaining effective treatment outcomes.
Top Reasons Families Are Choosing Weekly Injections
✅ Easier Dosing, Better Compliance
Studies show nearly two-thirds of patients miss at least one dose per week on daily growth hormone. Weekly growth hormone injections significantly improve compliance by simplifying routines and reducing the stress of remembering nightly doses.
✅ Fewer Missed Doses During Travel or Camp
With options like Skytrofa, which is stable at room temperature, travel becomes easier. Families no longer have to pack refrigeration equipment or worry about medication spoiling on the go.
✅ Lower Emotional Toll
Parents often feel shame or guilt when they forget a dose. With weekly dosing, families report less emotional stress—and more consistency in care.
✅ Real Results
We’ve seen children grow over an inch in just five weeks on long-acting growth hormone. When monitored correctly, it can deliver growth outcomes comparable to daily therapy.
Understanding the IGF-1 Curve: The Science Behind Weekly Dosing
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) is the biomarker most commonly used to monitor growth hormone activity.
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Daily injections → IGF-1 levels remain relatively steady.
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Weekly growth hormone → Creates an “IGF-1 curve,” where levels peak 1–2 days after injection and gradually decline before the next dose.
At our practice, we monitor IGF-1 levels carefully to ensure the safest dose while optimizing a child’s growth.
Are Weekly Growth Hormone Injections Safe?
Yes—when managed by an experienced pediatric endocrinologist, weekly growth hormone is a relatively safe and effective treatment option. However, certain factors should be considered:
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Most trials were conducted in prepubertal children, so we use extra care when prescribing for adolescents.
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Skytrofa is the only long-acting GH stable at room temperature—others like Sogroya and Ngenla must be refrigerated.
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Injection volume is low, typically no more than 0.8 mL, and often split into two quick shots for older or heavier kids.
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Some medications may sting more due to acidity (e.g., Skytrofa has a pH of 5).
We personalize every treatment plan based on your child’s labs, medical history, and response to therapy.
Weekly vs. Daily Growth Hormone: What’s the Difference?
| Feature |
Weekly (LAGH) |
Daily Growth Hormone |
| Dosing Frequency |
Once per week |
Every day |
| IGF-1 Curve |
Large amplitude (peak-to-trough variation) |
Stable, low variation |
| Compliance |
Higher (fewer missed doses) |
Lower (more missed doses) |
| Monitoring |
Based on IGF-1 |
Based on IGF-1 |
| Storage |
Room temp (Skytrofa) or refrigerated |
Room temp (Norditropin) or refrigerated |
Real Results from Our Practice
At Life Pediatric Endocrinology, we’ve helped children grow significantly using both daily and weekly growth hormone therapy.
That said, not every child is suited to weekly growth hormone. Some experience fluid shifts, headaches, or wide IGF-1 fluctuations. In those cases, we may recommend switching back to daily dosing—or tailoring the schedule further.
Our philosophy is simple: care should be personalized, not one-size-fits-all.
Personalized Pediatric Endocrinology: Our Approach
Every child is different. Our job is to understand their specific growth pattern, lab results, age, and pubertal status—then design a plan that’s both effective and sustainable.
We offer all three FDA-approved long-acting growth hormone medications and use detailed IGF-1 monitoring to guide dosing adjustments. Families are never left guessing—we walk with you every step of the way.
Should You Switch to Weekly Growth Hormone?
Weekly injections may be right if your child:
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Struggles with daily injections or needle fatigue
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Has a busy routine or frequent travel
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Needs a simpler, once-weekly schedule
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Has missed doses with daily injections
Daily growth hormone may be better if your child:
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Is under age 5 with severe deficiency
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Requires tight dose adjustments
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Experienced side effects on weekly injections
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Needs consistent, steady IGF-1 levels throughout the week
👉 The best way to decide is to work with a pediatric endocrinologist experienced in both daily and long-acting options.
Ready to Talk About Weekly Growth Hormone Therapy?
Whether you're exploring growth hormone therapy for the first time or considering a switch, our team is here to guide you with care and clarity.
📞 Schedule a consultation with Life Pediatric Endocrinology and discover whether once-weekly growth hormone injections are the right fit for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weekly Growth Hormone
What is long-acting growth hormone (LAGH)?
Long-acting growth hormone (also called weekly growth hormone) is a once-weekly injection designed to replace daily shots for children with growth hormone deficiency. Brands like Skytrofa, Ngenla, and Sogroya are FDA-approved options that deliver steady hormone release throughout the week.
Is weekly growth hormone safe for children?
Yes, weekly growth hormone is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a pediatric endocrinologist. Like daily growth hormone, it requires careful IGF-1 monitoring and dose adjustments to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
What are the benefits of switching to weekly growth hormone injections?
The main benefits include fewer injections, better treatment compliance, easier travel without refrigeration (with Skytrofa), and less emotional stress for families. Studies show that simplifying the dosing schedule often improves consistency and results.
What is the difference between daily growth hormone and weekly growth hormone?
Daily growth hormone provides stable IGF-1 levels with smaller daily doses, while weekly growth hormone creates a peak-and-trough pattern. Both options can be effective, but weekly therapy often improves compliance and convenience for families.
Which weekly growth hormone brands are FDA-approved?
Currently, the three FDA-approved long-acting growth hormone treatments for children are:
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Skytrofa (stable at room temperature, child-friendly device)
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Ngenla (injectable pen, refrigerated storage)
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Sogroya (refrigerated storage, low injection volume)
How do I know if weekly growth hormone is right for my child?
Weekly growth hormone may be a good option if your child struggles with daily injections, has a busy schedule, or frequently misses doses. The best way to decide is by consulting with a pediatric endocrinologist experienced in both daily and long-acting growth hormone therapies.
Dr. Toni Kim is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Life Pediatric Endocrinology, where she cares for families nationwide. She is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist with expertise in growth, puberty, and advanced therapies such as long-acting growth hormone.
Dr. Kim is recognized for her patient-first philosophy, blending evidence-based medicine with personalized care. She has guided hundreds of children and their families through both daily and weekly growth hormone treatments, ensuring safety, precision, and long-term success.
