Growth Hormones For Older Men

Human growth hormone, HGH, plays an important role in development and healing. Levels of this natural substance decrease with advancing age. This reduction may create an HGH-deficiency syndrome, especially in older men. Patients with low levels of growth hormone often have difficulty maintaining their body weight and experience other negative consequences as well. The intake of synthetic growth hormone, known as somatropin, can improve this condition. Yet HGH use may cause side effects.

Performance Enhancement

Physical performance often decreases with increases in age. Anabolic steroids like testosterone may prevent this decline and HGH can contribute as well. An investigation by Fred R. Sattler and co-workers published in the June 2009 edition of "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" tested this combination of performance-enhancing drugs in healthy older men. Testosterone and somatropin use for four months increased muscle strength and aerobic endurance. These changes led to greater muscle growth as well. Subjects did, however, experience potentially dangerous increases in blood pressure.

Protein Synthesis

Changes in protein metabolism may mediate the performance-enhancing effects of growth hormone noted above. A report by Manthos G. Giannoulis and associates presented in the August 2008 edition of "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" evaluated protein turnover and protein synthesis in healthy older men receiving HGH injections. Data showed that six months of somatropin hormone use increased muscle growth, aerobic capacity and protein metabolism. Many of the men experienced mild joint pain during HGH use, but growth hormone intake was well tolerated otherwise.

Body Fat

Older men often experience changes in body composition. For example, lean body mass usually decreases with age and body fat percentage typically increases. A study by Thomas Munzer and colleagues described in the August 2001 edition of "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" looked at the effects of HGH intake on body composition in healthy older men. After six months, somatropin use decreased body fat 10 percent in these subjects. Use was, however, associated with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. While such a dramatic decrease in body fat can reduce cardiovascular risk, the appearance of HGH-induced side effects may negate this advantage.

Life Quality

According to an August 2003 review by Tom Aslan and co-workers published for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, older adults with growth-hormone deficiency often experience a reduction in life quality and energy levels. A report by D. Deepak and associates in the April 2008 edition of "Growth Hormone & IGF Research" evaluated the impact of somatropin intake on quality of life in HGH-deficient men. Drug intake for six months increased life quality in most of the older men tested. It also decreased cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol level. Unfortunately, the use of growth hormone caused transient symptoms of diabetes. Thus, HGH replacement in older men must be carefully monitored.