Human growth hormone (HGH) is used---by prescription and illegally---to treat a variety of conditions, but most commonly it is used for its purported anti-aging properties. There have been few studies that specifically looked at the role of HGH supplements in improving the signs of aging, and the results have been confusing at best. HGH dangers include increased risk of congestive heart failure, arthritis, diabetes and several other debilitating diseases, so medical doctors are advising their patients to hold off on human growth hormone supplements until further studies are performed.
Facts
As we grow older, the pituitary gland produces fewer hormones, particularly the human growth hormone (HGH). As a result, endocrinologists believe that we lose muscle mass and bone density. Reduced HGH production is only one factor in the aging process, however.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there have been only few small studies on the use of HGH in otherwise healthy older adults. HGH does increase muscle mass to a small degree, but that increased muscle mass does not mean the patients also had increased muscle strength. Most doctors don't believe that synthetic human growth hormone injections are a viable treatment for aging.
Expert Insight
Despite the fact that there is little medical evidence to support HGH supplements, the supplement industry has exploded with HGH derivatives, substitutions and imitators. Real synthetic human growth hormone can only be obtained through a prescription and is administered via injection. Other methods of HGH delivery are not as effective; we do not yet understand how HGH precursors are transformed by the body into human growth hormone.
Warnings
Most supplements can be considered rather harmless---they may or may not help your condition, but at least they won't harm you if you add them to your diet. HGH supplements are a different story. The Mayo Clinic warns that HGH supplements can harm your health in high doses, including causing heart problems, joint pain and sexual side effects. Doctors also understand the ill effects of illegal use of HGH in athletes and the elderly---including increased risk of diabetes, congestive heart failure and arthritis.
Theories/Speculation
"The New England Journal of Medicine" states that researchers have found that older people with naturally high levels of HGH in their bloodstreams generally look and act younger than their years, have higher cognition levels and are overall healthier than their counterparts with lower natural levels of HGH. These are all positive signs, but more studies must be conducted in order to understand the complex relationship of human growth hormone to all other chemical and biological factors at work in aging.
Real Solutions
Since HGH supplements or HGH injections may create dangerous side effects, doctors are recommending that you use common sense to slow the effects of aging. Proper diet, continued exercise, weight loss or weight gain as indicated, and a healthy attitude are beginning steps. Nutritional supplements should be added with caution, and only if there is sufficient clinical evidence to support the claims of manufacturers as well as approval from your medical doctor.
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