Human growth hormone, HGH, remains essential for tissue development and cell regeneration across the entire lifespan. With aging, the pituitary gland produces less growth hormone creating deficiency syndromes. Symptoms of HGH deficiency include obesity and fatigue. Taking growth hormone supplements can treat these medical problems, but supplementation may cause unwanted side effects. Patients, therefore, should speak with a health care professional prior to beginning HGH replacement therapy.
Chemical Dependence
Athletes use growth hormone to enhance their physical abilities. Such increases, while effective, may come at a price. A survey by B.P. Brennan and co-workers published in the January 2011 edition of the "American Journal on Addictions" looked at substance abuse in male weightlifters. Results indicated that 12 percent of these athletes admitted to regularly taking growth hormone. Using HGH correlated with the illegal use of anabolic steroids and street drugs. The authors argued that growth hormone abuse reflected a pattern of chemical dependence.
Body Swelling
Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome remain at risk for obesity due to an insatiable appetite. Growth hormone can reduce body weight in people with Prader-Willi. These improvements, however, are offset by HGH-induced reactions. An experiment by Harriette R. Mogul and colleagues presented in the April 2008 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" tested the effects of HGH on body composition. These scientists measured body size before and after a year's intake of growth hormone. The data indicated that HGH use increased muscle mass and decreased body fat in Prader-Willi patients. Yet, several subjects developed ankle edema. This type of swelling, while not permanent, can make it difficult to walk during HGH treatment.
Diabetes Risk
Teens with growth hormone deficiency receive HGH injections to ensure they reach proper height and weight. Yet, this short-term benefit may cause long-term damage. A study by Dr. Wayne S. Cutfield and his team looked at the consequences of growth hormone during childhood. These researchers traced the medical histories of juvenile diabetics. The results, published in the February 2000 edition of "Lancet," revealed that teens who received HGH had a six times greater incidence of type 2 diabetes. They did not, however, have a greater risk of type 1 diabetes. Because HGH hastens growth, the authors hypothesized that supplementation accelerated the appearance of diabetes in predisposed individuals.
Insulin and Cancer
Children diagnosed with Turner syndrome fail to develop normally. Girls with this disorder take growth hormone to improve their reproductive development and body composition. Yet, increasing HGH levels may adversely affect other hormones. An investigation by E.M. Bannink and associates described in the September 2006 issue of "Clinical Endocrinology" assessed the impact of growth hormone on insulin production. The Turner girls studied had received HGH for several years. During this time, they had routine physicals to monitor growth hormone's effects. Results showed that HGH intake enhanced levels of insulin growth factor, or IGF. This hormone is a reliable indicator of insulin activity. The data raised concern because IGF causes cancer in laboratory animals, and people with high IGF levels have an increased risk of acquiring cancer.
References
- "AJA"; Human Growth Hormone Abuse in Male Weightlifters; January 2011
- "JJCEM": Prader-Willi Syndrome ... ; January 2008
- "Lancet": Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Glucose Tolerance ... ; Feb. 19, 2000
- "Clinical Endocrinology"; Insulin-Like Growth Factor ... ; September 2006
- HGH.org: FDA Regulation About HGH
