There has been an increase in anti-aging research, including human growth hormone, or HGH. Studies have focused on injections of the hormone for improving wrinkles and sagging skin, firming muscles, decreasing body fat, thickening skin and hair, increasing energy and stamina and improving emotional state. More studies have focused on men than women in the area of weight loss, but women have seen some improvements. Lifestyle practices can improve HGH production and are far less expensive than synthetic injections.
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is necessary for organ and bone growth in youths. In adulthood, it is still vital for other functions. Deficiencies can cause cardiovascular disease, weight gain, decreased muscle mass, wrinkling of the skin, decreased energy and other conditions associated with the aging process. The hormone decreases rapidly after age 30, and by middle age, the results are noticeable.
Research
A clinical trial done by the National Institute on Aging and published in the 2001 "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism" reported changes in body fat in older men and women. After six months, men experienced a decrease in body fat of 14 percent, 16 percent with the addition of testosterone. The results in women were not as promising -- only a 3.5 percent decrease. Scientists at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine studied five healthy men and women ages 22 to 33 and found human growth hormone decreased body fat by 1.5 percent and increased muscle mass by 3 lbs.
Risks
While human growth hormone is FDA-approved to treat AIDS- or HIV-related muscle wasting, the Mayo Clinic says it may cause side effects in healthy adults, including joint and muscle pain, swelling in the arms and legs and enlargement of breast tissue in men. These effects may be more likely in older adults. In addition, human growth hormone injections are expensive and could also fuel an early and undiscovered malignancy.
Natural Production of Human Growth Hormone
Life Extension says that following healthy lifestyle practices can increase HGH production. Fat stores in the abdominal region are indicative of impaired growth hormone production, but weight loss can help this. High-glycemic-load carbohydrates inhibit growth hormone secretion and should be avoided. Since the majority of growth hormone secretion occurs at night during deep sleep, it is important to get a good night's sleep. Your last meal of the day, as well as a high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack before bedtime helps growth hormone secretion. Exercise significantly optimizes HGH.
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