People whose bodies do not make enough human growth hormone may take HGH supplements to correct this deficiency. Others take these supplements for different reasons, including to try to slow down the aging process or increase muscle mass. However, doctors do not recommend HGH supplements for these additional uses due to the possible side effects and lack of evidence that they are beneficial for these purposes.
Side Effects
Some of the more serious side effects that may occur with the use of HGH supplements include blurred vision, tingling skin, numbness, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, abnormal heartbeats, nervousness, decreased sense of touch, chest pain, nausea, vision changes, abdominal pain and hip or knee pain. If you experience these side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Possible Adverse Health Effects
Healthy people with normal HGH levels who take these supplements increase their risk for serious health consequences, such as heart disease, diabetes, increased breast size in men, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint and muscle pain, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart disease, abnormal bone and organ growth and swelling in the arms and legs.
Considerations
Although taking HGH supplements provides real benefits for those with low levels of HGH, the benefits for healthy people taking these supplements are not clear. They may cause small improvements in body composition, but not enough to justify the risks involved. Side effects appear more likely in older people than in younger people, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Recommendations
Rather than trying a risky supplement for slowing down the aging process or increasing your muscle mass, stick to tried and true methods to achieve these goals, including eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Human Growth Hormone - Does It Slow Aging?
- Evergreen State College; Human Growth Hormone; Whitney K. Buschmann; Feb. 24, 2003
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Systematic Review: the Safety and Efficacy of Growth Hormone in the Healthy Elderly; H. Liu, et al.; Jan. 16, 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Growth Hormone (Parenteral Route); Nov. 1, 2010
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