Synthetic human growth hormone allows children of extremely short stature to grown to normal or nearly-normal height. Since its introduction in 2003, there is been a growing demand from parents to give it children who are short but not small enough to meet the normal requirements for the drug. Researchers continue to define whether HGH is effective and safe, and if it beneficial to this greater population of children.
History
In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly permission to produce a synthetic human growth hormone called somatropin for use in children with idiopathic short stature, meaning children under the 1.2 percentile on the growth chart. The New York Times Health Guide reports in addition to the psychological and social effects, children with of idiopathic short stature may reach puberty later than their peers or even not reach puberty at all.
Function
Growth hormone is produce in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In some children, the pituitary gland does not produce enough HGH. This can be a congenital problem or due to a disease or injury. Synthetic HGH supplements are administered by injection several times a week. If children are treated early enough then they grow to nearly-normal adult height. Most growth is seen in the first year, and children gain as much as 4 inches of height in this time.
Misconceptions
Some feel that HGH improves a short child's psychological well being or athletic performance, but there is no evidence to support either. An article in New York Magazine points out the Eli Lilly has been trying to find evidence to support the psychological argument but has been able to produce none. TeensHealth, an informational website run by Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, reports there is also no evidence that taking HGH improves athletic performance.
Warnings
When given under a doctor's care, the New York Times Health Guide reports HGH has few side effects more serious than fluid retention and muscle aches. In December 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement about a study done in France that showed a slightly higher risk of death among HGH users than the general population. The agency is currently reviewing the evidence, but in the meantime the FDA believes the benefits of HGH outweigh any risks.
Counterfeit Drugs
The only legal way to obtain human growth hormone is by a doctor's prescription. There are vendors who claim to sell HGH without a prescription, but TeensHealth warns its readers to avoid these drugs. These substances are rarely true human growth hormone, but rather cocktails of various amino acids purported, but not proven, to enhance growth. These drugs are not regulated by the government and could potentially contain just about anything.
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