Human Growth Hormone and Aging

Dear Healthcare Lady,

My friend told me about a product called HGH. It is supposed to reverse the affects of aging and keep you young. What is HGH? Is it safe and does it work? Meg


Dear Meg,

Human growth hormone (HGH) is being touted as the latest so called fountain of youth miracle cure from aging. Research has shown that there may be some benefits but the data is far from conclusive so you should use caution before you decide to use these products. According to research done at the Mayo Clinic HGH may increase muscle tone and reduce body fat in otherwise healthy adults. However, only a few studies using healthy adults have been done so the jury is still out. Also Meg, when looking at a new product it is extremely important to look at the down side. It appears that the risks may out weigh the benefits. These risks are:

• Swelling in the arms and legs
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• For men, enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may also be adversely affected by the use of HGH. It has been suggested by some researchers that these side affects may be more likely to affect older adults than younger adults. However, no long term research has been done to show the affects of HGH on older adults and any claims at present must be viewed with caution. HGH is quite costly in appropriate doses. These recent claims about sprays and pills should also be viewed with caution. Most of these products are presented at much smaller doses than was used in research studies. As with any new product it is very important to get all available information and follow the recommendation of your primary care physician.

Mayo Clinic
Sandra Mireles on eHow.com
Sandra Mireles on Bukisa

Image retrieved from Creative Commons Google Images March 8, 2009