Some believe that human growth hormone can slow down the aging process. Find out the truth about these claims.
Growth hormone is a hormone that stimulates growth in childhood and helps to maintain organs and tissues throughout life. The pituitary gland, which is about the size of a pea, produces growth hormone. It’s located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland gradually reduces its production of growth hormones as it gets older.
As a result, synthetic human growth hormone (HGH), has been suggested as a possible treatment for some of the natural aging changes such as decreased bone and muscle mass. If you’re skeptical, good. HGH is not believed to help people with other health issues, but there is no evidence that HGH could be used to boost youth and vitality. HGH treatment may also increase the likelihood of developing other medical conditions. Experts advise against HGH treatment for aging and age-related conditions.
Are There Any HGH Treatments for Adults?
A doctor might prescribe synthetic HGH to adults with a growth hormone deficit. This is not the normal decline of growth hormones caused by aging. Growth hormone deficiency can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma), or by radiotherapy or surgery to treat an adenoma. Injections of HGH are available for adults with a growth hormone deficit.
- Increase your exercise capacity
- Increase bone density
- Increase muscle mass
- Reduce body fat
HGH treatment can also be approved for adults suffering from AIDS or HIV-related growth hormone deficiencies that cause irregular body fat distribution.
What Does HGH Treatment Do for Older People?
Studies of healthy adults receiving human growth hormone have been inconsistent and limited. While human growth hormone may increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in older adults, it doesn’t appear to increase strength. It’s not clear if human growth hormone has other benefits for healthy adults.
What Are the Potential Risks Associated with HGH Treatment?
HGH treatment can cause side effects in healthy adults such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Increased insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Severe swelling of the legs and arms (edema)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Men can have their breasts enlarged (gynecomastia)
- Higher risk of certain types of cancer
HGH treatment in older healthy adults has been studied in a relatively small number of patients. The studies were also short-lived, so we don’t know much about its long-term effects.
Is HGH Available in Pills?
HGH is only approved for the treatment of HIV infection and growth hormone deficiency in the United States. HGH can only be administered by injection. Human growth hormone is not available in pill form. Although some dietary supplements claim to increase HGH levels, research has not shown any benefit.
The Food and Drug Administration considers HGH a controlled substance. It is illegal to use HGH in a condition not approved by the FDA, such as for building muscle or anti-aging treatments in older adults.
What Is the Bottom Line?
Ask your doctor about proven ways to improve your overall health if you have concerns about your age. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy and engaging in physical activity every day, can make you feel great as you age.
