HGH, the Good and the Bad for Health and Aging
Human Growth Hormone Shots and Alternatives to Stay Young
Sep 20, 2009
Med spas provide aesthetic care to those who wish to avoid or reduce the aging process. The popularity of this injectable steroid as a panacea for aging has allure within the med spa business. HGH injections have come out of the gym and like botox, fillers, or laser treatments might be part of a med spa or anti-aging clinic offering. Does this mean its a good idea?
HGH is Released by the Pituitary Gland
HGH by injection is approved for adults with human growth insufficiency. It is also approved for HIV patients with muscle wasting diseases. The hormone levels naturally decrease with aging. Any other usage is not FDA approved. The theory is restoring the decreased levels found in aging to previous youthful levels will turn back the clock of time.
Benefits of HGH
- Thicker skin, thus less wrinkling
- Increased bone density
- Decreased body fat
- Increased muscle mass
- Improved sexual performance and libido
- Improved exercise tolerance
- Decreased depression
- Improved cognitive function
- Improved immune system with faster healing
- Obviously, corresponding to the above, improved mood.
Aging as an Alterable Disease State
Believing aging is a progressive state of deficiency lends support to the plan of restoring/curing the deficiency. Side effects are rationalized when the goal is to prevent a disease. Side effects may be minimalized when the financial rewards for selling the product are substantial.
Side Effects of HGH
- Side effects are dose dependent as are the results
- Swelling of extremities
- Muscle and joint pain
- Gynecomastia (breast swelling) in men
- Diabetes
- Cardiac enlargement with prolonged use
- Liver damage
- Thyroid damage
Studies Against Using HGH as an Aging Antidote
A study in the 2007 Annals of Internal Medicine states the risks out weigh the benefits. There may be a reason hormone levels decrease with aging. That may protect against certain age ailments.
In 2008, it was reported the risk of cancer may with use of HGH and a Stanford University study showed no athletic or muscle improvement by injecting the hormone.
The Business of HGH
In 1990, a study of 12 men using HGH was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine was formed in 1993. The group believed the results verified HGH capable of reversing aging. HGH entered poplar literature. Others in the field of Aging studies later disassociated from this group due to its emphasis on products and sales within the HGH controversy.
Alternatives to HGH Injection
Supplements do not contain HGH but may contain precursors aimed at releasing the hormone. These may be amino acids. Some may cause hunger and weight gain. Other hormones or corticosteroids might be released concurrently. If the body is already producing the hormone, they may cause the body to cease production naturally. Dietary supplements are not regulated. If they contain HGH, they are a prescription only product.
The nasal sprays and pills supposedly containing HGH do not provide enough to make a difference. The hormone must be injected to be effective.
Exercise programs have been developed with programmed cardiac intensity believed to assist the release of HGH naturally.
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