Human growth hormone (HGH) can help healthy adults regain youth and vitality. Let's find out the answer to the question; Does human growth hormone slow down the aging process?
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| Human Growth Hormone (HGH) |
Human Growth Hormone: Does HGH Slow Aging?
Growth hormone promotes physical growth in childhood and aids in organ and tissue maintenance throughout life. A pea-sized gland in the brain's base, the pituitary gland, produces this hormone. However, over time, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces. In response to this natural slowdown, researchers are considering using synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to decrease some of the effects of aging, such as muscle atrophy and bone loss.
Good for you if you're skeptical. HGH growth hormone peptide therapy does not seem practical for restoring youth and vitality to otherwise healthy adults. Moreover, HGH treatments may lead to other health problems. Experts do not recommend using HGH to treat aging or age-related conditions.
Read Here: What are the Different Types of Hormones in Endocrine System?
Is it necessary to treat some adults with HGH?
Synthetic HGH may be prescribed to adults who have a growth hormone deficiency - not a decline in growth hormone due to aging. A pituitary adenoma or the surgical or radiotherapy treatment of an adenoma leads to growth hormone deficiency. HGH injections can help adults who don't produce enough growth hormone:
- Increase exercise capacity
- Decrease body fat
- Increase muscle mass
- Increase bone density
Adults with AIDS or HIV-related growth hormone deficiency with irregular body fat distribution can also benefit from HGH treatment.
Read Here: How to Balance Hormones Naturally: 10 Healthy Foods
HGH treatment on healthy older adults
Human growth hormone studies on healthy adults are limited and contradictory. Healthy older adults with high human growth hormone levels seem to have increased muscle mass and reduced body fat, but those gains did not translate into strength gains. Healthy adults may also benefit from human growth hormones.
How risky is HGH treatment?
Healthy adults may experience a variety of side effects from HGH treatment, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Increased insulin resistance
- Swelling in the legs and arms (edema)
- For men, enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Increased risk of certain cancers
HGH treatment in healthy older adults has been studied relatively infrequently and for short periods, so there is not much information regarding its long-term effects.
Are HGH pills available?
In the United States, HGH treatment is approved only for growth hormone deficiency, including the treatment of HIV-associated problems. However, injections of HGH are most effective. Human growth hormone cannot be taken as a pill. HGH supplements that are sold in pill form claim to boost levels of HGH, but research has not confirmed this.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) considers HGH a controlled substance. HGH pills cannot be used for a condition that isn't approved, such as building muscle or as an anti-aging treatment in older adults.
Read Here: Endocrine System and Mechanism of Hormone Action
The bottom line
Your healthcare physician can provide you with proven ways to enhance your health if you have specific concerns about aging. As you age, you can feel your best by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as a healthy diet plan, and engaging in physical activity regularly keeps you fit.
Read Also: Hormone Interactions with Target Cells: How Do Hormones Control Your Life?