Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein that stimulates human cell growth. It is made in the anterior pituitary gland and is controlled by the hypothalamus. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro01/web2/Lauber.html The hormone is used in therapies for various diseases where cell growth is less than normal. These diseases can include short stature, kidney failure and muscle wasting associated with AIDS and HIV.Mayo Clinic: HGH:Does It Slow Aging Process? (February 23, 2007) Human growth hormone has become increasingly popular among athletes to increase muscle mass and performance. There is no scientific evidence to its effectiveness in people unaffected by the above illnesses.Slate.com: The Growth Hormone Myth (March 24, 2007) There is recent evidence for beneficial effects in adults for acquired GH deficiency (AGHD). http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/e-f-944.htm
History of Growth Hormone Therapy
Popularity of HGH as a therapy started in 1990 with a publication by Dr. Daniel Rudman of an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, This study of a short trial of twelve older men showed gains in muscle, reductions in fat, and bone density increases with HGH treatment. Prior studies had been limited to children whose pituitary glands were damaged. Further tests indicate similar results and effects of neuronal aging. Human growth hormone therapy in other studies seems to demonstrate elevation of mood and increase sociability by increasing beta endorphin and lowering excessive dopamine, re-balancing neurotransmitter levels. The hormone may also prevent and even reverse brain atrophy that happens during aging and stimulate growth of new dendrites in brain tissue. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro01/web2/Lauber.html
Side Effects of Large Doses of HGH
- Symptoms that resemble arthritis <ref name="Mayo Clinic">Mayo Clinic: HGH:Does It Slow Aging Process? (February 23, 2007)/ref
- Headaches
- Diabetes
- Fluid Retention
- Hypertension -(high blood pressure). <ref>http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/e-f-944.htm#SideEffects
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Diabetes http://www.google.co.cr/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=7&ved=0CCQQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seattlecentral.edu%2Ffaculty%2Fwrockhill%2FBIOL%2520242%2FEndocrine.ppt&ei=cOwyS66uKc60tgffi_2BCQ&usg=AFQjCNEIsme0H7HRzXQ6H_bxcvuL0bfpsg&sig2=m5L56HREjPON0Hxz19Uq0Q
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking human growth hormone.
Opinion: Human Growth Hormone Is Not The Fountain of Youth
The overall opinion of the interviewee in this video, Dr. Andrew Hoffman, is negative regarding human growth hormone. He states that a comprehensive review of the few studies that have been performed on older adults show that its use can lead to too many side effects, including diabetes. Some physicians continue fo administer HGH, but illegally. Some people have taken the hormone without suffering severe side effects, but the claims for it are overblown. Cost of the treatments range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year. We have all been looking for the "fountain of youth" for some time, but the best thing to do is to exercise regularly and eat moderately. If people exercise more, they would probably have less complaints regarding body composition, strength, and sex life.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Also known as HGH
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Composition
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Fact:
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Some side effects include
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Disorders
Gigantism, from the production of too much HGH during childhood; acromegaly, from the onset of too much HGH production during adulthood
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FDA approved for use with
Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD), Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and growth hormone deficiencey caused by pituitary tumors
