Facts and Myths About Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Dr. Judith Reichman, M.D
What is Human Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone is naturally produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. Once released, it induces the liver to make insulin-like growth factor 1 ( IGF-1 ), and this hormone then triggers the growth of bones and body tissues. HGH is especially important for normal growth in children.
Most of our knowledge of HGH comes from studying children who lack the hormone, and as a result suffer from stunted growth and development. In adults, a true medical deficiency of growth hormone may result from disease, tumors, surgery or radiation that destroys critical areas in the pituitary. This then leads to weight gain, cholesterol abnormalities, heart disease, fatigue, decreased immune response, loss of muscles and osteoporosis.
Growth hormone and IGF-1 levels peak during puberty, then gradually decline after the age of 30, but the normal pituitary never totally stops its production of HGH.
Can HGH Slow Down Natural Aging?
Boomers are putting their expectations and money into this highly touted and very expensive product. An article published in the October 26, 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) notes that worldwide sales of HGH are estimated to be $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and up to 30% of HGH prescriptions in the U.S. are used for anti-aging and “athletic enhancement.”
Dr. Judith Reichman
Dr. Judith Reichman, M.D. clarifies some beliefs about Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and its effects on aging reversal.
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Most orthodox physicians feel that HGH does not reverse aging. They feel that there is little to no conclusive evidence and fear that it can cause harm. The HGH supporters point to a few small positive studies…mostly done on men.
One study demonstrated an increase in muscle mass, reduction of total body fat and an increase in skin elasticity, as well as diminished bone loss. But this study also showed that HGH did not increase strength, improve exercise capabilities, intellectual skills, memory or prevent depression.
In one of the few clinical studies done on healthy older individuals (age 65 to 88) that included women, significant side effects occurred. One third or more of the treated participants developed carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling (edema) and joint pain. Twice as many men on HGH developed pre-diabetes or diabetes as compared to those not treated.
Source: Dr. Judith Reichman, M.D., MSNBC