Human Growth Hormone for Anti-Aging

Human growth hormone (HGH) or somatropin is naturally produced in the body. It is responsible for growth during childhood. After young adulthood the body normally produces less HGH.

The FDA has approved growth hormone for certain medical conditions such as AIDS wasting, pituitary tumors, pituitary surgical damage, hypothalamic disease, irradiation, injury and for adults with confirmed growth hormone deficiency. A physician must prescribe growth hormone. The dose is individualized for each person and is taken by injection.

Taking HGH is sometimes reported to increase bone density and lean tissue, decrease fat tissue, improve mood and motivation, enhance exercise ability and improve the function of the heart. The FDA has sent letters to drug companies warning that the promotion and distribution of HGH for anti-aging is an unapproved use.

Things to Consider

This Medical Technology Rating addresses the use of HGH for adults seeking to change their body image and look younger.
Conservative treatments should be used to maintain a healthy mind and body.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and has approved HGH for medical conditions but not as an anti-aging treatment.
Products sold over the counter as HGH are digested in the stomach and do not reach the blood stream.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists states that the benefits of growth hormone for aging have not been established.

Results

Will I live longer if I have this procedure?

There is no evidence that taking HGH will lengthen your life.

Will treatment with human growth hormone improve my quality of life?

There is no evidence that taking growth hormone will improve your quality of life.

Does the treatment with human growth hormone make my symptoms better?

There is no evidence that taking HGH will improve how you feel.

Safety

How safe is this for me?

HGH may cause harmful effects and should not be used if you are pregnant or have evidence of cancer.

Minor reported complications:

Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Tingling sensation on the skin

Major reported complications:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
High blood sugar (diabetes)
Enlargement of hands, feet and face
Heart failure
Leukemia
Development of tumors
Enlarged breasts
Fluid retention/swelling
High blood pressure
Enlarged heart
Heart disease

Comparison

Alternative treatments are available that may assist in maintaining a mental and physical sense of wellness. These treatments include:

Adequate rest
Adequate water intake (6-8 cups per day)
Balanced nutritional diet
Maintenance of a normal blood pressure (120/80 or below)
Maintenance of a normal blood sugar (60-110 mg/dl)
Maintenance of a normal body weight
Maintenance of a normal cholesterol level
Mental exercises
Regularphysical exercise and activity
Vitamin supplements

Individuals should consult with their doctor regarding alternative treatments in order to determine if they are safe for you.

Cost

HGH injections for 1 year may cost $15,000 or more.

The cost may or may not be covered by your health benefits plan.

Sources

The following are off-site links :

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. (2003, January/February). Medical guidelines for clinical practice for growth hormone use in adults and children. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hgh.pdf.

Mayo Clinic. (2007, February). Growth hormone to prevent aging: Is it a good idea? Retrieved March 19, 2008 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/growth-hormone/HA00030/METHOD=print.

SeniorJournal. (2006, January). Human growth hormone still hyped for anti-aging benefits – but? Retrieved March 19, 2008 http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Alerts/6-01-10-HumanGrowthHormone.htm.

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2004, February). Department of Health and Human Services. Warning letter. Retrieved January 3, 2007from http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/g4543d.htm.

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006, November). Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Serostim. Retrieved March 19, 2008 from http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2006/020604s035lbl.pdf.

U. S. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Aging. (2002, November). Growth hormone, sex steroid combination not ready for prime time. Retrieved March 19, 2008 http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20021112GrowthHormone.htm.

Next Review Date

03/19/2009

This document has been classified as public information.