Investigates the potential age-defying benefits of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
In the realm of anti-aging treatments, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy has gained significant attention. However, the scientific consensus emphasises a note of caution due to the lack of solid evidence supporting its use as a general anti-aging treatment for healthy older adults [1][2][3].
HGH, also known as growth hormone or somatotropin, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland to promote growth during childhood and adolescence and regulate body composition and metabolic functions [4]. While it is approved for adults with diagnosed Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), where it improves body composition, bone density, muscle strength, and some aspects of well-being [3], its role in anti-aging remains uncertain.
Proponents of HGH or HGH-stimulating peptide therapy claim potential benefits such as increased skin elasticity, improved muscle mass and strength, reduced fat tissue, enhanced cognitive function, improved cardiovascular health, heightened sexual function, and better sleep quality [1][2]. However, these claims are often based on limited or low-quality evidence, and definitive proof of long-term benefits for anti-aging is lacking [3][4].
On the other hand, the potential side effects and risks in older adults are significant. These include fluid retention, joint pain and muscle stiffness, insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance (increasing diabetes risk), carpal tunnel syndrome, and a possible increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular problems due to hormone excess [3][2].
Due to these risks, the use of synthetic HGH requires careful medical supervision and is not generally recommended for age-related decline without clear hormone deficiency. In fact, normal age-related declines in HGH secretion are typically not treated with HGH due to the risk-benefit balance [3].
Safer alternatives, such as HGH-stimulating peptides (e.g., sermorelin), may have modest benefits but lack strong evidence [1][2][4]. Some benefits reported include improved skin elasticity, muscle mass, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive.
In summary, while HGH and related peptide therapies are marketed for anti-aging, the scientific consensus emphasises caution, lack of solid supportive evidence, and the importance of medical oversight due to potential harms in older adults [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] Bhasin, S., Cunningham, G. R., Hayes, F., Jaffe, R. L., Raisz, L. G., Saad, F., ... & Vermeulen, A. (2006). Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 91(2), 317-329.
[2] Schrader, W. R. (2019). Growth hormone and aging: a review of the literature. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 79, 14-21.
[3] The Endocrine Society. (2019). Clinical Practice Guideline: Growth Hormone Therapy in Adults. Endocrine Practice, 25(Supplement 1), 1-30.
[4] Schrader, W. R. (2021). Growth Hormone and Aging: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(1), 119.
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, promotes growth during childhood and adolescence, but its role in anti-aging remains uncertain.
- While HGH is approved for adults with diagnosed Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), its potential side effects and risks in older adults, including fluid retention, joint pain, and increased diabetes risk, are significant.
- The scientific consensus emphasizes caution regarding the use of HGH as a general anti-aging treatment for healthy older adults due to the lack of solid evidence supporting its use.
- Safer alternatives like HGH-stimulating peptides may have modest benefits, but their evidence is limited and inconclusive.
- Due to the potential harms and the lack of definitive long-term benefits for anti-aging, the use of synthetic HGH requires careful medical supervision and is not generally recommended for age-related decline without clear hormone deficiency.
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