Human Growth Hormone Reviews

HGH is produced by the pituitary gland - a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain - to fuel childhood growth and help maintain tissues and organs throughout life. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces. This natural slowdown has prompted an interest in the use of synthetic HGH to stave off the realities of old age. However, there's little evidence to suggest human growth hormone can help otherwise healthy adults regain youth and vitality.
Who needs to take human growth hormone?

Synthetic HGH, which must be injected, is available only by prescription. It's approved to treat adults who have true growth hormone deficiency - not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging.

Studies of adults who have a growth hormone deficiency show that injections of human growth hormone can:

* Increase bone density
* Increase muscle mass
* Decrease body fat
* Increase exercise capacity

HGH is also approved to treat AIDS- or HIV-related muscle wasting.
What can human growth hormone do for otherwise healthy adults?

Studies of healthy adults taking HGH are limited. Although it appears that HGH injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults, the increase in muscle doesn't translate into increased strength. In fact, researchers have found that strength training is a cheaper, more effective way to increase muscle mass and strength.

It isn't clear if HGH may provide other benefits to healthy adults.

What are the risks of taking human growth hormone if you don't need it?

HGH may cause a number of side effects for healthy adults, including:

* Swelling in the arms and legs
* Joint pain
* Muscle pain
* For men, enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

HGH may also contribute to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Some research suggests that side effects of HGH treatments may be more likely in older adults than in younger adults. Because the studies of healthy adults taking HGH have been short term, it isn't clear whether the side effects could eventually dissipate or become worse.

Cost is likely a concern, too. HGH injections can cost thousands of dollars.

Does HGH come in pill form?

Some Web sites claim to sell a pill form of HGH that produces results similar to the injected form of the drug. Sometimes these are called human growth hormone releasers. There's no proof that these claims are true, however. Likewise, there's no proof that homeopathic remedies claiming to contain human growth hormone work, either.

What's the bottom line?

If you have specific concerns about aging, ask your doctor about proven ways to improve your health. Remember, healthy lifestyle choices - such as eating nutritious foods, controlling portion sizes and including physical activity in your daily routine - can help you stay healthy and strong as you get older.