Should You Take Human Growth Hormone?

Many people want to look younger or stop themselves from looking older and they try different ways to regain that youthful look. One of the recent additions to the long list of age defying products is human growth hormone or HGH. With so many people believing that growth hormones can slow down aging, it is not surprising that these hormone-containing products are flooding the marketplace. However, before you reach for any HGH supplements in the market, first take the time to learn about this naturally occurring hormone.

What is growth hormone?
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure found at the base of the brain. Its main function is to produce hormones that become major players in the growth and development of human beings. Its role during puberty is significant. Together with other hormones, HGH works to rapidly create proper bone structure and muscles in people entering adolescence. This hormone is also responsible for maintaining cells throughout the life cycle.

The release of HGH is affected by age. Once you reach middle age, the pituitary gland slows down and the amount of hormone it releases declines. According to proponents of HGH supplements, the decline in the released amount of this hormone leads to aging. They also say that you can take synthetic versions of the hormone and this will cancel the aging process and make you look youthful. Not all consumers are persuaded by such unfounded marketing gimmicks. The skeptics are abundant and object to various aspects of HGH supplements, including the fact that not everyone can tolerate synthetic hormones.

Can anyone take this hormone?
For medical reasons, some people require regular doses of HGH. These patients are not looking to unwind the hands of time, but need to ease the suffering due to growth hormone deficiency. HGH deficiency is a rare condition of people with a pituitary gland tumor. The condition can be treated through radiotherapy, surgery and hormone therapy. The purpose of hormone therapy for these people is to increase bone density and muscle mass. One significant effect of this hormone therapy is to reduce body fat. Take note, HGH is also prescribed to people with HIV/AIDS to delay muscular atrophy.

There are not many studies which conclusively determine the effects of synthetic HGH in healthy individuals. There are reports saying that HGH injections have caused an increase in muscle mass in healthy people, but the increased muscle mass was not shown to also increase strength. Its fat reducing abilities have also been noted in various studies.

However, there have been negative side effects reported upon injecting HGH in healthy people. The side effects are carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling of arms and legs, joint pains, muscular pains, and gynecomastia. There is also some evidence linking HGH use with development of heart disease and diabetes. Studies also confirm that conclusive evidence regarding the side effects of HGH injections is lacking. For the moment, the general opinion in the scientific community is it is safer not taking synthetic growth hormone if you do not need it.

HGH is usually administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly and not orally. But many websites now sell it in pill form, claiming that the supplements produce similar results as the injected hormone. Some supplements do not contain HGH, but claim they can activate the natural release of HGH in the body. Unfortunately, many of these supplements are not backed up by laboratory studies.