Is Human Growth Hormone Therapy the Right Choice for You?

Human growth hormone (HGH) stimulates healthy cell growth. The pituitary gland secretes this hormone naturally (the pituitary gland is located near the base of the brain). Although the pituitary gland is quite small, it performs several essential functions within the human body. It can be considered the monarch and regulator of all glands in the human body.

In children and teenagers, the pituitary gland secretes large amounts of HGH in comparison to adults. However, as individuals age, the pituitary begins to secrete less HGH. In children, the proteins in HGH enable normal healthy growth. In adults who have ceased growing, these growth hormones help preserve a youthful appearance and maintain energy.

Moderate levels of human growth hormones are essential for routine bodily maintenance and functioning, but in excessive amounts, HGH can cause serious health problems, including pituitary tumors, pituitary gigantism and diabetes.

Pituitary tumors present with symptoms which include frequent head aches and impaired vision. Pituitary cancer often requires treatment with surgery and radiation. Pituitary gigantism, which is excessive cell growth resulting in a gigantic body, can leave children abnormally tall or heavy for their age. Type two diabetes is marked by painful nerve endings, muscle weakness and insulin resistance. The risk of pituitary diseases increases after age 40.

Inadequate levels of HGH can also problematic, leading to human growth hormone deficiency syndrome, a condition caused by an underactive pituitary. In children, this deficiency causes a failure of growth. In adults, this deficiency normally results in weaker bone mass and reduced energy levels. A malfunctioning pituitary gland is a major cause of HGH deficiencies, but injury to the portion of the brain called the hypothalamus can also produce this condition.

The chief means of treating a HGH deficiency is injecting a synthetic version of HGH directly into the blood stream. When the synthetic version of HGH is chemically identical to the naturally occurring hormone, this treatment should have few negative side effects. Dietary changes--deliberately introducing HGH releasers into one's diet--can also induce higher levels of natural growth hormones from the pituitary.

Injectable human growth hormones have additional uses even in healthy people with no obvious HGH deficiency.

1. Injectable HGH can reduce the signs of aging and serve as an anti-ageing treatment.

2. Carefully administrated HGH injections may help treat obesity, shortness, Chron's disease and multiple sclerosis.

3. Athletes and body builders also commonly use HGH to build muscle mass and to increase stamina for their competition.

Before taking any HGH treatment, potential users should fully understand the possible negative side effects of taking growth hormones. Possible health concerns include an increased risk for beast cancer (even in males), colon cancer, and lung cancer. HGH is also associated with increased risk for diabetes, joint pain, and muscle damage.

In spite of these significant risks, many people choose to use HGH to help them build muscle mass, remain active and maintain energy levels. HGH is naturally occurring in our bodies and when present in moderate amounts--not too much or too little--it helps to keep the human body fit and beautiful.