HGH: Is it Safe?

by D.M. Murdock

HGH is the acronym for "human growth hormone," a substance that has been wildly popular as a youth enhancer and potential longevity increaser. Countless people have taken HGH (somatropin) or its precursor products over the past few decades. A number of these individuals have been famous celebrities who appeared to defy the aging process. The use of HGH is very appealling, as it has been claimed by manufacturers, doctors and marketers to produce the following effects:

• antiaging
• artery repair
• body fat reduction
• blood pressure normalization
• bone density increase 
• cholesterol normalization
• cellulite elimination
• energy level increase
• glucose normalization
• height increase
• inflammation reduction
• kidney health improvement 
• mental acuity enhancement
• muscle tone and mass increase
• nerve restoration
• sexual enhancement
• skin tone improvement and thickening
• sleep improvement
• strength increase
• stress level reduction
• weight loss
• wound healing acceleration1
• wrinkle removal

Therapeutic uses of human growth hormone

As of early 2006, the approved, legal uses for growth hormone or somatropin included:

• pituitary dwarfism in children
• Turner syndrome

A study of children who suffered poor-growth side effects of cortisone treatments for rheumatic disease found that HGH assisted in normalizing their growth.2 Growth was apparently induced through the use of HGH in children suffering from Noonan syndrome.3 Impressive results have been achieved through the use of high doses HGH to induce height increase in short children who were small at birth, although the long-term side effects of such treatment are not yet understood.4 GH deficiency and reduced bone-mineral density following treatment for Cushing's disease has also been treated with HGH, with promising results.5 

There are indicators that in some patients HGH may be used to mitigate the intestinal malabsorption known as "short bowel syndrome," which results from the removal of sections of the intestine.8 Another study concluded that HGH could be useful in preventing beta-cell and pancreatic destruction associated with type 1 diabetes.6 HGH has also been used in clinical trials to treat the muscle-wasting associated with AIDS.7 

Some athletes are now "doping" using recombinant human growth hormone or r-hGH. A study published in early 2006 concluded that r-hGH increased the availability of fatty acids and the production and availability of glucose in the endurance-trained athletes who were studied.9 It should be kept in mind that the use of human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes or athletics is currently unapproved by the FDA and therefore illegal.

HGH side effects

HGH seems to be the genuine Fountain of Youth! But, is HGH safe? Should you take it? It appears that HGH can in fact contribute to a more youthful appearance but that such an appearance may be deceiving, however, and lifespan may not be enhanced. Injectable HGH, in fact, has been traced to a number of health problems, and harmful and distressing side effects are well known.

In its approved use for children with growth problems, HGH was discovered to produce the adverse effects of "pseudotumor cerebri, papilloedema, retinal changes mimicking diabetic retinopathy, [and] neovascularization." However, one study concluded that there was "no harmful effect of GHRT on the retina and optic nerve in young patients."10

Changing the human hormonal can be difficult and can cause illness in certain instances. In laboratory experiments on animals, growth hormone has been noted to shorten lifespan. In fact, HGH is used in lab experiments to induce heart disease in rats.11 Of course, these data and experiments may not be applicable to humans. Nevertheless, it has been said that at the "dosage levels" necessary for anti-aging benefits, HGH "runs amok on side effects."12

HGH alternatives

The numerous HGH precursors, catalysts or "secretagogues," generally applied as a spray in the mouth, are likely not harmful, but the results of some or many of these products may also be less than is desired or advertised. These products do not contain HGH itself, as such a product without a prescription would be illegal, as is using injectable HGH for anti-aging purposes. At least a few manufacturers claim their products are superior to other, cheaply made brands and actually produce noticeable results. One homeopathic HGH precursor product, "Real HGH," contains IGF-1 or Insulinlike Growth Factor 1. Unlike HGH, IGF is not a hormone, and is supposedly safe and non-toxic. However, IGF-1 has also been linked to breast, colon and prostate cancer.13 The IGF in Real HGH is extracted from deer velvet antler, which, if produced in New Zealand, is humanely culled and which is claimed to produce many if not all of the same effects as HGH. Homeopathic products are GRAS or "Generally Recognized As Safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products may not be as dramatic as the injectable HGH but they do not come with the risks.

A non-injectable form of HGH, combined with chitosan powder and to be introduced through the nose, is currently being studied.14 For therapeutic uses, a new once-a-week, sustained-release injectable HGH has been tested and found effective and safe.15 Another manner of delivery is through the skin, using radio waves.16

Other substances such as the amino acids GABA and L-arginine are used in high doses in order to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce HGH. Using many products and substances in such high doses, however, will likely produce undesirable side effects, so caution is advised.