|
Human growth hormone (HGH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is necessary to stimulate growth of tissues during growing years. However synthetic analogues of the hormone, which are produced by various drug companies, are not completely identical to the natural hormone.
HGH therapy is recommended in many disease conditions like muscular dystrophy, shirt stature, growth hormone deficiency and genetic disorders like Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. These days however HGH is being used to stimulate weight loss and has gained popularity as an anti-aging drug.
In deficiency states, taking HGH injections is safe and tolerable. However taking growth hormone injections to retain youthful looks and trim off excess pounds requires abundant caution. Many studies have advocated use of HGH as a fountain of youth. However most of the studies supporting this use were not placebo-controlled and involved small numbers of subjects and produced dubious results.
Synthetic human growth hormone is available only by a doctor's prescription and is administered through an intramuscular injection. The hormone is also available on the internet in the form of pills and sprays. There is some benefit from such formulations, but there are no controlled trials to suggest these forms may replace the injectable version of the hormone.
Injection of growth hormone may boost muscle mass and confer lean looks at the start of the therapy. However there is no evidence to suggest older adults who do not need HGH can benefit by taking such injections.
One study showed that older adults who were given HGH injections developed arthritis-like symptoms. Whether these symptoms fade out over time or become accentuated is not yet clear. What is clear though is the fact HGH is no miracle drug especially in older people.
Some of the steps you can take to guarantee HGH safety are as follows:
* If you are taking HGH injections, only do so under the strict supervision of your doctor.
* Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications for any pre-existing conditions.
* Similarly if you should be prescribed some drugs for any other condition, tell your doctor you are taking growth hormone.
* If you experience any HGH side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
|
