Is human growth hormone able to slow down the aging process? As you may recall from high school history, Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, trekked to Florida in 1513 to seek out the fabled Fountain of Youth. However, if he gained any health benefits from his journey, it was only due to the exercise required to get there.
Today, few men believe in waters possessing miraculous powers. Even so, many do have faith in the "Syringe of Youth", HGH. They inject growth hormone into the body to slow down the clock, rather than consuming rejuvenating water.
Some are encouraged by anti-aging claims, while others follow the lead of professional athletes trying to get a competitive edge. While athletes still get the benefits of exercise from training and playing, older men might use growth hormone injections to replace working out.
But can growth hormone can increase performance, or decrease the effects of aging? Is it even safe?
What is Growth Hormone?
The pituitary gland produces human growth hormone (HGH) which gets secreted into the bloodstream. A complex combination of hormones is responsible for controlling GH production, which are produced by the hypothalamus of the brain, the intestinal tract, and the pancreas.
The pituitary releases growth hormone in short bursts, and production increases after exercise or trauma, and during sleep. Normally, greater GH production occurs at night compared to in the daytime.
Even though the physiology is complex, it tells us that random blood testing to assess growth hormone levels aren't reliable because these levels fluctuate up and down during the course of the day. Scientists who specialize in GH production have found that it rises in childhood, peaks during puberty, and diminishes as we age.
GH effects the body in numerous ways. It stimulates growth of bones and cartilage growth during childhood and adolescence. In individuals of all ages, it boosts protein synthesis, stimulates fat loss, inhibits insulin's function and elevates the blood sugar. GH can also increase IGF-1 levels (insulin-like growth factor-1).
Benefits of HGH
GH can be purchased with a doctor's prescription and is administered via injections. GH therapy is suggested for children and adults with growth hormone deficiency, or those with very short stature. It can also be used to treat adults with GH deficiency, which is a rare situation that almost always occurs in association with major hypothalamus and/or pituitary conditions.
Adults with a GH deficiency are diagnosed using special tests that trigger the production of growth hormone. Simple blood tests can be ineffective, or even completely misleading.
GH injections are beneficial for adults with legitimate GH deficiencies. These treatments can lower the risk of bone fractures and heart disease, and increase muscle mass, energy, and exercise capacity.
However, these benefits come with a cost. Nearly 1 in 3 patients can experience adverse reactions, including fluid retention, pain in the muscles and joints, carpal tunnel syndrome, and elevated blood sugar levels.
HGH Use For athletic performance
Adults with GH deficiency who receive replacement therapy develop bigger muscles, greater energy and enhanced exercise capacity. Because athletes put in a lot of effort to improve their performance and build muscle, it is little surprise that many turn to HGH.
This is not a problem that is isolated. GH use occurs in many sports, including track and field, baseball, cycling and major league baseball. Athletes who use GH in competitive sports risk being disqualified or banned.
But what are they getting in return, and what are the risks to their health?
Scientists have not been able to assess GH in the field because human growth hormone is prohibited, and athletic performance is dependent upon many factors (physical, psychological, and competitive). However, they can run randomized clinical trials in which GH or a placebo is administered to young athletes.
Researchers can then measure for body composition, strength and exercise capacity.
California researchers conducted a thorough review of 44 detailed studies on GH's effects on athletes. The participants were an average age of 27, lean, and physically fit. 133 people received placebo injections and 303 received HGH injections.
The participants who received GH injections daily for 20 days gained an average of 4.6 lbs in lean body mass (this is a measure of muscle mass, but can also include fluid mass). This is a substantial gain, but it didn't translate into better performance.
As a matter of fact, the GH didn't produce any measurable increase in strength or exercise ability. The participants who received GH were actually more likely than the placebo group to experience fatigue and fluid retention.
You'll probably remember your coach telling you "no pain no gain" as a high school or college jock. Today, athletes using illegal performance-enhancing drugs risk the pain of being banned without any evidence of gain.
Aging and GH
A group of researchers looked at the findings of 31 small-but-detailed studies that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of GH for healthy older adults. Although each study was small, the team evaluated 220 participants who were given GH and 227 controls who were not. The majority of subjects were men, with an average age of 69.
The doses of GH were greatly varied, and the duration of the studies ranged from 2 to 52 weeks. Despite the differences in dosage, they all succeeded in increasing IGF-1 levels (which indicates GH levels) by 88%.
The subjects treated with GH gained an average of 4.6 lbs of lean body mass, and lost a comparable amount in body fat. There were no changes in HDL or LDL ("good/bad") cholesterol levels, triglycerides, bone density, exercise capacity, fasting blood sugars or insulin levels.
However, a large number of side effects were experienced by GH recipients, such as fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and enlarged breasts (gynecomastia). Although the studies could not detect any changes in cancer risk, other research indicates an increased risk in cancer, especially prostate cancer.
HGH Supplements
There are also a wide variety of GH supplements available, including products like GenF20 Plus and HyperGH 14x. These supplements are typically taken in pill or capsule form, oral sprays, or both.
While some of these products are indeed effective, like those previously mentioned, many don't provide many benefits, if any. Potential buyers should carefully research the brand, ingredients used, and user reviews prior to making a decision about using these supplements.
Additionally, you should always discuss using any new OTC supplement with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are currently taking medication.
Diet and Exercise Vs. GH
Jonathan Swift wrote, "Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old." He was correct, although the Fountain of Youth has proved to be illusory thus far.
GH use does not appear to be safe or effective, for either older individuals or healthy, young athletes. However, this doesn't mean that you should just lie down and wait for Father Time to beat you down - rather, turn to the tried-and-true duo of diet and exercise.
You should try consuming a moderate amount of protein, around .36 grams per pound of your body weight. Even large men don't require more than 65 grams of protein daily, although athletes and men who have had surgery or are recovering from illness might need to consume 20% more.
Create a balanced workout plan and try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This can include things like walking, jogging, or cycling.
Make sure to do some strength training 2-3 times a week as well to help increase strength and muscle mass. Doing these things will decrease your chances of developing many chronic conditions, increase your energy and quality life - and yes, even slow down your biological clock.