Human Growth Hormone

Brand names: HGH, Human Growth Hormone

Usage of Human Growth Hormone

There are numerous animal and human studies evaluating the use of hGH, primarily for its metabolic benefits. hGH has been used to treat GH deficiency, as well as to increase energy and improve mood, increase lean body mass and muscle mass, and for its antiaging effects. rhGH has become a target of abuse in the sporting world. Conversely, sports medicine clinicians may encounter athletes using rhGH to achieve normalcy in the context of GH deficiency.(Siebert 2018)

Antiaging effects

Clinical data

Aging is related to changes in overall body composition and metabolism, and to a reduction in GH plasma levels. In a few, short-term studies, age-related changes in body composition and metabolism were reversed or decreased by supplementation with hGH.(Bartke 2008, Giordano 2008)

In a meta-analysis of 18 randomized, controlled trials of patients treated with hGH, small changes in overall body composition and decreases in total cholesterol levels were observed. No changes in bone density and other serum lipid levels were reported. Due to an increased rate of adverse events, hGH could not be recommended for antiaging purposes. Adverse events with hGH included soft tissue edema, arthralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, gynecomastia, onset of diabetes mellitus, and impaired fasting glucose.(Liu 2007)

Somatopause is associated with age-related declines in hGH (production and secretion), GH-binding protein, and insulinlike growth factor; age-related changes are linked to these anabolic hormones. Limited clinical studies are investigating the antiaging benefits versus the risks of hGH supplementation.(Sattler 2013)

Height and the rate and regulation of GH secretion have been related to human aging, but longevity is not extended in individuals with syndromes of GH deficiency or resistance. However, the risk of age-related chronic disease is reduced in individuals affected by these syndromes, with various indices of increased health span reported.(Bartke 2021)

Athletic performance

Lean body tissue is thought to be preserved by hGH supplementation. Professional athletes seeking improved performance and recovery from injury have used hGH for its anabolic and lipolytic activity.(Liu 2008) While rhGH is an important therapeutic agent for GH-deficient patients, it has also been a target of abuse in competitive athletics. Benefits in healthy adults are uncertain. A safe exercise and competition plan, developed with a physician knowledgeable on GH use, physiology, and abuse potential, is of benefit to a longitudinal clinician-patient relationship.(Siebert 2018)

Clinical data

In a meta-analysis evaluating effects of GH on athletic performance, nearly 7,600 studies were identified, of which 44 met inclusion criteria for evaluation of muscle performance outcomes. Overall, results showed that athletic performance was not improved by hGH supplementation. While the available limited evidence suggests that hGH increases lean body tissue, it may not improve strength.(Liu 2008)

A short-term study involving experienced weight lifters administered hGH documented no increase in the rate of muscle protein synthesis and no reduction in body protein breakdown.(Yarasheski 1993) Some studies suggest that hGH supplementation may actually reduce exercise capacity,(Liu 2008) while others suggest that hGH may improve energy supply (anaerobic performance) and thus enhance exercise capacity.(Birzniece 2010, Liu 2008, Meinhardt 2010) Although increases in lean body mass have been observed following supplementation with hGH, it is likely that fluid retention, rather than increased muscle mass, contributes to the increase.(Birzniece 2010) In one study, hGH treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in sprint capacity compared with placebo.(Meinhardt 2010)

GH deficiency syndrome

GH therapy with daily injections of rhGH, a prescription product, has been available since 1985, and is shown to be a safe and effective treatment for short stature in children and for adult GH deficiency.(Lal 2019)

Hair disorders

The relationship between hGH and human hair follicle biology is an area of active research.(Horesh 2021)

Mood/Quality of life

Clinical data

GH replacement therapy has been shown to improve mood and quality of life in patients with GH deficiency and may be a promising option for patients with epilepsy-related depression.(Butler 2019)

Human Growth Hormone side effects

Soft tissue edema has commonly occurred in women treated with hGH and is not dose related. Fluid retention appears to be related to hGH's action on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and spironolactone are effective in reversing the fluid retention. Increased concentrations of glucose and insulin concentrations have also been documented.(Giordano 2008)

Before taking Human Growth Hormone

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Human Growth Hormone

Various homeopathic hGH formulations, administered daily, have been used for improvement in energy and mood; however, data are lacking to provide specific dosing recommendations.

Warnings

No data. Caution is warranted with homeopathic products because many supplements contain ingredients that might stimulate endogenous GH production.

What other drugs will affect Human Growth Hormone

None well documented.

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