Research shows little benefit with Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (GH) has been touted for its supposed ability to do everything from build muscle to shave fat to thicken bones to lower cholesterol.

A new study appearing in the January 16 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine says there's no scientific evidence to these claims. Researchers found that if taken by healthy adults it could cause a host of unhealthy side effects, including joint pain, soft tissue swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, increased breast size in men, and a heightened risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes.

"Growth hormone should not be used for anti-aging purposes," says Hau Liu, a research fellow in endocrinology and health policy at Stanford University. "This costs hundreds to thousands of dollars a month and there is no scientific evidence supporting it and very real, potentially serious side effects."

Liu's team studying healthy senior citizens using growth hormones found that the drugs increased lean body or muscle mass by slightly more than four pounds) and decreased fat mass by roughly the same amount. But Liu says the body changes did not translate into benefits: Longevity, bone density, cholesterol levels, stamina and blood sugar levels did not significantly change or improve.

Bonnie - I vehemently oppose the use of human growth hormone for anti-aging. I have seen too many adverse side effects in clients who have tried it.