Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging

Human growth hormone is described by some as the key to slowing the aging process. Before you sign up, get the facts — and understand proven ways to promote healthy aging.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland — a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain — to fuel childhood growth and help maintain tissues and organs throughout life. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of

growth hormone it produces. This natural slowdown has prompted an interest in the use of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age. However, there's little evidence to suggest human growth hormone can help otherwise healthy adults regain youth and vitality.

Who needs to take human growth hormone?

Synthetic human growth hormone, which must be injected, or implanted with time release pellets is available only by prescription. It's approved to treat adults who have true growth hormone deficiency — not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging.

Studies of adults who have a growth hormone deficiency show that injections of human growth hormone can:

• Increase bone density
• Increase muscle mass
• Decrease body fat
• Increase exercise capacity

Human growth hormone is also approved to treat AIDS- or HIV-related muscle wasting.

Source: MAYO CLINIC: www.mayoclinic.com/health/growth-hormone/HA00030/METHOD=print