Email it     Talk about it     Print it

Growth Hormones. Are They the Fountain of Youth?

Sandy in Buckeye is curious about growth hormones.

Hi Chris,     

I have been hearing some good things about injectable growth hormone for help with anti-aging, energy, sex drive and muscle growth. I've been doing figure competitions for the last 3 years and am 42 years old and I am interested in this therapy and your opinion of it. Tell me what you think about it and if it is something you can offer my husband and I to promote a healthy lifestyle and quality of life.

Thank you.

Hi there Sandy!

Ah yes, Human Growth Hormone (Hgh)…it is become very popular these days!  Well, this is somewhat of a two-sided issue.  Since I am not an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in the hormonal system), I’d love to give you my opinion on it – but of course I must strongly encourage you to contact your physician for their opinion before you make the final decision.

When it comes to the use of these kinds of supplements, there is really no right or wrong answer.  My goal is to give you as much information as possible, encourage you to research it as well, so that you can make a final and educated decision.

The Fountain of Youth?
I have worked with several doctors and clients who have used Growth Hormone, and the results have been very positive.  Naturally produced by the pituitary gland, as we age we produce less and less growth hormone (about 10% less each decade).  Growth Hormone affects the rate at which our cells reproduce, so this natural decline in growth hormone is predominantly one of the reasons our bodies begin to show the signs of age.  We lose the glow to the skin, muscles and joints take longer to recover so we are more susceptible to injury, more wrinkles begin to appear, etc.  They have proven in clinical studies that the aging process can be slowed and almost stopped in patients using human growth hormone.  The patients say that they feel younger, have more energy, sleep better, lose more body fat (it is a lioplytic hormone as well!) and have an overall better sense of well-being.  It’s true.  The clients I have worked with who have used growth hormone have felt and seen a significant difference in their body.

At What Cost?
There are always two sides to the story.  Growth Hormone is still relatively new since they found a way to make it synthetically (it used to be extracted from horse pituitary gland).  Because of this, there are no studies available on long-term growth hormone use and its effects on the body.  Some studies have shown that Hgh may have an effect on insulin resistance in the cells of the body.  This can put an increased load on the pancreas to produce insulin, so for those susceptible to diabetes, this may be a deterrent.  However, because of its possible effects on insulin resistance of the cells, it is also an encouraging factor to severely limit sweets and processed foods that can spike the blood sugar levels.  To prevent overload on the pancreas, you will want to consume mostly complex carbohydrates to keep blood sugar levels as stabilized as possible. 

In addition, even with injectable growth hormone, the human body still naturally produces less and less as time goes by.  If and when an individual stops administering the injections, the body will begin to show the signs of aging at the rate of its natural production.  So if you are thinking about Hgh, keep in mind that it is a long-term decision!  To maintain the youthful look, feel, and appearance (essentially stopping the hands of time), you must continue to inject Hgh daily. 

Hope this info helps you out a bit with your decision!  Good luck

…oh, and for the increase in sex drive talk with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy if you are post-menopause – testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc.  Once they are balanced and stabilized you’ll definitely notice the difference – you’ll feel 25 again!

~Chris

Learn more about Chris.

The information presented and the opinions expressed are those of the content provider. KTVK-TV and KASW-TV do not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement, or other information by the content provider. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any such opinion, advice, statement, or information shall be at your sole risk.