Does HGH Slow Aging?

During your childhood your body naturally produces the human growth hormone or HGH in order to increase growth. As you age, HGH works to maintain tissues and organs. However, starting in your forties the pituitary gland in your brain starts reducing the amount of HGH is produces. It is believed that these decreasing levels of HGH are responsible for the signs and symptoms that are typically associated with aging. This is why those who are concerned about aging are starting to turn to HGH injections in order to stay younger, longer. However, is HGH really the next fountain of youth?

HGH injections are only currently available by prescription and a doctor will administer it through an intramuscular injection. Doctors currently only approve HGH injections for adults who have real HGH deficiencies, not those who simply want to slow the process of aging. For adults who are suffering from HGH deficiencies this can lead to pituitary gland tumors. HGH injections have also been approved for use in children with short stature, kidney failure, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Turner’s Syndrome.

Studies proved that HGH injections provide benefits such as increased bone density, increased lean muscle mass, lower body fat percentage, improved heart condition, better mood and an increased capacity for exercise. Since these results have been confirmed many individuals think that synthetic HGH can help older adults who are healthy but have naturally declining levels of HGH to regain their vitality and youth.

Not many studies have been done to prove the effects of HGH on healthy adults who take synthetic HGH. Of the few studies that have been conducted they only included a small number of people who were followed for a short period of time. These limited studies have found that those who take HGH injections can increase their lean muscle mass and reduce the percentage of body fat. However, this doesn’t mean better strength. Strength training is required in order to turn the new lean muscle mass into strength. No other benefits have been proved of HGH injection in healthy adults and the same results from the studies has also been proven to occur through regular strength training which is a much cheaper option.

Also there are potentially fatal side effects to HGH injections that must be considered before asking a doctor for the procedure. Most of the side effects can result if an individual gets too much HGH in their body. This is why HGH injections are typically recommended for those who have an HGH deficiency and even then they must be taken under the strict supervision of a licensed medical professional. Some of the side effects that you should consider are swelling, arthritis, carpal tunnel, headaches, bloating, muscle pain, diabetes, abnormal bone and organ growth, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

The best option is to talk with your doctor about how HGH works in your body and whether it is something your body requires. If you have specific concerns that you think HGH can help then your doctor may also be able to suggest other treatment options that provide safer results.