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By Laurene Powers

(Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School)

The ongoing search for sustained youth has brought about new techniques to combat the aging process. In fact, anti-aging is such a hot topic that it is becoming its own subspecialty in medicine, as well as a very lucrative commercial industry. There are quite a few people willing to pay big dollars to maintain their youth, and they are willing to try human growth hormone to achieve this goal.

What Is Human Growth Hormone?

Human growth hormone is a synthetically produced drug that replicates the naturally produced growth hormone that is responsible for development of the body.

Synthetically produced human growth hormone has been used in the treatment of growth hormone deficiency for more than 30 years. For example, it has been used in children who lack sufficient growth hormone and have signs of abnormal growth. It has also been used in adult patients, but its effects have not been as thoroughly studied as those in children. The growth hormone has been shown to decrease fat mass, increase lean muscle mass, increase muscle function, increase protein synthesis and increase bone density.

There are no long-term studies on the use of human growth hormone as an anti-aging drug. When used for anti-aging, human growth hormone promises to increase muscle mass, increase bone density and increase energy levels. There are also findings that short-term use of growth hormone reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (the "bad" kind of cholesterol).

The Costs Of Staying Young

Human growth hormone, as an anti-aging drug, is being used in a number of forms and price ranges. In its high-end form, patients inject this drug several times a day. The injections, which can be painful, may be supplemented with other drugs and dietary supplements.

Only a physician can prescribe the injectable form of human growth hormone. This practice has become so popular that a number of anti-aging clinics have opened in the United States, with human growth hormone as their showcase treatment. Participation in the regimen may begin with a medical examination, mental or mood evaluation, diagnostic tests and various other screening methods. This initial workup can cost several thousand dollars and require a two- to three-night stay at the clinic. Once a patient begins human growth hormone injections, the costs continue at several thousand dollars per month.

Because the use of human growth hormone as an anti-aging drug is not considered medically necessary, insurance does not cover any of the costs. The patient must be prepared to pay for the entire treatment, which would continue for as long as he or she chooses to continue receiving injections.

For the more cost-conscientious:

Because most people cannot afford thousands of dollars per month for injections, other forms of human growth hormone are now available. The Internet is flooded with sites and advertisements for human growth hormone and human growth hormone-type products promising effects similar to those of the growth hormone injections--- increased energy, weight loss, increased sex drive, increased muscle mass, increased bone density and decreased wrinkles.

These products may contain a less concentrated dose of human growth hormone or may be a manufactured product that does not even resemble human growth hormone. Yet, they compare themselves and their outcomes with injectable human growth hormone. Most of these products are over the counter and do not require a prescription or a visit to a physician.

One can select an oral spray, drops to add to a favorite beverage, vitamins or dietary supplements, and the price ranges from a few dollars to more than $100 per month. However, human growth hormone is considered effective for anti-aging only when high doses are injected.

Conclusions

Although human growth hormone is an approved and commonly prescribed treatment for growth hormone deficiency, its effects on aging are unknown. The use of human growth hormone for this purpose is considered "off-label" (that is, this use has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration), and some physicians consider it inappropriate and even risky.

Even though taking growth hormone may be an easier alternative in the fight against aging than is modifying one’s daily routine, growth hormone for this use needs to develop a longer track record.. Following healthy lifestyle practices, such as a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and regular exercise, requires much more effort and willpower than simply taking a drug.

From: http://www.intelihealth.com

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