HGH – Human Growth Hormone
The Fountain of Youth?

As I celebrated my birthday this past month I realized that something is happening to my body. I’m getting old. Okay, maybe 35 isn’t old, but my face, along with my body, is starting to show signs of getting up there in years. So with the passage of another year I thought I would see what is out there to fight the signs of aging. Here is one avenue I found.

What is HGH? (Human Growth Hormone)

HGH is a complex endocrine hormone made up of 190 amino acids linked in a specific sequence that is secreted by pulses by the pituitary gland located in the center of your brain. This growth hormone affects tissue repair, muscle growth, healing, brain functions, physical health, mental health, bone strength, energy and metabolism. In essence this hormone is very critical for our livelihood. In adolescence the amount of HGH produced peaks and as we age production decreases. As a result our bodies show the signs of aging.

HGH Injections

Since the discovery of this growth hormone, scientist and doctors have been trying to create a product to affiliate or stimulate the hormone to reverse the signs of aging. In 1986 Eli Lily produced an identical match of the 191 amino acid hormone. This growth hormone is known as a biosynthetic hormone that is identical to human growth hormone. It has been used by athletes and on children and adults with growth hormone deficiencies. A prescription for daily injections is needed for this biosynthetic hormone therapy. The cost of these injections can reach up to $10,000.00 for just one year.

To see if this form of hormone therapy would be great for anti-aging purposes, Dr. Rudman, et al, conducted a test on healthy males in the 61 to 81 year old range by injecting them with the biosynthetic hormone for a period of six months. The men saw improvements in muscle tone, bone density, skin thickness and other areas. Side-effects experienced were small increases in the mean systolic blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose. While the doctors say that this test looks very promising questions still remain and need to be answered. So the verdict is still out on the benefits and side effects to growth hormone injections to healthy people for anti-aging purposes. To see the results of the test performed by Dr. Rudman, et al, visit New England Journal of Medicine.

HGH therapy sounds great and promising, but these questions remain. Once you start taking the injections do you have to take them for the rest of your life? Since my natural growth hormone production will decrease as I age, do the injection dosages need to be increased over time? Taking hormones has many risks, what are some of the side effects? These are just some of the questions doctors do agree need to be answered before human growth hormone can be used on healthy people.

Since HGH injections are not available for use by healthy people for anti-aging purposes there are other alternatives that seem promising. They are HGH simulators or releasers.

HGH Stimulators or Releasers

HGH stimulators or releasers are dietary supplements that are designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release more of its own growth hormone. Since decreasing of the growth hormone affects the body negatively, having the body produce more of its own growth hormone improves overall health and well-being. The fact that these supplements do not introduce a foreign or man-made hormone to the body is a great benefit, as the body works with more of its own hormone.

HGH products claim to do the following:

Lower blood pressure
Increase muscle strength and size
Reduce cellulite
Improve vision
Increase energy levels and endurance
Increase bone density
Reduce and remove wrinkles
Heightens libido and sexual performance
Improve memory
Resistance to common illnesses
Control mood swings
Control cholesterol
And much more….

These dietary supplements for anti-aging come in sprays, powders, tablets and pills. They are not FDA approved. Their claims have not been substantiated. The fact that HGH stimulants and releasers are not FDA approved does not mean that they do not work. People take dietary supplements everyday and see and feel the added benefits to their lives. Remember, before you try any HGH stimulators or releasers you need to consult your doctor.

I am curious to here from you if you have tried HGH stimulates. Let me know what you thought and experienced at my discussion board. I would love to read what you have to say. I do believe the best form of advertising is word of mouth.

Maybe just maybe The Fountain of Youth is close to being discovered.

~Victoria Simonovitch

Victoria Simonovitch is the Articles Editor at Garden and Hearth. She enjoys the challenges and rewards of being a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children.