Negative Effects of Human Growth Hormone

Since its discovery and initial production in 1986, the use (and abuse) of human growth hormone (HGH) has spurred much speculation and controversy. Although human growth hormone is commonly administered for various medical disorders, it is also highly sought after for its possible anti-aging effects. The advocates of HGH range from doctors to athletes and celebrities, but its negative side effects prevent it from being legalized for anti-aging purposes.

Identification

• Human growth hormone is among the common hormones produced by the pituitary gland. HGH plays an important role in the aging process. The amount of HGH secreted by the body influences bone and cell growth and regeneration, tissue repair and immune support. In youth, HGH levels are very high, but as we age, they decline dramatically.

Research and Development

• According to Caleb Hellerman's article at CNN.com, HGH was used as early as the 1950s to treat children with growth disorders, although it was only officially recognized in 1986. In 1990, Dr. Daniel Rudman released a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which confirmed that HGH can increase lean muscle mass and significantly reduce body fat administered by injection. HGH recently sparked controversy when, in 2008, several hip-hop celebrities were accused of using it illegally to maintain a slim, youthful physique.

Theories/Speculation

• Anti-aging advocates speculate that the use of Human Growth Hormone could prevent some of the negative symptoms of aging, including loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and loss of overall strength and energy. By returning HGH to its young adult levels, doctors and medical experts speculate that aging could be stunted, as described by Caleb Hellerman in his article for CNN.com. However, these theories have yet to be proven, and the current research is inconsistent and often contradictory.

Negative Side Effects

• HGH is not illegal simply because it doesn't work; there are also significant side effects associated with its use. Dr. Judith Reichman, Physician Correspondent for NBC's Today Show, notes in an online article: "One third or more of the treated participants developed carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling (edema) and joint pain. Twice as many men on HGH developed pre-diabetes or diabetes as compared to those not treated." This particular study only considered older, adult patients from ages 65 to 88, precisely the age group targeted by anti-aging campaigns. Experts also fear that use of HGH could encourage growth of undetected cancerous cells, since HGH stimulates the production of insulin-growth factor 1, which contributes to cell growth. Additional side effects include joint and muscle pain, swelling in arms and legs, and gynecomastia in men, as noted at Mayoclinic.com's online article, "HGH: Does it Slow Aging?"

Beneficial Uses of HGH

• Despite the controversy surrounding HGH use, the hormone does provide benefits to patients who really need it. The FDA defines cases in which HGH use is necessary. These uses include wasting syndrome, commonly experienced by AIDS patients, and human growth hormone deficiency.