Do HGH Pills Work?

Human growth hormone (HGH), a chemical produced naturally in the body, is available in synthetic formulations by prescription only in the United States. However, pills that manufacturers claim contain HGH are often sold illicitly via the Internet or on the street. For the sake of your health and of public health in general, you should know what experts say about the effectiveness and safety of HGH pills.

Features

• The pea-size pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is responsible for producing HGH in the body. Human growth hormone promotes normal development and growth and helps maintain your body's organs and tissues. Levels of HGH peak at adolescence and slowly decline throughout adulthood.

Function

• Pills containing HGH are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration even for medical uses. Injection by a licensed physician is the only FDA-approved method of HGH delivery--a treatment intended solely for deficiencies of the hormone. However, the Federal Trade Commission says makers of HGH pills sell their products by claiming the pills enhance athletic performance, pack on muscle mass, and even slow aging.

Expert Insight

• In a June, 2005, consumer alert, the FTC compared the effectiveness of HGH pills with Ponce de Leon's fruitless search for the fabled Fountain of Youth. Aside from the illegality of selling and buying HGH pills in the U.S., the FTC points out that many such products are counterfeit pill formulations that contain no human growth hormone at all. According to the federal agency, HGH pills and their counterfeits are ineffective, and "long on promises and short on proof" of their claims.

Considerations

• Not only are HGH pills ineffective, but they also can have harmful effects on your health. Abuse of HGH in illicit pill form--whether to add muscle or fight aging--can have serious side effects. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, HGH abuse can lead to numbness and tingling of the skin, carpal tunnel syndrome, edema, and joint and muscle pain. More severe complications of HGH use include increasing the growth of malignant cells within the body, as well as an increased risk for diabetes.

Prevention/Solution

• Human growth hormone pills are not the healthiest option for increasing HGH in your body, according to the DEA. There are simple, natural activities that can stimulate your body's release of HGH without requiring a pill. Exercise raises HGH levels, and getting plenty of sleep is a natural way to maintain healthy levels.