hGH - Human Growth Hormone

The human growth hormone, or hGH is found naturally in our bodies. However, as with many other hormones, it begins to diminish as we age. Research has indicated that hGH can repair some of the damaged cells resulting from age.

Human Growth Hormone was first synthesized in 1985 as a treatment for dwarfism. And it is still used today to treat growth hormone deficiencies in children.

It wasn't long until doctors started wondering if the hormone could "cure" aging or at least slow its effects. People began using it under a doctor's care. It has to be injected and is very expensive. However, it does seem to help repair wrinkled skin, memory loss and even osteoporosis. Today, somatropin (its scientific name) is one of the most popular drugs on the market.

Side Effects

One problem with this treatment is that it really hasn't been in use or tested long enough to see if there are any long-term effects. Excessive doses may cause water retention, joint pain, hypoglycemia and carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors claim that side effects are rare if taken as directed.

Other Alternatives

In 1997 a group of doctors and scientists developed a product that they claimed would cause the body to release its own growth hormone. Developers claim no side effects and no known drug interactions. There are several sources for this growth hormone releaser,although some of the claims may be rather dubious.

And not everyone agrees that growth hormone replacement is a viable antiaging treatment. Some doctors claim that although studies have shown that hGH has yielded some positive results, the risks outweigh the benefits and more studies must be done. There are just too many unanswered questions. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has stated that the use of growth hormones for antiaging is not recommended.

And a recent study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine shows that levels of human growth hormone in the body do not seem to affect one's life span. In fact, it showed that those with diminished hormone levels had the same lifespan as those who had normal levels.

Natural Remedy

If you do want to increase your growth hormone levels, the easiest, and cheapest, way is to exercise. Both resistance and endurance exercise prompts the production of hGH. High intensity exercises does the most good. Lifting weights and playing a sport can do wonders for your health while increasing this vital hormone.

You may have heard of the Goji berry. Its juice can be found in health food stores and through various other markets. There has been some evidence that the goji berry stimulates the human growth hormone although again, more studies would need to be done to fully validate these claims.

If you are interested in growth hormone therapy, be sure to check with your doctor or a reputable anti-aging physician to see if it is right for you.