Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth, cell regeneration, and metabolism. As we age, our HGH levels naturally decrease, leading to changes associated with aging like decreased muscle mass, bone density loss, and increased body fat. This has led some to believe that restoring HGH levels to what they were in our youth could help reverse aspects of aging.
However, the effects of HGH on aging are complex:
- Exogenous HGH refers to HGH supplements or injections to raise levels. Some small studies show exogenous HGH can provide anti-aging benefits like:
- Increased muscle mass and decreased body fat
- Better skin elasticity and texture
- Increased bone density
- Improved cardiac function
- Enhanced exercise capacity
- But many larger studies found no or minimal effects of HGH on aging. And there are risks with long-term use like:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Swelling and joint pain
- Diabetes risk
- Possibly increased cancer risk
So
while raising decaying HGH levels sounds intuitively like it would reverse aging, the scientific evidence is much less clear. More research is still needed.
Some key points on HGH and aging:
- HGH levels do decrease with age – from their peak in early adulthood to about 1/3 lower by 60
- But aging is complex – with many hormonal, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors
- Exogenous HGH may provide some benefits, but carries side effect risks with long-term use
- The hype around HGH likely exceeds what the current evidence supports for anti-aging
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – like exercise, nutrition, sleep – supports your natural HGH better
At Vital Hormone Clinic, we offer specialized testing to check your hormone levels, including HGH and other aging-related hormones. If low, we can develop customized treatment plans to help you optimize your wellness as you age. Contact us today for a free consultation.
So in summary -
while HGH clearly plays a role in growth and vitality, its ability to directly turn back the aging process is still unproven. More disciplined science around dosing, duration, side effects, and realistic outcomes is still needed. Lifestyle changes aimed at supporting your body's natural circulating hormones are likely a smarter approach right now for most people. But speak to an anti-aging specialist to learn if you are candidate high quality HGH therapy.