Evaluating the Risks of Human Growth Hormone Therapy

Many aging adults and baby boomers are seeing articles about the benefits of having human growth hormone therapy.

Many aging adults and baby boomers are seeing articles about the benefits of having human growth hormone therapy.  This therapy has been featured in high-profile magazines and creating a stir in baby boomer adults that is fighting the aging process.
Human growth hormone therapy is seen to be a boon to the antiaging process.  Proponents claim increased libido, leaner muscle mass, increased vim and vigor, and less belly fat.  Many doctors that see the difference in their patients with growth hormone therapy are not using it to get the same results.

There are side effects and they should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor or clinic before starting this therapy.  There is a reported link to higher risk of cancer associated with the use of human growth hormones.  This synthetic hormone that is being administered after natural levels fall seems to increase some levels of IGF-1 that are associated with increase risk of some cancers.  Prostate, breast, and colon cancer are those cancers that seem to be affected by the increased level if IGF-1 in the body. 

Studies are being done on how human growth hormones are affecting those aging adults who are taking the therapy.  Clinical trials are still going on to determine the safety of using this artificial hormone.  Growth hormone is not given to people who do not need it and it is illegal to use it as an antiaging product in this country.

Home Exercise Program Have fun, indulge yourself, and laugh. All of these suggestions will help you age healthier and keep your body young. Assisted Living Services-How Do They Work? Aging adults often find themselves in a position where they need to downsize and move to a smaller home. Maybe they have lost their spouse or can no longer keep their home. They may need help with medication dosages, cooking, and cleaning.

This synthetic hormone also inhibits insulin reaction in the body.  In one particular study, five of the men who participated in the trial developed diabetes.  Fasting glucose levels returned to normal two or three weeks after stopping growth hormone therapy.  This connection to diabetes is still being debated and studied.

Other research suggests that higher levels of IGF-1 levels may benefit the heart.  Scientists believe that higher levels of IGF-1 can protect against some plaque development, metabolic instability, and myocardial damage.  Studies also have shown that there is a diverse opinion on the effectiveness and safety of human growth hormone therapy.  There is a definite indication that more research needs to be done about human growth hormone and age related issues.

Studies with laboratory animals show longer life spans after having growth hormone therapy but there are no conclusive studies that show the safety and effectiveness of the hormone in humans.  Patients also respond differently to the treatment so it is impossible to determine if it is a potential therapy for them. 

Another big problem with human growth hormone therapy is that it is expensive.  It could cost a patient thousands of dollars every year to continue the therapy.  Human growth hormone should not be touted as the one and only solution to problems associated with aging.  Much depends on previous lifestyles of the patient and their willingness to live a healthier lifestyle.  Most doctors believe that growth hormone therapy is not the only solution to counteract the aging process.  An aging adult should also be careful of who is administering the human growth hormone, as there are many unscrupulous people who are not qualified to administer the hormone or treat for antiaging.

Healthy Aging Issues Today

07/03/2008
Red wine ingredient may reduce signs of aging: study (CTV.ca)
A compound in red wine may ward off many of the signs of aging, including cardiovascular disease, cataracts and decreased bone density, a new study says.

Red wine ingredient may reduce signs of aging: study (CTV.ca)

07/03/2008
Elderly fight for councils on aging (The News-Star)
Gov. Bobby Jindal said funding earmarked for local parish councils on aging could survive his veto as he evaluates the state budget formula.

Elderly fight for councils on aging (The News-Star)

07/03/2008
Resveratrol found to improve health, but not longevity in aging mice on standard diet (PhysOrg)
Scientists have found that the compound resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline of mice on a standard diet, but does not increase longevity when started at middle age. This study, conducted and supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, is a follow-up to 2006 findings that resveratrol improves health and ...

Resveratrol found to improve health, but not longevity in aging mice on standard diet (PhysOrg)

07/03/2008
Resveratrol found to improve health, but not longevity in aging mice on standard diet (PhysOrg)
Scientists have found that the compound resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline of mice on a standard diet, but does not increase longevity when started at middle age. This study, conducted and supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, is a follow-up to 2006 findings that resveratrol improves health and ...

Resveratrol found to improve health, but not longevity in aging mice on standard diet (PhysOrg)

07/03/2008
Issues of adult aging, swim classes for valley kids topics at KRVC (Kern Valley Sun)
Last week’s Kern River Valley Collaborative meeting, chaired by Melody Batelaan of Adult and Aging Services, featured two informative presentations. The first was given by Forest Hagood, a Certified Senior Advisor. Hagood has been an advocate for seniors in Kern County for a number of years.

Issues of adult aging, swim classes for valley kids topics at KRVC (Kern Valley Sun)