HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

HGH and effects on aging

About 15 years ago, researchers linked declining hormone levels to the aging process. When the body's endocrine glands produce less of certain hormones, systems for maintenance, repair, and regulation begin to fail.

Many hormones affect well-being: DHEA, thyroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. The pituitary gland produces human growth hormone (HGH), which many researchers consider the most important for slowing aging.

HGH peaks during adolescence. After age 21, levels drop about 14% per decade. By age 50, more than half of us have partial or complete HGH deficiency.

This decline is not permanent. HGH levels can be managed and raised, and some research suggests this can slow or reverse certain aging processes.

Michael Fossel, a clinical professor of medicine at Michigan State University and editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, argues that human lifespan could reach 200 years. He defines aging not as wear and tear, but as wear and tear that accelerates.

At the start of the 20th century, life expectancy was 35 to 40 years. People died from tuberculosis, syphilis, and other diseases now curable. These deaths were simply accepted.

Today, people can remain vigorous into their 70s and 80s, then live well past 100. Some researchers believe 120 is possible while maintaining good health.

Robert M. Goldman, president of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, has called anti-aging medicine "the future of medical practice" and said it gives both doctors and patients more control over their health and fitness.

Goldman notes that some 70-year-olds have the bodies of much younger people. As this field advances, he believes people can grow healthier and more youthful with age. "Anti-aging medicine encompasses all specialties and fields," he said. "It can be accessed and utilized by everyone."

In a study by Cass Terry, M.D., Ph.D., raising HGH levels produced body-fat loss, muscle gain, greater strength, and higher energy in over 75% of patients. Most also reported better skin texture, thickness, and elasticity.

Daniel Rudman, M.D., and colleagues at the Medical College of Wisconsin gave HGH to men aged 61 to 80. Within six months, without changes to diet, exercise, or smoking, the men lost 14% body fat and gained an average of 8.8% lean muscle mass.

Bone density increased and skin texture improved. Rudman concluded that six months of HGH administration produced changes equivalent to 10 to 20 years of aging in reverse.

How HGH may address common age-related diseases

More than 100 million Americans live with degenerative diseases caused by aging. These diseases account for 90% of all disease in America today. Addressing aging could prevent over 50% of all diseases. HGH may help prevent or reduce many common conditions linked to aging.

Better body composition. HGH can reduce fat and build muscle. David Clemmons, chief of endocrinology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studied two groups on diets. Those with higher HGH levels lost fat 25% faster. Over 11 weeks, subjects lost 20 to 32 pounds of fat while maintaining muscle tone.

Elevated HGH often makes people look younger and reduces fat, especially in the abdomen. Abdominal fat is linked to higher heart attack risk. In every HGH study reviewed, body fat decreased and lean mass increased.

Better brain function. Higher HGH levels can increase energy, improve sleep, and lift mood. Gudmundur Johannsson's team found that higher HGH levels can shift certain brain chemicals. It raises B-endorphin, linked to happiness, and lowers dopamine, linked to agitation.

HGH may reduce stress and improve focus and concentration. It can strengthen self-esteem and confidence. Research shows it can reverse declines in memory and thinking. In a study of men with HGH deficiency, Dutch researchers led by Jan Berend Deijem, M.D., found the deficiency was linked to problems with iconic memory—the ability to remember images briefly.

Increased immune function

In 1985, Keith Kelley, M.D., an immunologist at the University of Illinois, found that elevated HGH could regenerate a shriveled thymus gland, which makes antibodies and white blood cells.

Improved heart function. Higher HGH levels protect against heart disease. It raises HDL (good) cholesterol, lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, and can reduce blood pressure by about 10%.

Heart failure reversal. A 1996 study in the New England Journal of Medicine gave HGH to seven patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The patients showed thicker heart walls, better contractions, reduced oxygen demand, improved exercise capacity, and better quality of life.

Increased sexual function. Male sexual performance declines as HGH falls. By age 80, 75% of men cannot achieve or maintain erections. In Terry's study of 202 aging adults, 75% of men reported improved sexual function and frequency, and 62% had longer-lasting erections. Both men and women reported significant improvements in desire and sexual function with higher HGH levels.

Nutrients that may help increase HGH levels

Several nutrients can raise HGH. One European study found arginine increased HGH levels by 300%. Arginine also improves immune function by synchronizing hormones. Poor synchronization weakens the immune system and leads to frequent illness.

Arginine and lysine work together. A 1981 study by Italian researcher A. Isidori, M.D., and colleagues at the University of Rome found that combining lysine and arginine in 15 men was 10 times more effective than arginine alone.

Glutamine is gaining attention as an HGH releaser. A 1995 study by Thomas C. Welbourne at Louisiana State University College of Medicine involved volunteers aged 32 to 64. Glutamine raised HGH levels by over 400%.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that protects the heart and boosts energy. It plays a role in preventing some forms of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Pancreatic cancer shows the greatest CoQ10 depletion.

Pregnenolone, produced by the adrenal glands, strengthens memory and improves several types of thinking.

L-Acetylcarnitine boosts energy and improves thinking and heart muscle function.

L-Acetylcarnitine also improves how mitochondria work. Mitochondria are the power plants of cells, where all cellular energy is made.

Risks and considerations

HGH has critics and skeptics despite reported benefits. Most medical professionals agree that encouraging the body to produce optimal HGH naturally is safe. However, they caution against casual or unsupervised use.

In some cases, HGH can cause serious harm or speed up certain diseases. A full physical exam is necessary before HGH treatment.

HGH shows promise for physical and mental health, but like any medical treatment, it carries risks. Research is ongoing.