Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee, What are the negatives about using Human Growth Hormone? Can HGH stop aging? Are pills just as effective as injections? Signed, Looking for anti-aging remedy Dear Looking for anti-aging remedy, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a synthetic human growth hormone that is only available by prescription for treatment of specific medical conditions in children or adults. HGH is administered by intramuscular injection and not by pills or orally because the HGH would be destroyed by stomach acids and not absorbed into the body. There is no scientific evidence that HGH can stop the aging process. Some other negatives are the risks detailed below (i.e. cancer, increased cholesterol), and the cost of HGH injections which can be thousands of dollars over the course of a year. HGH is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, according to the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia6671.html): HGH can be legally prescribed for a limited number of conditions including: 1. Hormonal deficiency that causes short stature in children. 2. Long-term treatment of growth failure due to lack of exogenous GH secretion. 3. Long-term treatment of short stature associated with Turner syndrome. 4. Adult short bowel syndrome. 5. Adult deficiency due to rare pituitary tumors or their treatment. 6. Muscle-wasting disease associated with HIV/AIDS. The FDA points out that: "HGH has important benefits, but also serious, known risks. Among the possible long-term side effects of HGH is an increased risk of cancer, and other dangerous side effects have been reported, including nerve pain and elevated cholesterol and glucose levels. For this reason, HGH is carefully regulated in the U.S." In addition, the cost of HGH is high, "averaging several hundred dollars per dose. Because of this high cost, HGH drugs have been counterfeited and unapproved HGH products are offered for sale to U.S. consumers. For example, we have encountered HGH products imported as a lyophilized powder and declared as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for pharmacy compounding. Some pharmacies promote compounded HGH for anti-aging purposes. It is sold as a "fountain of youth" in longevity clinics and to build body mass, weight loss, increase libido, and gain stamina. None of these indications are in the labeling of the FDA approved products." http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia6671.html For more information, see www.fda.gov HGH must be prescribed by your physician for medical reasons outlined above. If you feel that you are a candidate for HGH, then speak to your physician about the risks and benefits. |
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| Aging, Memory, and Life Expectancy |