Hgh: Anti Aging or Medication Hype?

When our bodies are young and vibrant, we produce high levels of HGH (human growth hormone). This human growth hormone keeps out bones strong, our muscles lean and our bodies in overall “young” shape. But, with age, the levels of Hgh in the blood and body lessen. By the time a human reaches 60 years of age, there can be up to 80% less Hgh produced than when the person was in their 20's. Some doctors, researchers and retailers will have you believe that supplemental human growth hormone will bring back that youthful verve, but is this the truth or an illegal scam?

Hgh is approved for medical use by the FDA for very specific medical conditions. Any use of Hgh outside of these medical uses is considered illegal and punishable by law. The use of human growth hormone for anti aging purposes falls within the illegal realm. Yet, doctors continue to prescribe Hgh injections for “off use” purposes every year. These purposes are often anti aging in nature and can lead both the patient and the doctor in substantial trouble with the law.

At the heart of the claims are the return of youthful vitality to the body and the skin. When using injectable human growth hormone, the skin returns to its younger elasticity levels, the bone mass of the body increases and the overall lean muscle mass increases an average of 5%. These combined effects lead to a more youthful feeling body and more youthful looking skin. Thus, the anti aging claims.

Falling within the anabolic steroid category, Hgh is something that can not be picked up at the local health food store. Yet, sales of Hgh for reasons other than medicinal usage top out at more than $500,000,000 each year. Nearly all of the Hgh hormone used for anti aging purposes has been ordered and purchased through the Internet. While the Food and Drug Administration keeps a careful eye on the importation of prescription medications, there is no way to catch every one of the illegal prescriptions filled out of the country.

Recently celebrities and stars have been accused of using Hgh under the care of their doctors for anti aging purposes. These celebrities, of course, deny the usage of the product, but the general population see the graceful way a celebrity ages and often believes the hype about Hgh working as an anti aging medication.

Hgh should only be taken for serious, relevant medical conditions under the watchful care of a physician. Blood and liver testing need to be completed at regular intervals in order to ensure the Hgh is not affecting the body in a negative or harmful manner.

For patients and persons who wish to use Hgh for anti aging purposes, it simply is not the right choice. Most patients only see the effects last for 24 months and fade back to normal levels even with the continuation of the injections. Not to mention, Hgh usage for anti aging is illegal and is not medically supported by the American Medical Association or the Food and Drug Administration.