Benefits versus Risks of Human Growth Hormone Therapy

HGH replacement has become conventional as demands for age reversal surge. Adults who still want to look and feel young can embark on HGH therapy programs which allow them to achieve look and feel younger.

It is not surprising that many want to have HGH replacement therapy because of the health benefits. As shown in studies, within two weeks of treating elderly with HGH, there had been dramatic decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are not affected.

As administration of HGH lengthens, there had been observed dose-dependent changes in the elderly. It was observed that substantial and predicable changes in body composition such as increased in lean body mass and reduction of body fats resulted from 6 months administration with HGH.

Human growth hormone therapies are normally based on a physician’s recommendation and prescriptions.  But even though HGH it is taken with prescription, the long-term effects of HGH may be unknown.

Researches suggested that HGH therapy is beneficial especially fro the elderly who has HGH deficiency. But then, concerns were raised regarding the risk associated with use of HGH.

Proponents for HGH therapy argue that HGH hormonal replacement can only cause adverse health consequences if the person using it takes in more than the recommended physiological dose. The possible health implications of long-term HGH hormonal therapy include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure.
• Vocal cord thickening
• Excess fluid in the legs
• Gynecomastia
• Osteroporosis
• Impotence
• Acromegaly (in supraphysiologic dose)

Researchers are also concerned about the ability of HGH to cause growth spurt. Long-term use of HGH may encourage growth of cancerous cells. To back this up, a study published in the Lancet, correlated high HGH levels to the development of breast cancer.

An article published in Science in 1998, suggested that high levels of IGF-1, an important growth factor resulting from the hepatic conversion of HGH, is associated with risk for prostate cancer. In fact, men with high IGF-1 levels had four times the risk than those with low levels. This report however was contradicted by the research suggesting that HGH levels decline with age while prostate cancer increase thereby suggesting that HGH is not in any way related to the development of prostate cancer.

Indeed, HGH therapy is associated with many risks and benefits. While the benefits can be very promising, there are risks that should be considered. As suggested, HGH-deficient individuals should be responsible in their therapies and should be mindful that taking more than what is necessary brings about the negative side of the therapy.

Fortunately, HGH-deficient individuals have many options in their HGH replacement therapy.   While HGH injections may abruptly increase HGH levels, they may consider HGH supplements instead. HGH supplements are less expensive and offer a more natural way to increase HGH levels.