Question

We have heard that human growth hormone can help reduce the effects of aging. Is this true?

Answer

Growth hormone is used for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Only the human type is effective, since growth hormone is species specific. If given to people who are not growth hormone deficient, there may be some effect on nitrogen balance, decreased urea production, re-distribution of body fat and reduced carbohydrate utilisation without the development of diabetes. It is these effects that have led to the experimental use of growth hormone in attempting to reverse some of the metabolic changes associated with ageing and catabolic illness. It is usually given by injection and has a number of contraindications, precautionary prescribing practices and side effects. It is doubtful that it is in any way a medical advance for those who are not growth hormone deficient. We must stress that this is experimental and must emphasise that we cannot recommend the treatment of growth hormone for anybody who is not hormone deficient.