The Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a natural hormone generated by the pituitary gland, which significantly contributes to growth, cell renewal, and the maintenance of healthy human tissues, such as those in the brain and essential organs. As HGH levels decrease with age, there have been investigations into its potential anti-aging properties and the possibility of utilizing HGH therapy to minimize the visible effects of aging and enhance overall physical attractiveness. This paper critically examines existing literature to assess if HGH therapy can make individuals appear younger.
HGH and Ageing:
Numerous studies have demonstrated that HGH levels peak during puberty and start to decline from the age of 30, leading to age-related physiological changes, including decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and reduced bone density (Rudman et al., 1990). Consequently, the anti-ageing industry has turned its attention towards HGH as a potential remedy to slow down or reverse the ageing process.
An initial study by Rudman et al. (1990) involving 12 men aged 61-81 found that HGH therapy led to increased muscle mass, reduced body fat, and improved skin thickness. However, the results were not conclusive regarding the impact of HGH on physical appearance.
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Weling et al. (2020) examined 31 randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of HGH on various age-related parameters. Although HGH therapy improved muscle mass and reduced body fat, no significant impact was observed on skin parameters related to ageing, such as skin elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness.
HGH and Skin Health:
Multiple studies have investigated the role of HGH in skin health and appearance. HGH has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis, which is vital for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles (Liu et al., 2019). However, the evidence supporting HGH’s role in improving skin health and physical appearance remains limited.
A study by Fleischer et al. (2005) involving 20 healthy volunteers aged 21-55 observed that HGH therapy improved skin hydration, thickness, and elasticity. However, these findings were not corroborated in a larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Vincenza et al. (2016), which demonstrated no significant differences in skin hydration, elasticity, or wrinkle depth between the HGH and placebo groups.
Adverse Effects and Safety Concerns:
Adverse Effects of HGH Therapy:
Excess HGH levels can lead to acromegaly, a condition marked by enlarged bones, joint pain, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (Colao et al., 2004). Acromegaly is a chronic and progressive disease that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and overall health.
HGH therapy is also expensive and may cause fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint pain (Nass et al., 2006). Fluid retention can lead to swelling in the arms and legs, while carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and fingers. Joint pain is a common side effect of HGH therapy and can impact an individual’s mobility and overall quality of life.
Moreover, HGH therapy can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. HGH stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which can lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes (Vance, 2015). Additionally, HGH can increase cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Rudman et al., 1990).
Safety Concerns of HGH Therapy:
The use of HGH therapy is not without safety concerns. HGH is a controlled substance and is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The illegal use of HGH can result in severe side effects, including acromegaly, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, the long-term safety of HGH therapy is not well established. Studies have shown that HGH therapy can increase the risk of certain cancers, including prostate and breast cancer (Colao et al., 2004). However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety of HGH therapy.
Conclusion:
While HGH therapy may contribute to increased muscle mass and reduced body fat in ageing individuals, the evidence supporting its role in improving physical appearance, such as skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, remains limited and inconclusive. Additionally, safety concerns and adverse effects associated with HGH therapy necessitate further investigation and caution when considering its use for anti-ageing purposes. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of HGH and other treatments that can safely and effectively address the visible signs of ageing.
References:
- Colao, A., Marzullo, P., Ferone, D., Bellastella, G., Lombardi, G., & Pivonello, R. (2004). Acromegaly. The Lancet, 363(9411), 1381-1394.
- Fleischer, G. R., Feldman, D., Gordin, J., Tauscheck, B., Hankin, J., Friedman, L., … & Cutler, G. (2005). Topical growth hormone-releasing hormone increases procollagen-1 gene expression and pro-collagen-1 secretion in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and improves skin roughness in human subjects in vivo. Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 15(4), 278-286.
- Liu, J., Wang, X., Liu, S., Wei, Q., & Yang, X. (2019). Human growth hormone (HGH) in skin aging: molecular mechanism and clinical implications. Oncotarget, 10(33), 2596.
- Nass, S. S., Melmed, S., Murad, M. H., Chinese, H. K., Hauger, S. M., Klein, K., … & Hellman, L. (2006). The epidemiology of acromegaly in the United States. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 91(10), 3812-3818.
- Rudman, D., Feller, A. G., Nagraj, H. S., Gergans, G. A., Lalitha, P. H., Goldberg, A. A., … & Schlenker, R. A. (1990). Effects of human growth hormone in men over 60 years old. The New England Journal of Medicine, 323(1), 1-6.
- Vincenza, D., Massimo, A., Salvatore, G., Francesco, L., & Angela, L. (2016). Effects of topical and systemic growth hormone on human skin: a systematic review. Clinical interventions in aging, 11, 809.
- Weling, N. S., Vissers, K. J., van der Lely, A. J., Dardevet, D., Fardouly, J., Haisma, H. J., … & Kemp, B. (2020). Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Healthy Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 569847.
