With all the marketing hoopla surrounding Human Growth Hormone (HGH) we are often led to believe that its main and proper use is either for anti-aging or enhancement of our performance in sports. We fail to sometimes see the importance of HGH treatments in medicine, where it is used more correctly. Here are a few uses for HGH which is medically sound for basic knowledge on HGH.
There are some medical conditions that require the use of HGH in order for these treatments to be effective. One of these is HGH deficiency in children. In essence HGH or what is called somatrotopin is normally produced by our pituitary gland. But for children with severe HGH deficiency their growth is abnormally slow, and thus, they would naturally require regular doses of HGH. Studies have been made showing that in treatment for HGH deficiency, regular intake of HGH produce little to no side effects and is very helpful and beneficial because the problems of the children are remedied.
Similarly Human Growth hormone was also used in children with chronic kidney disease, which can usually stunt growth in children. The HGH increased their overall height with little to no side effects. HGH is also used to treat women with Turner Syndrome while they are young in order to prevent lack of growth. More cases wherein HGH is used successfully is in the treatment of Prader-willi syndrome. Prader-willi’s symptoms are similar to HGH deficiency symptoms which is why HGH treatments are deemed to be effective. In addition Prader-willi patients are usually obese, thus care should also be taken in administering HGH because some studies have shown that it could probably increase existing sleep apnea. HGH is also used to treat patients with short bowel syndrome. Patients with this illness usually lack muscle mass, and HGH treatment usually helps alleviate this problem. For those with HIV or aids, and are experiencing the disease in its later stages, HGH has been shown to help weight gain in AIDS wasting patients. This means that HGH actually helps in the delay of further complications in AIDS patients experiencing wasting disease.
There is no doubt that Human Growth Hormone plays an integral part in the daily bodily functions of every human being. It is very unfortunate that its’ proper use has been exaggerated to include anti-aging and sports. This flaw may lead people to believe that the general rule is that HGH treatments can be harmful, and do away with it totally without exception. But after reading this article, people should be more enlightened on the fact that HGH can be helpful, while at the same time, less of a risk to take as long as HGH is used at the proper times for proper treatments.
Human Growth Hormone when used properly has its’ advantages and clearly can produce results. This means that further research should be done in order to maximize its positive impact on society. Surely there must be more existing positive applications for HGH that have yet to be discovered.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) use has dated to the 90’s. It has been thought of by some as a miracle drug to stop the aging process, but it has been applied differently on several occasions.
HGH for Growth
Logically, just by the name “human growth hormone,” such hormones should be used for growth. Ideally that is what the growth hormone is used for, to increase the height of stunted children who have not yet reached puberty. Continued use on such test subjects show an increase in maximum height from 1.3 inches to around 4 inches. Thus HGH has been proven an effective tool in increasing the growth of children who are abnormally short as long as treatments were made before puberty.
Athletes and HGH Use
HGH has been used and abused by athletes for several years. In fact it has been banned in several sports, including cycling and body building. Although no long term tests were conducted on athletes, any trace of the substance in certain sports where HGH is a banned substance would lead to immediate disqualification.
The athletes however who have used HGH claim to feel stronger, that they build muscle faster, they even claim to have clearer eyesight while taking it. But with the studies all being short term with no significant effects, the accuracy of all these claims can be assumed to be mere hearsay and not that reliable.
Tests on the Elderly
Although not much tests have been conducted on athletes, more tests and trials have been conducted on the elderly. The results have been fairly consistent. HGH consumption in the elderly has led to increases in muscle mass, reduction of fat in their bodies, thickening of skin. This is the main reason why HGH is being marketed as a treatment that turns back father time. Treatments of this type, namely the injectable HGH, as it is the only treatment available that is FDA approved can cost as much as $10,000-$15,000 a year, which limits access to such treatments to the well off who have extra money. Those on a budget can take pills or sprays but the risks are significantly greater as they are not FDA approved.
Side Effects
Such a significant product cannot all be a bed of roses. There have got to be some thorns that can prick and wound along the way. Yes, there are side effects to HGH treatments that are significant and dangerous if left unchecked. Studies have shown that continued use of HGH can lead to increased incidence of diabetes, although research has been inconsistent at best. But studies have consistently shown an increase in blood pressure levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint inflammation of those who have a regular intake of HGH.
As with all things Human Growth Hormone has many uses, and at the same time it also has possible risks in its intake that should be given importance. Further research and studies have to be made to consider HGH as a truly revolutionary product, but it has had its share of good and bad effects. Concentrating on improving HGH and finding proper applications for it that would be beneficial, and at the same time limiting possible side effects should be something that should be looked into seriously as HGH properly used can be life changing and ultimately beneficial.