Human Growth Hormone and The Skin
Table of Contents
Increasing Use of HGH
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced naturally in the human body. In addition to its important role in natural growth processes during childhood and adolescence, it is believed to have various anti-aging effects, including but not limited to decreased body fat, increased muscle mass, higher energy levels, increased sex drive, etc. These natural consequences of aging are correlated with the decreasing levels of HGH that occurs as we age. One of the most sought-after HGH benefit is its reversal of aging skin, including reduced wrinkles and tightening of sagging skin.
Increasing Research
There is an increasing body of research that is being done to properly assess the use of HGH for various clinical populations, including healthy individuals and the subsequent anti-aging effects. HGH is currently being used as a treatment for growth disorders in children, growth hormone deficiency in adults, and muscle wasting disease associated with HIV/AIDS. It is also used as a performance-enhancing drug in certain sports, such as bodybuilding, due to its anabolic properties and its ability to affect body composition by increasing muscle mass while decreasing body fat. In 2013, there was a paper published entitled “Growth Hormone System: skin interactions” and as the title implies, it focuses on exploring the effects of HGH on the skin. The results of the study demonstrated that the HGH system plays a large and important role int he development, maintenance, and repair of skin. They found that the various changes in HGH production that occur in different stages in life are reflected in the changes to dermal structures.
What’s the verdict? Inconclusive
With these results in mind, it seems as though HGH is an obvious solution to the problem of anti-aging, particularly regarding skin. Yet, why isn’t it being used by everyone? There are a few important problems and issues that must be addressed for those interested in using HGH as a potential solution. As with anything when it comes to health, this statement must be made upfront. There is no magical solution that will solve any health problem, including certain chronic medical conditions, or in this case, aging. Similarly, although there is some research suggesting its potential uses, the large majority of the medical community currently is in agreement that its effects are largely anecdotal. There is still not enough evidence to suggest that HGH is the anti-aging solution that numerous companies are marketing it to be.
Despite the fact that prescription pharmaceutical grade HGH is available, there are cons. It is first of all extremely expensive, and it is a topic of much controversy among medical professionals and scientific researchers. Injections can cost up to $1500 per month. The reason there is so much controversy behind the use of HGH is that, as with the introduction and use of any substance that is intended to increase the endogenous production of any hormone to supernatural levels, it risks negative effects, potentially even complete shutdown, to the natural production of the said hormone. So, what can actually be said regarding HGH and effects on skin? The current body of scientific research on HGH use in healthy individuals and its long-term effects is not very extensive. Although anti-aging is an extremely popular and marketable topic, consider that even if HGH were to be found to be the solution, it is merely one factor amongst other, more important lifestyle factors, including proper nutrition, stress management, exercise, etc. Additionally, there are health risks and side effects associated with HGH use, including joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, soft tissue edema (swelling), increased risk of diabetes, and others. If you feel that HGH may be of use for you personally, please speak with your physician first for a consultation. There may be other factors that affect HGH’s effectiveness for you in terms of anti-aging, particularly regarding the skin.
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