Can Human Growth Hormone Reverse the Effects of Aging?

GH had proven tissue healing effects, and cells regenerate and repair faster, accelerating the process of wound healing in patients injured, severely burned, recovering from surgery,or severely malnourished.All these effects take place through new formation of collagen. The impact of GH treatment on body composition in adult GHD is unequivocal: fat mass and volume are decreased (by 7–15%), with the greatest reductions seen in abdominal visceral depots; lean body mass and skeletal muscle volume are increased (by 5–10%). Most studies showed [28, 29] little change in overall body weight but rather a shift from fat to lean mass [30, 31]. Although the increase in lean body mass can be partially accounted for by GH-induced water retention, observed elevations in total-body K⁺ demonstrate that GH also promotes genuine muscle growth. These favorable body composition changes are more pronounced in men than women and more so in young patients with low GH binding protein levels.

Studies of the effect of GH replacement on psychological and social end points in adults with GHD have universally reported a therapeutic benefit [32]. Improvements were found in subjective well-being, mood, energy, sleep, emotional reaction, behavior, pain perception, and overall quality of life [33].

Although adult growth hormone replace therapy is controversial, the initial dose usually recommended is 150–300 ng SQ qhs (approximately 2–4 mg/kg per day). Older patients are started at the lower level of 150 ng, and dose titration should be done monthly or at longer intervals controlling IGF_-1 level clinical response, side effects, and individual assessment. The goal dose is based on finding levels of IGF- 1 at or slightly below the 50th percentile for age and gender unless side effects are significant. Cancer screening should be done periodically and routinely [34, 35].

At this time, the best therapy against aging is to limit the damage to the DNA with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and try to increase the levels of GH naturally with diet, exercise, and growth hormone releasers.