Youthful Aging with HGH
By Janna Gordon, RPh
October 2005
brought to you by Bellevue
Pharmacy, a ProjectAWARE sponsor
“In 2011, the “"baby boom" generation will
begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five
people will be age 65 or older. The size of the older population
is projected to double over the next 30 years, growing to 70 million
by 2030(8).” As the population ages there becomes
a growing demand to slow the effects of aging.
As we age our organ systems start to slow, creating the noticeable
effects of aging. Older adults notice a decrease in skin elasticity,
hair loss, decreased ability to fight off infection, decrease in
muscle strength and size, increased body fat, decreased bone density,
decreased flexibility, decreased libido, and decreased memory1.
Is there a way to fight off these effects of aging?
Recently, the use of growth hormone as a "cure" for the
effects of aging has been explored. In the past, growth hormone
has been used to treat growth-retarded children5. Human
Growth Hormone (HGH) is a natural hormone found in the body, which
is made by the pituitary gland. HGH is involved in many processes
in the body related to tissue and muscle growth, brain and mental
function, energy and metabolism4.
There are two ways to increase the amount of growth hormone in
the body. One way is to directly supplement with HGH. Another way
is to use supplements that stimulate the body's own production of
HGH.
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HGH
works in the body by stimulating the liver to make growth factors
after its release during the night or between meals. These growth
factors are responsible for instructing the cells of the body
to maintain themselves. The cells that are affected by growth
factor include nerve, bone, skin, and muscle cells. When there
is a lower level of growth factor in the body, there is less
rejuvenation of cells. |
After the age of 30, levels of growth hormone start to decrease
at a rate of 14% per decade in a normal adult. When left untreated,
HGH deficiency may increase the risk of death from heart problems,
decreased skeletal muscle strength, decreased ability to exercise,
decreased kidney function, sensitivity to temperature change, decreased
metabolism, and fatigue3.
Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) in the blood is used as a direct
measure of the amount of GH effect on the body. Levels of IGF-1
in the blood are used to determine a person's daily HGH secretion.
Production of IGF-1 in the liver is stimulated by an increase in
HGH6.
Human growth hormone, available in a prescription as Somatotropin
or Saizen®, is available only in the form of an injection. Its
use requires close monitoring of side effects by a physician. Side
effects of HGH may include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism,
leukemia, lipoatrophy, muscle pain, injection site reactions, edema,
exacerbation of psoriasis, rash, seizure, or weakness5.
There are numerous supplements available without a prescription
that can be used to boost HGH Levels. These supplements help to
nourish the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and help stimulate
the release of HGH. Some of these supplements work by increasing
IGF-1 levels by up to 30% in 12 weeks of therapy. This stimulation
helps restore HGH to levels closer to that of a 30-year-old person,
leading to a noticeable reversal of the effects of aging6.
Patients taking these supplements should notice increased energy
levels, firmer skin, stronger bones, decreased body fat, strengthened
ability to fight off infection, improved muscle tone, and memory
improvement2.
Trans-D-Tropin® is a growth hormone analogue that stimulates
production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
Unlike other supplements that increase HGH, Trans-D-Tropin®
works by increasing the number of IGF receptor sites without increasing
IGF-1 levels to exceed physiological limits. This means that Trans-D-Tropin®
creates IGF-1 receptor sites, preventing the receptor sites from
becoming saturated. This is beneficial because IGF-1 levels do not
increase, and an increase in IGF-1 levels has been linked to heart
disease and cancer7. Trans-D-Tropin® is available
in the form of a lotion that is applied to the skin in drops. Fifteen
drops are to be applied to the skin three times a day for anti-aging
benefit6.
Symbiotropin® is made in the form of an effervescent tablet
that is dissolved in 4-6 ounces of water that is taken once daily
at bedtime two to three hours after eating. Symbiotropin®
is taken for five days at a time with a two-day break in between.
MediTropin® is available in the form of an effervescent tablet.
Three tablets are dissolved in 6-8 ounces of water and taken at
bedtime two to three hours after a meal6. MediTropin®
is a second generation secretagogue. It is derived from porcine
hypothalamic glands. MediTropin® is taken for five days at a
time with a two-day break in between. MediTropin® should be
taken for a full three months to see maximum benefit. MediTropin®
contains Symbiotropin® as well as nutrients that work to nourish
the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which produce hormones, stimulate
immune function, and help with repair and growth of muscle. MediTropin®
is a powerful insulin regulator6.
Rejuvamin® and Rejuvamax® are low cost, convenient options
in HGH boosters. Both contain pure amino acids. They are available
in tablet and powder form. These products can be taken one to three
times a day to allow for HGH release to be returned to patterns
similar to those of youth. Rejuvaman® is for people ages 30
to 60 and Rejuvamax® can benefit people over the age of fifty-five
as well as those ages thirty to fifty-five6. Rejuvamax®
is recommended for older people due to it's higher concentration
of amino acids.
Because these supplements are a dietary supplement there is little
known risk of side effects when using them. Patients may notice
mild joint aches that go away with continued use. It is important
to follow the package directions on all of these supplements and
take breaks from use when advised to prevent over stimulation of
the pituitary gland and allow for continued effectiveness of the
supplement6.
When looking for answers to managing aging, supplementing with
Human Growth Hormone Releasing Factor may be very advantageous for
preventing the signs and symptoms of aging. To learn more about
these products, call 1-800-728-0288 and ask to speak with a consulting
pharmacist or "Ask the Pharmacist" online by clicking
on the link below.
www.bellevuerx.com
Sources:
- Role of Oral Growth Hormone Secretagogues in
Anti-Aging Therapy. D. Mark Ladley, MD. European International
Conference on Quality of Life and Longevity Medicine, Sept. 28-30,
1998.
- PRO HghTM: Symbiotropin, Natural Oral Secretagogue
- Growth Hormone Stimulators. J. Mueller. Nutritional
News, November, 1997; 11(11).
- Turn Back the Clock –- Human Growth Hormone.
Primedia Business Magazines & Media, Feb. 7, 2005.
- LexiComp Online
- Patient Information Leaflets for Trans-D Tropin®,
Rejuvamin®/Rejuvamax®, and MediTropin®
- Using a Trans-dermal Growth Hormone Releasing
Hormone Peptide combination (TD-GHR-A) For Prevention of Aging.
Rashid A. Buttar, DO, FAAPM, FACAM. Fifth International Congress
on Aging Skin, May 17-20, 2001.
- http://www.agingstats.gov/chartbook2000/population.html
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