Safety of hGH replacement in the aging adult

There is ample evidence to support the safety of growth hormone replacement therapy in growth hormone deficient adults (GHDA). In fact, Dr. Bengtsson has said, “When one does not abuse or overdose human growth hormone, there is simply NO evidence suggesting that human growth hormone replacement therapy causes ANY LONG TERM side effects.” (Hormone Research, 43, p 93-99, 1995, emphasis added) Therefore, in August of 1996, the FDA approved the use of hGH in growth hormone deficient adults. Because the body composition changes and IGF-I levels are similar in a GHDA and an older adult, we believe it is likely that the same safety profile pertains. Moreover, none of the NIA longer term studies of growth hormone replacement in older adults were stopped because of adverse effects. Finally, data has been published showing no adverse effects in a small number of growth hormone deficient adults on therapy for 10 years.

You may have read about the result of a study done by Maxime Papadakis, MD, at Stanford University in which another group of elderly men were given hGH and a high incidence of side effects occurred. These men were given hGH in much higher doses than necessary to get the body composition changes expected and it was given only three times a week. Many studies have been done on hGH and it is now known that the subcutaneous hGH injections must be given once or twice a day at a 50 to 25 percent lower dose.

When GH replacement is started in younger patients we have seen very few side effects. When started in older patients, it must be started at low doses and very gradually increased while being monitored closely.

2007 study by The Journal of the American Medical Association

HGH Benefits assessments on Strength, Exercise & Body Fat

• showed an 88% increase in muscle strength
• showed an 81% increase in muscle size
• showed an 72% improvement in body fat loss
• showed an 81% improvement in exercise tolerance
• showed an 83% improvement in exercise endurance

HGH Benefits assessments Skin & Hair

• showed a 71% improvement in skin texture
• showed a 68% improvement in skin thickness
• showed a 71% improvement in skin elasticity
• showed a 51% improvement on wrinkle disappearance
• showed a 38% improvement towards new hair growth