Is HGH OK for Women?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is produced in the pituitary gland. It is responsible for growth and cell reproduction. Historically, synthetic HGH therapy has helped increase height and development in deficient children. Today, healthy women are interested in HGH therapy because of anti-aging claims.
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Benefits
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Natural growth hormone levels peak during puberty and decline after thirty, according to Dr. Judy Reichman for MSNBC.com. HGH supplementation benefits include weight loss, increased muscle tone, increased energy, libido, bone density and skin elasticity.
Weight loss
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In 2001, a six-month study revealed that HGH therapy did not reduce abdominal fat in women while it did in men. Women did experience increased muscle mass without an increase in strength or endurance.
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Side effects
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In 2002, a study showed a significant percentage of women experienced side effects such as swelling, joint pain and carpal tunnel symptoms. Some women also developed diabetes and glucose intolerance.
Cancer correlation
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High doses of HGH in children have led to increased risk of death by cancer in adulthood, according to Lancet Medical Journal. Pre-menopausal women with breast cancer had elevated levels of HGH. This suggested they had four times greater chance of developing the cancer.
Expert Insight
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According to Dr. Reichman, the most notable studies on the effect of HGH as an anti-aging agent, are few and rarely focus on women. Overall, men have greater response to HGH supplementation than women.
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