HGH Effects on Women-the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

As we age, our hormones become unbalanced, and the effect is a variety of ailments (aside from extreme grouchiness); from decreased muscle mass and blood flow, to lack of concentration.  HGH (human growth hormone) is produced naturally by the pituitary gland and sent into the body in intervals throughout the day, and restores natural hormone levels.  Unfortunately, some of us are deficient in HGH, particularly as we age.  If this is the case, HGH injections are often prescribed, along with an exercise regimen that includes endurance and strength training, which has also been proven in studies to improve HGH levels.  A supplement regimen is also implemented, including zinc, iron and vitamin A.

So, HGH is prescribed, and will probably be beneficial; but does it come without risk?  Here’s a brief outline of HGH advantages and disadvantages, and it’s up to you to decide:

• HGH can make you stronger-as you age, a process called Myosteatosis occurs.   This is where fat penetrates and weakens muscle.  HGH has been found in studies to improve muscle mass and enhance protein yield and synthesis in the body.  It can also increase physical performance, and many athletes abuse it for this reason.  In a 2003 study found in the ‘Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism’, it was determined growth hormone improved leg and hand strength in most test subjects.  It also increased lean muscle mass and decreased total body fat.  And all this was done with few reported side effects.

That’s score one for HGH.

• HGH can increase endurance-growth hormone may not just improve physical strength, but also endurance.  In a 2010 ‘Annals of Medicine’ experiment, scientists studied exercise in younger women using HGH.  Subjects sprinted faster on a stationary bike, despite the fact that they did not have greater aerobic capacity.  The HGH effects wore off within weeks of treatment, and the women experienced few side effects.

That’s score two for HGH.

• HGH can decrease cholesterol-with aging and decreased hormone levels, the development of arterial plaque can increase, elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease.  A study outlined in the ‘Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism’ in 2004, tested HGH on younger and older women deficient in HGH.  They found that both total cholesterol and ‘bad’ cholesterol levels were decreased.

Score three for HGH.

• HGH causes bloating-all those positive effects, and now I must hit you with a negative.  Human growth hormone typically causes water retention; or as we women commonly call it; bloating.  In ‘Clinical Endocrinology’, a 2005 investigation studied body composition in younger women receiving HGH treatment.  Many subjects experienced increased water retention, complained about bloating and were up a ring size or two.  Not good.  We women do not need to be bloated on a regular basis; once a month is more than sufficient.

That’s a negative, folks.

• HGH Increases Glucose-a far more serious side effect, is HGH can produce symptoms of diabetes.  In the periodical ‘Metabolism’, a 2005 study looked at diabetes triggers in middle-aged women taking HGH.  It was found that HGH decreased insulin efficiency and therefore increased fasting glucose levels in most of the women tested.  Increased glucose can lead to the development of diabetes.   Very bad indeed.

A big, double negative for HGH.

The Bottom Line….

There are many benefits for women considering human growth hormone implementation.  I would certainly consult your physician, and talk over the pros and cons.  Two things you can do before starting an HGH program is increase your vitamin intake and start walking and adding a light weight regime to your day.  It’s been proven that HGH works more effectively on already healthy subjects.  Plus exercise naturally increases your own production of human growth hormone.  Using HGH isn’t to be taken lightly, so please proceed with caution. You may find natural HGH pills or HGH sprays to be a safer alternative than synthetic HGH injections.