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Youthful Aging with HGH

(brought to you by Bellevue Pharmacy Solutions)

“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.

  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.Top of page arrow

 

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.bpharmacysolutions.com/hormone/ask.asp

By Janna Gordon, R.Ph.
October 2005

 

Sources:

  1. 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.
  2. PRO HghTM: Symbiotropin, Natural Oral Secretagogue
  3. Growth Hormone Stimulators. J. Mueller. Nutritional News, November, 1997; 11(11).
  4. Turn Back the Clock – Human Growth Hormone. Primedia Business Magazines & Media, Feb. 7, 2005.
  5. LexiComp Online
  6. Patient Information Leaflets for Trans-D Tropin®, Rejuvamin®/Rejuvamax®, and MediTropin®
  7. 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.
  8. http://www.agingstats.gov/chartbook2000/population.html

 

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This content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with your questions regarding a medical condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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