The connection between anti-aging and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is that the hormone carries out a variety of essential functions that are inherent to youthful body processes. Anti-aging and HGH form a congruous relationship, because as a person ages, his or her production of this hormone decreases significantly. The reduction begins as early as the age of 20, and then decreases 10 to 20 percent per decade over the duration of a person’s lifetime. It is estimated that by the time a person reaches 50 years of age, the body produces only 25 percent as much HGH as it did in youth.
Among some of the most important connections between anti-aging and HGH is the hormone’s inherent ability to increase bone density and muscle mass, a concern for the aging population. Some studies in the treatment of the debilitating disease osteoporosis show that bone mass can be significantly increased with aggressive treatment. HGH is being researched in the treatment of other age-dependent conditions that relate to memory, circulation, and mood. While there is significant debate as to whether the treatment is truly effective, newer studies are finding that the claims about anti-aging and HGH are legitimate. The research points to the basic conclusion that aging is caused by cells that are damaged and unable to repair themselves and that HGH can enable a body to correct and prevent future damage.
The first claims of HGH’s healing properties emerged in 1990 from a study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine." The study included a group of men over 60 years of age that showed many of the same signs of age degeneration. Half of the men were given HGH, and half received a placebo. The results indicated that the group receiving the HGH had an increase in bone minerals and lean body mass. Studies performed after this showed that some of the lean body mass results might have been due to the muscles being able to retain more water, and not actual muscle strength, but researchers have been intrigued about the anti-aging and HGH relationship ever since.
HGH has been shown to increase skin elasticity, vitality, and sexual interest in aging patients. It has been shown to be an effective weight management supplement as well, because it prevents insulin from transporting glucose to cells, essentially forcing the body to burn adipose tissue for fuel. While many supplement companies claim to have HGH-enhancing formulas, true HGH must be prescribed and often administered by a physician.