¶ Growth Hormone Therapy for Longevity
Growth hormone therapy involves the administration of synthetic growth hormone or growth hormone releasing peptides to counteract age-related decline in growth hormone levels. While some studies suggest potential benefits for body composition and quality of life, the evidence for longevity benefits remains limited and controversial.
¶ Overview
Growth hormone (GH) levels naturally decline with age, leading to decreased muscle mass, increased fat accumulation, and reduced bone density. Growth hormone therapy aims to restore youthful GH levels to potentially reverse these age-related changes.
Research indicates that reduced growth hormone signaling is associated with increased longevity in mice. Studies have shown that GH-deficient and GH-resistant mice exhibit extended lifespans and delayed aging processes.[1]
¶ Mechanism of Action
Growth hormone stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes:
- Protein synthesis and muscle growth
- Bone formation and density
- Fat metabolism
- Tissue repair and regeneration
¶ Clinical Evidence
Studies on growth hormone therapy for healthy aging show:
- Modest improvements in body composition
- Potential benefits for bone density
- Mixed results on quality of life measures
- No clear evidence for lifespan extension
In humans, the relationship between GH and longevity is complex, with some studies suggesting that lower GH levels may be linked to extended lifespan.[2] Clinical trials administering GH to older adults have reported improvements in body composition, such as increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass, but these benefits are often accompanied by adverse effects.[3]
¶ Safety Considerations
Potential risks include:
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fluid retention
- Potential cancer risk (controversial)
¶ See also
¶ References
Bartke A. Growth hormone and aging: Updated review. World J Mens Health. 2019;37(1):19-30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305861/ ↩︎
Milman S, Atzmon G, Huffman DM, et al. Low insulin-like growth factor-1 level predicts survival in humans with exceptional longevity. Aging Cell. 2014;13(4):769-771. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4116419/ ↩︎
Liu H, Bravata DM, Olkin I, et al. Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(2):104-115. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17227934/ ↩︎