Human Growth Hormone

What the evidence says

Recombinant human growth hormone is approved for defined pediatric and adult disorders, including confirmed growth-hormone deficiency. A low age-adjusted IGF-1 value or normal age-related hormone decline alone is not the same diagnosis and does not establish a replacement indication.^[6]

An influential 1990 study reported more lean tissue and less fat in 12 treated older men, but it was small, not a modern placebo-controlled efficacy trial, and did not prove better strength, independence, or longevity. Later randomized work found body-composition shifts without improved muscle strength or exercise performance.^[2][3]

A systematic review of healthy older adults found modest fat reduction and lean-mass increase, no convincing functional benefit, and markedly more edema, arthralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and glucose problems. A broader review likewise concluded that evidence does not support growth hormone as an anti-aging treatment.^[1][5]

The prescription label warns about acute critical illness, active malignancy, intracranial hypertension, glucose intolerance or diabetes, fluid retention, hypothyroidism, and other monitoring needs. Underground or compounded products add identity, sterility, and dosing uncertainty beyond the pharmacologic risks.^[6][4]