The principle medical human growth hormone supplement is recombinant growth hormone, a biosynthesized substance identical to HGH first successfully produced by the drug company Eli Lily in 1986 and sold as Humatrope. In addition, other products purport to replace or supplement HGH. They should not be confused with this bioidentical substance, which are primarily used on children and adolescents who are not growing at the appropriate rate or for AIDS patients suffering from wasting.

Who Can Use HGH?

In theory, anyone can obtain and use an HGH supplement product, but as is always the case when considering the use of such an item, you should be in good health otherwise, on a regular program of exercise, and be willing to discuss your use of the product with your doctor should any side effects begin to appear. If you have heart, lung, or kidney problems, diabetes, or if you are in a high risk group for cancer, discuss HGH with your doctor before you begin to use it. Never use a supplement without understanding all its potential side effects and interactions.

Does HGH Really Work And Can It Really Hurt?

Risks from the bioidentical HGH supplements are rare. Questions remain about other methods of boosting HGH levels. There have been many stories about possible side effects in the news. Aging and oral HGH supplements are actually hot topics these days so much conflicting information is floating around out there.

Reported side effects of various HGH products include fluid retention, pain or swelling in the joints and limbs, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even diabetes. The connective tissues of the body can actually thicken and become less flexible and the skin can become oily with increased sweat production. Nerve damage may result and there appears to be an increased risk of cancer.

In seeking anti-aging therapies, HGH should be carefully evaluated and not turned to on a whim. HGH anti-aging products may carry no benefit whatsoever or cause potentially serious side effects. Before you begin to take any anti-aging supplements, HGH based or otherwise, always investigate potential harmful interaction with prescription medications. There is no evidence to suggest anti-aging HGH supplements work and they may well not be worth the associated risk.