2007-10-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

There is little or no evidence that human growth hormone (HGH) supplements can reverse the ageing process or safely build sculpted muscles. Specialists, in fact, routinely warn of possible side effects of overuse. Yet, youngsters hankering after the leanmean-machine looks of pin-up stars often seek short cuts, hormone supplements being one such quick alley.

Human growth hormone (HGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and promotes growth during childhood and adolescence. Slick marketers would like us to believe that boosting HGH blood levels can build muscle; improve sex life; increase energy; and turn back the body's biological clock.

Truth is, like everything else in life, hormones are good only in moderation. "Unscrupulous use of GH may result in diabetes and bone diseases", says Dr C.V Krishnan, Senior Endocrinologist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai.

The hormone is nor mally given for growth in children and for increasing energy levels in adults. Dr Seema Thakur, consultant geneticist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, says, "HGH is mainly given to people of short stature, and only if defi ciency of the hormone is documented. It is expected to add 1 cm per year to the height besides the normal growth. Doses are continued as long as there is an increase in height or height velocity."

While the hormone is safe under medical supervision, over-the-counter measures are fraught with side effects. "Unrestrained use before the age of 21 may lead to bone overgrowth and resultant joint pains," says Dr Krishnan. "Tumerous cysts present in the body may also grow because of the hormone. Likewise, if parents are diabetic and the youngster takes these supplements because he wants to grow muscles, it may trigger off a latent genetic tendency for the disease." These hormones are expensive too costing Rs 1000 per dose and should not be used indiscriminately. Dr Rahul Singh, specialist in weightrelated issues at Dr Nigam's Goodhealth Pvt. Ltd in Mumbai, says that people often look for these quick fixes, even though synthetic use is banned for all except those with genuine hormone deficiency. "Moderation and supervision are necessary while tak ing HGH."

Health, Fitness and Modelling