Is Growth Hormone the Fountain of Youth?

Authors

David Youlus

Abstract

Finding the cure for aging has been a sought-after quest for as long as the world has existed. Growth hormone has been shown as a possible treatment to negate the phenotypic effects of aging. Growth hormone is released from the adenohypophysis in response to sleep, exercise and stress. This in turn stimulates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) secretion from the liver. Growth hormone circulation decreases in volume during aging. Studies on growth hormone therapy have indicated youth-like benefits, such as the reversal of sarcopenia, improved cognitive function, and boosted immunity. However, creating an imbalance of growth hormone and insulin-like factor-1 also has its detriments. IGF-1 has been linked to cancer and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is sufficient evidence of growth hormone’s anti-aging effects to consider it as an effective age-reversal therapy. Based on the health risks, insufficient degree of positive results, and the benefits of low insulin-like growth factor-1 for evading cancer, growth hormone is likely not the anti-aging drug being sought.

Recommended Citation

David Youlus. (2023). Is Growth Hormone the Fountain of Youth?. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 16(2), 12-18. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol16/iss2/3