Human growth hormone (HGH) is a natural hormone that promotes growth in children and helps maintain normal body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism, and possibly heart function. HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and is available as a prescription drug that is administered by injection. HGH treatment is approved in the United States only for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency and related problems associated with HIV infection. Some of the conditions for which HGH is prescribed include:

• Growth hormone deficiency: HGH injections are approved for treating short stature of unknown cause as well as poor growth due to a number of medical causes in children. Adults who have a growth hormone deficiency, not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging, might be prescribed synthetic HGH by their health care provider.

• AIDS- or HIV-related growth hormone deficiency: HGH treatment is approved to treat adults with AIDS- or HIV-related growth hormone deficiency that causes irregular distribution of body fat.

It is important to note that experts recommend against using HGH to treat aging or age-related conditions, as there is little evidence to suggest that HGH can help otherwise healthy adults regain youth and vitality. HGH treatments may also increase the risk of other medical conditions.