Exploring the use of human growth hormones for anti-aging purposes reveals no significant benefits and highlights negative side effects. The podcast also discusses the risks of misuse and counterfeit products. Additionally, it examines the natural decline of DHEA levels with age and explores the impact of vegetarian diets on hormone balance.
Injecting human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes leads to adverse effects with no actual benefits in muscle strength or performance.
DHEA supplements lack substantial anti-aging benefits and have quality control issues, making natural alternatives a safer choice.
Deep dives
Human Growth Hormone: A Risky Anti-Aging Scam
The sale and administration of human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes have been criticized as a form of quackery. Despite initial hype from a small trial indicating muscle gains, further placebo-controlled studies revealed no actual benefits in terms of muscle strength or performance. Instead, recipients mostly experienced fluid retention, swelling, joint aches, and other adverse effects without any anti-aging benefits. Injecting growth hormone has been linked to increased risks of muscle weakness, diabetes, high blood pressure, artery dysfunction, and even a heightened risk of mortality.
DHEA Supplements: Limited Benefits and Potential Risks
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone with purported anti-aging effects, has seen a surge in sales despite lackluster results in trials. Studies have failed to show substantial improvements in sexual function, psychological well-being, or cognitive performance with DHEA supplementation. While it may marginally reduce body fat in men and potentially aid fertility in women, DHEA supplements come with side effects like acne, oily skin, and increased cancer-promoting hormone levels. Quality control issues plague DHEA supplements, with some products containing inaccurate doses or no DHEA at all, making natural alternatives like dietary changes a safer option.