FAQ on human growth hormone
Q. Will Dr. Chen prescribe human growth hormone (HGH) for me?
A. HGH injections are currently very controversial and there has
been much publicity in the recent past regarding its illegal use
by the anti-aging industry. The FDA
continues to investigate the illegal distribution and/or
prescription of HGH, mostly for anti-aging and bodybuilding
claims. It is extremely costly ($10-20 thousand per year)
and is usually not covered by insurance. It is only legal to
prescribe this hormone to patients with documented deficiency
within the United States, per FDA regulations. Dr. Chen
recommends patients study Dr. Jay Olshansky's, PhD,
article: "New Developments in the Illegal Provision of
Growth Hormone for 'Anti-Aging' and Bodybuilding" in JAMA, vol.
299, no. 23, June 18, 2008, for an updated synopsis of this
topic. Partial viewing of the article is available at the
JAMA
website. Dr. Chen does not prescribe HGH for
patients. It is her opinion that other, less controversial
problems be addressed first before turning to HGH. For example,
if a woman is suffering from nightly insomnia since entering
menopause, then initiating HRT is more likely to restore sleep,
and allow the natural production of HGH, which is secreted
during the deep stages of sleep.