Growth Hormone and Aging

Growth hormone (GH) secretion declines with aging (somatopause). One of the most controversial issues in aging is GH treatment of older adults without evidence of pituitary pathology. Although some clinicians have proposed reversing the GH decline in the older population, most information comes from not placebo-controlled studies. Although most animal studies reported an association between decreased GH levels (or GH resistance) and increased lifespan, human models have shown contradictory reports on the consequences of GH deficiency (GHD) on longevity. Currently, GH treatment in adults is only indicated for individuals with childhood-onset GHD transitioning to adulthood or new-onset GHD due to hypothalamic or pituitary pathologic processes.