Elmer M. Cranton, M.D., CV and Publications

FAQ - HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)

Can HGH be taken orally or by nasal spray?

There is no scientific evidence that human growth hormone taken by mouth or by nasal spray has any effect at all. HGH is a very large protein molecule which is promptly digested by the enzymes in the stomach and intestine when taken by mouth, before any absorption is possible. The molecule is also much too large for nasal absorption. The digestive tract treats HGH like any other protein and rapidly breaks it down into its constituent amino acids. Although it is true that certain free form amino acids taken in large doses, and on an empty stomach can increase pituitary release of HGH temporarily in a young person. Studies have shown that this effect can produce a brief increase of 30% or so, but is far less effective than HGH by injection. That effect wears off in a few weeks in young people and is much less effective in older people who can release less HGH as an age-related deficiency state. For more information read Dr. Cranton's article: HGH Oral or Nasal Spray? I Doubt It!

Do I need a prescription for HRT?

A prescription is required to legally obtain Human Growth Hormone, Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone. DHEA and Melatonin do not require a prescription. It is important to get your non-prescription products from a reputable supplier, manufactured by a company that adheres to good manufacturing practices. Counterfeit, impure, and adulterated HGH has been found in shipments from questionable overseas and mail order sources.

Should I worry about contracting diseases from HGH?

NO. Many years ago, before the advent of recombinant DNA technology, HGH was extracted from the pituitary glands of cadavers. It was not possible to purify such products adequately and some people who used this type of HGH contracted a rare brain disorder, abbreviated CJ disease. Today, a highly purified form of HGH is made from a process using recombinant DNA technology. There is no risk of contracting CJ or any other communicable diseases from this newer form of HGH if is kept sterile and manufactured properly by a reputable laboratory.

Can HRT cause side effects?

If hormone levels were needed for health and healing, and caused no problems from age 20 to 40, and if those levels have declined abnormally with age, then replacement is indicated but only only to restore the same levels that were necessary for health and well tolerated for 20 years or longer in prior years. It is very unlikely that hormone replacement will cause any significant side effects in later life if only a safe replacement dose is used. Only natural, bioidentical hormones are recommended. Any type of medication can have side effects if not administered properly, or if an overdose is used. Scientific studies show that the potential benefits of HRT are great, whereas, problems reported from HRT were caused by overdosing to excessive levels. To insure safety, use of HRT should be supervised by an experienced health care professional and hormone levels should not be raised above a safe youthful range.