the result of the aging process rather than of a dis-
ease process. Proponents of hGH supplementation
counter that reversing some of the effects of aging
prevents age-related diseases, such as ATHEROSCLE-
ROSIS and OSTEOARTHRITIS, from developing. This,
they argue, is clearly a therapeutic effect. Those
who question the safety of hGH supplementation
note that researchers do not know the functions
of GH in adults, or how GH influences factors such
as body fat distribution and muscle mass. They
further observe that though muscle mass increases
with hGH supplementation in adults, muscle
strength does not, raising more questions about
the role of GH in the adult body. The debate
touches on a number of key ethical issues that are
not easy to resolve.
At present the US Food and Drug Administra-
tion (FDA) approves hGH supplementation only
for people who have clinical GH deficiencies—that
is, GH deficiencies resulting from pituitary dys-
function rather than aging. hGH supplement is
available only with a doctor’s prescription. Treat-
ment with hGH supplement can cause HYPERTEN-
SION, edema (fluid retention), and HEART FAILURE,
and hGH supplement may interact with other hor-
mone supplements such as thyroid and hydrocor-
tisone. A rare but serious complication arising
from too much GH is ACROMEGALY, in which the
bones of the jaw, hands, and feet grow dispropor-
tionately large. Though the excessive growth stops
when GH levels drop, changes that have already
occurred are permanent.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH) SUPPLEMENTUses Risks/Side Effects Interactions
increase MUSCLE ACROMEGALY CORTISOL,
mass edema hydrocortisone
decrease body fat HEART FAILURE thyroid supplement
improve
cardiovascular
function
prevent OSTEOPOROSIS
See also ANTI-AGING APPROACHES; HORMONE THER-
APY; POLYGLANDULAR DEFICIENCY SYNDROME.
hypnosis A method of induced deep relaxation,
sometimes perceived as an altered state of CON-
SCIOUSNESS, in which a person often is more
responsive to suggestion than during normal con-
sciousness. Studies show changes in the patterns
of electrical activity in the BRAINwhen a person is
under hypnosis, suggesting some parts of the brain
become more active and others less active. Many
people are able to recall details when hypnotized
that they cannot otherwise remember. Though a
person may not be able to recall a suggestion the
hypnotherapist gives during hypnosis, he or she
may act on the suggestion during full conscious-
ness, often without full awareness.FACTS ABOUT HYPNOSIS- A person retains full control of his or her thoughts, emo-
tions, and actions when under hypnosis. - Hypnosis is fully voluntary. A person cannot be hypnotized
against his or her will or without knowledge and participa-
tion. - A person will not say or do anything, under hypnosis or as
the result of hypnotic suggestion, that violates his or her
values and sense of what is right and wrong. - Some people do not respond to hypnosis or hypnotherapeu-
tic suggestions, regardless of their willingness to do so. - Most people fully remember everything that occurs under
hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy may help people who are trying
to make lifestyle changes such as in EATING HABITS
or SMOKING CESSATION. It is also a clinically accepted
method for managing chronic PAIN and stress.
Sometimes people use hypnosis to help them visu-
alize a state of health they desire to achieve, with
the residual effect supporting them while they
work toward their health goals. Such goals may
include restoration of function after serious injury,
weight loss, fitness level, and even REMISSIONfrom
CANCER. Hypnosis should always be an adjunct, not
a primary, treatment; it accompanies and supports
other therapies and treatments.
A typical hypnotherapy session takes place in a
professional setting and may last 30 to 45 minutes.
A person should emerge from hypnosis feeling
refreshed and invigorated, fully capable of return-
ing to the day’s regular activities. Some circum-
stances may need several hypnotherapy sessions,
though many require only a session or two. In
addition to performing hypnosis, a hypnotherapist
can teach self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis may be
helpful for reinforcing suggestions the hypnother-hypnosis 77