It’s illegal to market human-growth hormone or hGH as an anti-aging treatment. But as I found out, it’s not that difficult to find an online pharmacy willing to sell it to you. Most Web sites even have doctors of their very own to write you the prescription without an office visit.

Of course, this is illegal. Apart from the 2008 Ryan Haight Bill, which specifically prohibits this type of online sale, there are specific FDA restrictions on hGH, as well.

As the Science Daily reported last June:

“In January 2007, the FDA issued an alert emphasizing that prescribing and distributing hGH for anti-aging and body building is illegal. A number of high-profile government investigations such as Operations Raw Deal, Phony Pharm and Which Doctor have attempted to make a dent in the illegal distribution of hGH and anabolic steroids for unapproved uses such as anti-aging or aesthetic reasons. As stated on the Albany County District Attorney's website, in the case of Operation Which Doctor, numerous governmental agencies are "working together to take down a nationwide distribution ring of anabolic steroids, Human Growth Hormones and other controlled substances, by targeting the ring's dirty doctors, its distributors that pose as clinics, and ultimately the ring's supplier Signature Pharmacy." 

Despite recent legislation and crackdowns,  online sales of anti-aging drugs like hGH have grown into a multimillion-dollar cottage industry, as the Journal of the American Medical Association points out. The lack of research to back up the medical benefits touted by the anti-aging industry has apparently not discouraged users.

For instance, I found plenty of sites willing to sell hGH. I could have, for example, purchased hGH at Norxshop.com, without a prescription. Arguably, since the company isn’t based in the United States, it makes it nearly impossible for the DEA to enforce its US laws. I didn't purchse the hGh. I was, admittedly, tempted by the company's claim that hGH would, "help you look, feel, and perform your best.” It's almost like something the doctor ordered... well, maybe not.