HGH – Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, or HGH, is a vital substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, fundamental for regulating normal growth and development. GH levels peak during late adolescence and gradually decline after age 20. While medically available for over 40 years to treat various conditions, the last 30 years have seen a surge in demand, as middle-aged individuals seek anti-aging solutions, teenagers pursue body enhancement, and athletes aim for improved performance. Among the substances misused in sports, growth hormone ranks prominently.
What is Human Growth Hormone?
Known commonly as HGH, hGH, or GH, this hormone prompts cell production, growth, and metabolic regulation. Produced by the anterior pituitary, GH collaborates with other hormones to facilitate correct growth and development, reaching its highest levels during puberty and dwindling around age 40.
Growth hormone is readily accessible in numerous health food stores and wellness centers, marketed under various names such as Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Saizen, and Serostim.
Pharmacology
Most available GH is created through recombinant DNA technology, with the two synthetic forms being somatropin and somatrem. Both types exhibit indistinguishable pharmacological actions once injected. Growth hormone binds to specific receptors in various tissues, triggering diverse cellular responses that include metabolism regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance maintenance, and the enhancement of skeletal and muscle mass. GH levels are generally increased during stress, sleep, and exercise.
Conditions Affecting GH Levels
Abnormal levels of GH can lead to serious medical conditions. Excessive GH may cause acromegaly, characterized by enlarged extremities and uncontrolled cell growth, or pituitary gigantism, leading to abnormal height increases. Conversely, GH deficiency can hinder growth and severely affect overall health.
Approved Clinical Uses of GH
The FDA has sanctioned various injectable HGH preparations, available strictly via prescription. Initially approved in 1985 to address growth hormone deficiency (GHD) related short stature, subsequent approvals have encompassed conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, and growth issues from pituitary tumors. Recent authorizations for GH therapy also include treatment for AIDS-related wasting syndrome. Evidence suggests that GH injections in these conditions can result in:
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Reduced body fat
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Improved athletic performance
- Greater cardiovascular resilience
Dosage
GH is administered via injection—either subcutaneously or intramuscularly—and should never be taken orally. It acts swiftly once absorbed into the bloodstream. While research indicates dosage should be based on IGF levels, many physicians prescribe based on body weight, typically ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg. The available forms include powder, which requires solubilization in saline prior to injection.
Side Effects of Growth Hormone
While GH can offer benefits, it also poses significant side effects, including:
- Generalized edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle discomfort
- Neuropathies (numbness/tingling)
- Elevated blood glucose levels
Prescription Requirements for GH
Legitimate prescriptions for GH are permitted only for FDA-approved purposes; however, off-label uses, such as for athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging treatments, are prevalent despite lacking FDA approval. Risks associated with altering GH levels must be considered carefully before initiating treatment.
Potential Risks of Taking GH
There exists a risk of overdose with GH, potentially leading to serious conditions such as acromegaly. Additionally, GH’s ability to stimulate cell growth raises concerns about the potential for unwanted cell proliferation, including types of cancers. Common but less severe side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes.
Off-Label Use
Bodybuilding
The primary off-label applications of GH are for bodybuilding and anti-aging purposes, with the hormone often abused by athletes. Though widely accessible, possession and sale remain illegal. Bodybuilders typically mix GH with other substances, complicating the assessment of GH’s individual impact and detection.
Costs for GH can range from $500 to $2000 monthly, depending on sourcing, with risks of counterfeit products.
Anti-Aging
GH is also sought after for its supposed anti-aging benefits. Despite its popularity, it remains unapproved for such treatments, and there is no scientific backing for its efficacy in reversing skin aging. The hype surrounding GH has led to a lucrative industry of alternative treatments, with individuals spending extensively on injections, often administered in clinics or medical spas.
Availability
Most individuals acquire GH illegally, whether through theft from pharmacies, unscrupulous physicians, smuggling from abroad, or online pharmacies that offer prescriptions without patient evaluations. Despite being effective only via injection, myriad forms, including sprays and topical gels, are marketed primarily for profit rather than effectiveness, as they offer minimal absorption.
Limitations of Testing
Detection of synthetic GH in the body is notoriously difficult, with performance-enhancing drug tests failing to identify GH beyond 48 hours post-injection—a fact well-known by athletes.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin, a newer alternative often counterfeited, mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) from the hypothalamus, promoting GH production by the pituitary gland. It remains undetectable after certain periods, maintaining status quo within sports circles where users typically evade detection.
Administered over several weeks, Sermorelin incrementally builds strength and lacks the major side effects of GH. It’s aimed at the aging population but has limited efficacy for those with significant GH deficiency. Monthly costs can vary between $300 and $1000 based on supply.
Control Status
The rampant abuse of HGH has led to stringent Federal Regulations governing its distribution. The 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act criminalizes the possession, sale, and distribution of GH, with severe penalties. In March 2007, a proposal was introduced to classify HGH as a Schedule III controlled substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee list GH as a banned performance-enhancing substance, restricting its use among athletes.
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