HGH – Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, known as HGH, is a vital substance secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for normal growth and development. Growth hormone (GH) levels peak during late adolescence and start to decline in the second decade of life. For over 40 years, growth hormone has been utilized for specific medical treatments. Recently, the demand for GH has surged, with middle-aged individuals believing it can combat aging, teenagers aiming to enhance body composition, and athletes seeking improved performance. Notably, growth hormone abuse ranks among the top abused substances in sports.
What is Human Growth Hormone?
Human growth hormone, or HGH (also referred to as hGH and GH), plays a pivotal role in activating cell growth and metabolic processes in the human body. Produced by the anterior pituitary at the skull’s base, GH collaborates with other hormones for proper growth and development, peaking during puberty and declining significantly around age 40.
Pharmacology
Most available GH is synthesized using recombinant DNA technology, with two main forms: somatropin and somatrem. Both types exhibit similar pharmacological actions and, once injected, cannot be differentiated from natural GH. This hormone acts by binding to GH receptors throughout various tissues, regulating metabolism, fluid balances, and enhancing skeletal and muscle mass. GH levels typically rise during stress, sleep, and physical activity.
When do GH Levels Change?
Abnormal GH levels can cause several medical conditions. Excess growth hormone may lead to acromegaly, marked by oversized extremities and rapid cell growth, or pituitary gigantism, characterized by extreme height. Conversely, low GH levels can result in serious health impacts, including various short stature conditions.
Approved Clinical Uses of GH
The FDA has sanctioned several injectable preparations of HGH, which are available only via prescription. Initially approved in 1985 for treating short stature caused by GH deficiency (GHD), over the years, GH has been authorized for various conditions, including Prader-Willi syndrome, short stature from chronic renal insufficiency, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. The FDA also endorses GH therapy for adult growth hormone deficiency due to pituitary tumors and AIDS-related wasting syndrome.
Evidence shows GH injections can lead to:
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Decreased body fat
- Improved mental function
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Greater cardiovascular tolerance to stress/exercise
Dosage
GH is administered exclusively through injections—either subcutaneous or intramuscular. Once absorbed, it acts rapidly in the bloodstream. While dosing is ideally based on IGF levels, many doctors prescribe it according to body weight, typically 0.01-0.1 mg/kg for adults. Growth hormone is available in powdered or liquid forms, with powder requiring solubilization in saline before injection.
Side Effects of Growth Hormone
Usage of GH can cause various side effects, including:
- Generalized edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle pain
- Neuropathies (e.g., numbness and tingling)
- Elevated blood glucose levels
Do You Need a Prescription for GH?
HGH can only be legally prescribed for FDA-approved uses, but off-label opportunities exist for athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging. The FDA often does not endorse off-label GH therapy due to the potential risks outweighing benefits. Despite being marketed as a miracle treatment, GH therapy carries serious side effects.
Potential Risks of Taking GH
Risks associated with GH include overdose leading to severe conditions like acromegaly and potential cancer cell proliferation, including leukemia and prostate cancer. Less serious side effects encompass fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals considering GH therapy should thoughtfully assess risks versus benefits.
Off-label Use
Bodybuilding
The primary off-label uses of GH are anti-aging and bodybuilding. It is widely misused by athletes and is illegal to possess or sell. Bodybuilders commonly stack HGH with other drugs, complicating the determination of which substance contributes more effectively to physique enhancement. Additionally, GH is notoriously difficult to detect in drug tests.
The precise number of GH users remains unknown, but occasional admissions from athletes highlight its abuse. Monthly costs for HGH can range from $500 to $2000, with risks of counterfeit products.
Anti-aging
Another significant off-label usage of GH is in the pursuit of youthful appearance, despite lacking FDA approval for anti-aging treatment. The hype surrounding HGH has prompted the proliferation of ineffective pill alternatives, generating a $70 million industry as individuals pay between $10,000 to $20,000 yearly for legitimate injections, typically administered in clinics.
Availability
Most individuals acquire HGH through illegal channels, including stolen pharmaceuticals and unethical physicians prescribing it off-label. Smuggling from abroad, particularly Mexico and Europe, and online pharmacies offering GH without proper patient evaluation are common. Some marketers push illegitimate aerosols or topical products, despite minimal absorption rates.
Limitations of Testing
The detection of synthetic GH in the body is challenging, with existing methods unable to identify it more than 48 hours post-injection, a fact well known to athletes.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin, a newer drug often counterfeited, is an analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates GH production in the anterior pituitary. Despite its low detection in blood or urine, there is little efficacy in total GH absence. Sermorelin typically takes 3-4 weeks for effects to manifest, gradually increasing strength without major side effects associated with GH. Priced between $300 and $1000 for a month’s supply, it is not a substitute for lacking natural GH.
Control Status
The rising misuse of HGH has prompted federal regulations, making possession, sale, or distribution a crime with severe penalties. As of March 2007, legislation was introduced to propose adding HGH to the Controlled Substances Act, while HGH remains classified as a performance-enhancing drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, restricting athletes from its use.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Exceptional quality guaranteed.
Aurélie V. (verified owner) –
Effective but took about 2 weeks to notice results.
Wimala W (verified owner) –
تقريباً ما توقعته. منتج جيد.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Truly superior product.
Mami U (verified owner) –
Resultados decepcionantes. No lo recomendaría.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Wirksames Produkt. Würde ich wieder kaufen.
Leif X. (verified owner) –
Отличное качество. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) – это превосходный продукт.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Life-changing results with Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU). Couldn’t be happier.
Latu S. (verified owner) –
Producto sólido. Hace lo que debe hacer.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
几乎没注意到任何效果。浪费钱。
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Ziemlich starkes Zeug. Knapp unter perfekt.
Johan T. (verified owner) –
Exceeded my highest expectations.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
很好的产品，但发货时间比预期长。
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) delivers every single time.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
The ultimate in quality.
Pierre T. (verified owner) –
Perfect for experienced users.
Elisa M. (verified owner) –
总体上对我的购买感到满意。
Anonymous (verified owner) –
The genuine article. Couldn’t be happier.
Ha I. (verified owner) –
Great results but took a bit longer than expected.
Sala P. (verified owner) –
出色的效果。Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU)运行完美无瑕。
Gabriela V (verified owner) –
Muy satisfecho en general. Volveré a pedir.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Really good quality. Would recommend.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
نتائج مخيبة للآمال. لا أوصي به.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Funziona come pubblicizzato. Nessuna sorpresa.
William X. (verified owner) –
This Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) outperforms everything else.
Jelena S. (verified owner) –
Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU)工作得很好。只是价格有点高。
Milka L (verified owner) –
Envío rápido y producto de calidad. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) es perfecto.
Alexis Y. (verified owner) –
منتج جيد. مشاكل طفيفة فقط.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Está bien. Probablemente no volveré a pedir.
Christos Q. (verified owner) –
Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) работает очень хорошо. Только немного дороговат.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Incredible value for money.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Good product but packaging could be more discreet.
Jyldyz W (verified owner) –
جودة رائعة. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) مصنوع جيداً ومتين.
Tea H. (verified owner) –
Fast so gut wie meine übliche Marke.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Работает хорошо. Не могу жаловаться.
Phongkasem U (verified owner) –
منتج جيد لكن الشحن كان بطيئاً قليلاً.
Elnura T (verified owner) –
Surpassed all expectations by miles.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
جودة لا مثيل لها. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) ممتاز بكل المقاييس.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Producto muy satisfactorio.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Truly remarkable effectiveness.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Extremely effective for recovery.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Definitely does what it promises. Just not as dramatic as I hoped.
Ece V (verified owner) –
Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) hat meine Routine verändert. Unglaublich.
Alejandro M (verified owner) –
Fantastische Qualität. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) ist gut verarbeitet und langlebig.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
The effects are immediate.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
فعال بشكل لا يصدق. Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) رائع.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
产品不错，但包装可以更低调些。
Toshi G. (verified owner) –
منتج جيد جداً. شبه مثالي.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Il Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU) ha superato tutte le mie aspettative. Straordinario!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
جودة جيدة، لكن كان لدي بعضها أفضل قليلاً.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Absolutely phenomenal product.