HGH – Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, or HGH, is a naturally occurring substance secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for normal growth and development. This growth hormone (GH) begins secretion at birth, peaking in late adolescence, and gradually declines after the age of 20. For over four decades, GH has been utilized to treat specific medical conditions; however, its popularity has surged in the last 30 years. Common misconceptions fuel demand, with middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging solutions, teenagers aiming to enhance their physiques, and athletes striving for improved performance. Among drugs misused by athletes, GH ranks in the top three.
What is Human Growth Hormone?
Human growth hormone, referred to as HGH or GH, promotes cell production, growth, and metabolic functions in the body. Secreted by the anterior pituitary, located at the base of the skull, GH collaborates with other hormones to regulate proper growth and development. Typically, GH levels peak during puberty and decline around age 40.
Available in health food stores and wellness spas, growth hormone is often marketed under various names, including Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Saizen, and Serostim.
Pharmacology
Most available GH is synthesized using recombinant DNA technology; the two synthetic types are somatropin and somatrem, both exhibiting similar pharmacological actions. Once injected, synthetic GH is indistinguishable from naturally occurring GH. It binds to GH receptors in various tissues, stimulating multiple physiological responses, including metabolism regulation and increased skeletal and muscle mass. GH levels typically increase during stress, sleep, and exercise.
Conditions Affecting GH Levels
Both low and high GH levels can lead to medical complications. Excess GH may cause acromegaly, characterized by extreme cell growth and serious health issues, or pituitary gigantism, resulting in excessive height. Conversely, GH deficiency can cause serious conditions affecting growth and overall health.
Approved Clinical Uses of GH
The FDA has sanctioned several injectable preparations of HGH, which require a prescription from a licensed physician. Initial FDA approval in 1985 was for treating short stature due to GH deficiency (GHD). Over the years, approvals expanded for various conditions linked to GHD, including Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. More recently, GH therapy also targets adults experiencing AIDS-related wasting syndrome.
Evidence supports GH injections for the following benefits:
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Decreased body fat
- Improved cognition
- Enhanced exercise performance
- Greater cardiovascular resilience
Dosage
GH is administered exclusively through injection – subcutaneous or intramuscular. Its rapid action post-absorption makes precise dosing crucial. Though current research advocates for IGF-based dosing, many physicians opt for body weight-based methods, typically ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg. Available forms of GH include powdered and liquid variants, requiring solubilization in saline prior to injection.
Side Effects of Growth Hormone
Potential side effects of GH include:
- Generalized edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle discomfort
- Neuropathies (numbness and tingling)
- Elevated blood glucose levels
Prescription Requirement for GH
GH is legally prescribed only for FDA-approved uses. However, off-label applications, like athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging therapies, exist. The FDA has restricted GH for these purposes due to concerns that potential benefits do not exceed the risks associated with altering natural GH levels. Despite claims of miraculous results, GH carries significant side effects that warrant careful consideration before treatment initiation.
Risks of GH Use
Risks associated with GH therapy include overdose, potentially resulting in conditions like acromegaly. GH’s cell-stimulating properties may also inadvertently promote unwanted cell proliferation, elevating the risk of leukemia, prostate cancer, and malignancies in users. More benign side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals considering GH for anti-aging must thoroughly evaluate the benefits versus risks of therapy.
Off-Label Uses
Bodybuilding
One of the most prevalent off-label uses of GH is for bodybuilding and anti-aging. It is among the most abused substances in sports, despite its illegal possession and sale. Bodybuilders often stack GH alongside other performance-enhancing drugs, complicating the measurement of its effectiveness. GH is appealing to many athletes due to the challenges associated with detection.
Monthly costs for GH can range from $500 to $2000, depending on the source, with the risk of counterfeit products.
Anti-Aging
GH is also sought after in the pursuit of youthful appearance. Users aim to reduce wrinkles and fine lines through GH, despite no FDA approval for anti-aging treatments. Research is absent regarding GH’s effectiveness for improving skin quality, yet the demand has spawned a substantial market for unproven supplements, with individuals spending tens of thousands of dollars annually for authentic GH.
Availability
Most individuals acquire HGH illegally, sometimes through stolen pharmaceuticals or unscrupulous physicians. Other sources include smuggling from Mexico and Europe, or illicit online pharmacies that dispense GH based on cursory consultations. Many vendors falsely promote oral or topical forms of GH, which have minimal absorption.
Limitations of Testing
Detecting synthetic GH in the body poses significant challenges; current methods can fail to identify GH more than 48 hours post-injection, allowing athletes to avoid detection actively.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a newer compound, counterfeit in some cases, derived from the original drug Geref. As a biological analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), Sermorelin stimulates GH production but does not replace it. Effects become noticeable after 3-4 weeks of administration, offering an alternative without GH’s significant side effects. Sermorelin’s cost ranges from $300 to $1000 for a month’s supply.
Control Status
The ongoing abuse of GH has prompted federal regulations restricting its sale and distribution. The 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act criminalizes possession, sale, and distribution of GH, with severe penalties, including jail time. In March 2007, a bill sought to amend the Controlled Substances Act, proposing to classify HGH as a Schedule III substance. GH remains banned as a performance enhancer in sporting organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee.
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