HGH – Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, commonly known as HGH, is a vital substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in growth and development. Secreted from birth, levels of growth hormone peak in late adolescence and gradually decline by the second decade of life. For over 40 years, growth hormone has been utilized to treat various medical conditions. However, in recent decades, a surge in popularity has led to widespread misuse, with middle-aged individuals believing it can reverse aging, teenagers seeking body enhancement, and athletes desiring performance boosts. Among the substances abused in sports, growth hormone ranks as one of the top contenders.
What Is Human Growth Hormone?
HGH, abbreviated as hGH or GH, is pivotal in stimulating cell growth, production, and metabolic processes. It works in sync with other hormones, promoting proper human growth and development. GH typically reaches its zenith during puberty, subsequently decreasing around age 40.
Growth hormone is accessible in health food stores and wellness centers, often marketed under various brand names such as Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Saizen, and Serostim.
Pharmacology
The predominant forms of GH available on the market are synthesized via recombinant DNA technology, primarily somatropin and somatrem. Both exhibit comparable pharmacological effects, indistinguishable from naturally occurring GH once injected. Growth hormone binds to specific receptors across various tissues, influencing numerous cellular processes. It regulates metabolism, maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, and augments both skeletal and muscle mass, with levels rising during stress, sleep, and physical activity.
Conditions Associated with GH Level Changes
Abnormal GH levels can lead to significant health issues. Excess human growth hormone may result in conditions such as acromegaly, characterized by enlarged extremities and accelerated cell growth, or pituitary gigantism, marked by excessive height due to GH overproduction. Conversely, a deficiency in GH may lead to serious health concerns, including various forms of short stature.
FDA-Approved Uses of GH
The FDA has sanctioned several injectable forms of HGH, which can only be obtained via a licensed physician’s prescription. Initially approved in 1985 to treat short stature due to GH deficiency, its indications have expanded to include conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. Recently, GH therapy has also been approved for adults suffering from AIDS-related wasting syndrome.
- Enhanced muscle mass and bone density
- Reduced body fat
- Improved cognitive function
- Augmented exercise performance
- Elevated cardiovascular tolerance to stress/exercise
Dosage
GH is administered exclusively via injection—either subcutaneous or intramuscular—as oral consumption is ineffective. The onset of effects is rapid once GH enters the bloodstream. While optimal dosing is recommended based on IGF levels, many healthcare providers adjust dosage according to body weight, with adult dosages ranging from 0.01-0.1 mg/kg. Growth hormone is available as both a powdered form, which must be reconstituted in saline, and as a liquid.
Potential Side Effects of Growth Hormone
<pGH is associated with several side effects, including:
- Generalized edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle pain
- Neuropathies (e.g., numbness, tingling)
- Elevated blood glucose levels
Prescription Requirement for GH
While GH can only be legally prescribed for FDA-approved indications, myriad off-label uses like athletic enhancement and anti-aging treatments persist. These off-label applications often lack FDA endorsement as their potential benefits do not justify the risks of manipulating GH levels. Despite claims of being a miracle solution, the serious side effects associated with GH require careful consideration before commencing treatment.
Risks of GH Usage
Overdosing on GH poses severe risks, leading to debilitating conditions such as acromegaly. The hormone’s cell-growth stimulation could also fuel the proliferation of undesirable cells, potentially resulting in cancers such as leukemia and prostate cancer. Less severe side effects may include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint discomfort, and type 2 diabetes. Those seeking anti-aging benefits must assess the risks versus the possible rewards carefully.
Off-Label Usage
Bodybuilding
HGH is widely misused for bodybuilding and anti-aging purposes. It is among the most abused substances in sports, although illegal to possess or sell. Many bodybuilders use HGH alongside a cocktail of other drugs, and discerning which substance contributes to better physique is challenging. Moreover, the drug is notoriously difficult to detect, perpetuating its abuse among athletes.
The exact number of users remains elusive, but some confess to its misuse. Costs for HGH can fluctuate between $500 and $2000 monthly, depending on the source, with fake products also being a concern.
Anti-Aging
A popular off-label use of GH is combatting aging signs. Many venture to reverse facial wrinkles and lines, turning to growth hormone. However, it remains unapproved for these purposes and lacks evidence supporting its efficacy in improving skin texture.
The buzz surrounding HGH has spawned an estimated $70 million industry, with ineffective “copycat” treatments marketed in pill form. Enthusiasts may spend $10,000 to $20,000 annually for genuine HGH injections, typically given in anti-aging clinics or medical spas.
Availability
Most acquire HGH through illicit channels, including theft from pharmacies or unscrupulous prescriptions from doctors. Smuggling from regions like Mexico and Europe is commonplace, alongside multiple online pharmacies offering HGH. Unfortunately, many internet pharmacies operate without legitimate patient evaluations. While injection is the only proven method, various lesser forms such as sprays, pills, or gels are marketed, with minimal absorption when inhaled or used sublingually.
Limitations in Testing
Detecting synthetic GH in the body is challenging; current methods can only identify it up to 48 hours post-injection. Athletes are generally aware of this limitation when considering illicit substance use.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin, a newer drug often counterfeited, is an active analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) produced in the hypothalamus, stimulating GH release. This compound is also undetectable after a specific timeframe, maintaining the status quo in sports, where awareness of detection limits is common among athletes.
When administered, Sermorelin takes 3-4 weeks to show noticeable effects, progressively enhancing strength without the major side effects seen with GH. However, it is not an effective substitute if GH levels are severely depleted. Monthly costs for Sermorelin range from $300 to $1000.
Control Status
The rampant abuse of GH has prompted federal regulations constraining its sale and distribution. Under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, possession or distribution of GH is a crime, incurring substantial penalties, including jail time and fines. In March 2007, a bill was introduced to elevate HGH to schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, with organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee designating it as a performance-enhancing substance, thereby barring athlete usage.
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