Novo Nordisk Norditropin Simplexx 1 vial (1x 45 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, plays a critical role in growth and development. The secretion of growth hormone (GH) initiates at birth, peaking during late adolescence, followed by a gradual decline in the second decade of life. For over 40 years, GH has been utilized to treat specific medical conditions; however, the last three decades have seen a surge in its demand as many believe it can halt the aging process. From middle-aged individuals to adolescents seeking muscle growth, the desire for GH has transcended medical necessity, with it becoming one of the top three abused substances among athletes.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Commonly known as HGH, hGH, or GH, this hormone triggers cell production, growth, and metabolic activities in the body. Produced by the anterior pituitary, GH coordinates with various hormones to ensure proper growth and development. Its levels peak at puberty and significantly decline around age 40.

Growth hormone is easily accessible through health food stores and spas, often marketed under brands like Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Saizen, and Serostim.

Pharmacology

The majority of GH on the market is synthesized through recombinant DNA technology. Two primary forms, somatropin and somatrem, exhibit similar pharmacological effects. Once injected, synthetic GH becomes indistinguishable from its natural counterpart, binding to GH receptors in various tissues to elicit diverse cellular responses. The physiological effects include metabolic regulation, fluid balance maintenance, and the growth of skeletal and muscle tissue. GH levels typically rise during stress, sleep, and exercise.

Conditions Affecting GH Levels

Abnormal GH levels can result in severe medical conditions. Excess GH may lead to disorders such as acromegaly, characterized by abnormal enlargement of extremities, or pituitary gigantism, resulting in excessive height. Conversely, GH deficiency can result in significant health issues and various forms of short stature.

Approved Clinical Uses of GH

The FDA has sanctioned several injectable preparations of HGH, which can only be obtained through a licensed physician’s prescription. Initially approved in 1985 to address growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and its related disorders, GH has since been authorized for conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, and AIDS-associated wasting syndrome. Research demonstrates that appropriate injection of GH can enhance:

• Muscle mass and bone density
• Reduced body fat
• Improved cognitive function
• Enhanced exercise performance
• Increased cardiovascular stress tolerance

Dosage and Administration

GH is administered solely through injections—either subcutaneous or intramuscular—not orally. Its effects are rapid post-absorption, yet dosing guidelines are not universally defined. Current recommendations suggest tailoring doses based on IGF levels or body weight, typically ranging from 0.01-0.1 mg/kg for adults, influenced by product type and intended use. GH is available in both powder and liquid forms, requiring reconstitution with saline solution prior to injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

Possible side effects of GH include:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Muscle and joint pain
• Neuropathies (e.g., numbness and tingling)
• Increased blood glucose levels

Prescription Requirement for GH

Legally, GH can only be prescribed for FDA-approved uses, yet it’s often misused for athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging. Most off-label uses lack FDA endorsement due to the potential for adverse effects outweighing perceived benefits. Despite claims of being a miracle cure, GH carries significant risks that patients should understand before initiating treatment.

Potential Risks of GH Therapy

The danger of GH overdose exists, which can cultivate serious conditions like acromegaly. Additionally, GH may promote the growth of unwanted cells, increasing the risk of cancers including leukemia and prostate cancer. Less severe side effects can encompass fluid retention, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals considering GH for anti-aging must weigh the pros and cons cautiously.

Off-Label Uses

Within the bodybuilding community, GH is highly sought after for anti-aging and muscle enhancement. Despite its illegal status for personal use, it remains a popular performance-enhancing drug due to its difficulty in detection. Bodybuilders often combine GH with other substances, complicating the assessment of its efficacy. Monthly expenditures for GH can range from $500 to $2000, posing a financial barrier, emphasizing the need for caution as counterfeit products proliferate.

Anti-Aging Use

Another widely pursued off-label application is for anti-aging. Many seek HGH to reduce facial lines and wrinkles, despite no clinical endorsement for such use. The uninhibited market for ineffective alternatives has culminated in a $70 million industry, as individuals pay exorbitant amounts for authentic GH in anti-aging clinics.

Availability of HGH

The illicit market for HGH often comprises stolen pharmacy products or prescriptions from unethical physicians. Additionally, smuggling from international sources, alongside dubious online pharmacies, contributes to its illegal distribution. Despite the necessity for injection, misleading claims of efficacy for sprays or topical gels are common, although these methods yield minimal absorption.

Testing Limitations

Detecting synthetic GH remains a challenge, with current methods only identifying it within 48 hours post-injection. Most athletes remain informed about these detection limitations before resorting to illicit drug use.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin, a newer drug and analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is produced in the hypothalamus to stimulate GH release. However, it is also undetectable in blood or urine after a certain period, complicating testing practices. While Sermorelin offers gradual benefits over 3-4 weeks and avoids significant side effects associated with GH, it is not a replacement if GH levels are critically low, costing between $300-$1000 for a month’s supply.

Regulatory Control

The prevalence of GH misuse has prompted federal regulations curtailing its distribution. The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 considered possession or sale of GH a criminal act. A bill introduced in 2007 sought to categorize GH under schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, and both the World Anti-Doping Agency and International Olympic Committee classify GH as a performance-enhancing drug, prohibiting its use among athletes.