Pfizer Genotropin GoQuick 1 vial (1x 36 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone is a pivotal substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, essential for normal growth and development. This hormone, often referred to as GH, reaches its peak levels in late adolescence and begins to decline in the second decade of life. For over 40 years, GH has been legally prescribed to treat various medical disorders. Recently, however, its popularity has surged among middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging solutions, teenagers looking to enhance their physique, and athletes aiming to improve their performance. Growth hormone abuse ranks among the top three drugs misused in the sports community.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Abbreviated as HGH, hGH, and GH, this hormone stimulates cell production, growth, and metabolic functions within the body. Produced by the anterior pituitary at the brain’s base, GH works synergistically with other hormones to ensure proper human growth and development, peaking during puberty and significantly declining by age 40.

Growth hormone is widely accessible through health food stores and spas, also marketed under various brand names like Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Pharmacology

Most available GH is produced using recombinant DNA technology. The synthetic varieties consist of somatropin and somatrem, both exhibiting similar pharmacological effects. Upon injection, these synthetic types become indistinguishable from the naturally occurring growth hormone. GH binds to receptors on various tissues, triggering multiple physiological actions, such as metabolism regulation, fluid and electrolyte balance maintenance, and increased skeletal and muscle mass. Stress, sleep, and exercise typically elevate GH levels.

In Which Conditions Do GH Levels Change?

Both deficiency and excess of GH can give rise to medical conditions. Elevated levels may lead to acromegaly—a condition characterized by enlarged extremities and serious health complications—or pituitary gigantism, resulting in significant height increases. Conversely, GH deficiency can lead to various growth-related health issues.

Approved Clinical Uses of GH

The FDA has sanctioned several injectable preparations of HGH, available solely by prescription. Approved since 1985, recombinant GH treats conditions linked to GH deficiency, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. Additionally, GH therapy has been sanctioned to address deficiencies arising from pituitary tumors and AIDS-related wasting syndrome.

Evidence indicates that GH injections in these contexts can lead to:

• Increased muscle mass and bone density
• Decreased body fat
• Improved mental acuity
• Enhanced exercise performance
• Greater cardiovascular tolerance to stress and exercise

Dosage

GH is administered exclusively via injections—either subcutaneous or intramuscular—rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Current dosing guidelines suggest that levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) should guide administration, though many physicians adjust based on body weight. Typical dosages for adults range around 0.01-0.1 mg/kg, contingent on product type and usage. GH is available as either powder or liquid, with powder requiring solubilization in saline prior to injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

Several side effects can arise from GH use, including:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle pain
• Neuropathies (e.g., numbness and tingling)
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Is a Prescription Required for GH?

While GH can only be prescribed legally for FDA-approved uses, numerous off-label applications exist, such as enhancing athletic performance and anti-aging treatments. However, the FDA has declined to sanction GH for these off-label uses due to potential risks outweighing therapeutic benefits. Patients should carefully consider the serious side effects before commencing treatment.

Potential Risks of Taking GH

Risks associated with HGH use include overdose, leading to conditions such as acromegaly. GH’s propensity to stimulate cell growth raises concerns regarding its potential to encourage the proliferation of unwanted cells, including cancer. Less severe side effects may include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Those contemplating GH therapy for anti-aging must weigh potential risks against benefits carefully.

Off-Label Use

Bodybuilding

The prominent off-label applications of GH involve anti-aging and bodybuilding. Misuse of the hormone is rampant among athletes due to its illegal possession status and the difficulty in detection. Bodybuilders frequently utilize a cocktail of drugs alongside HGH, complicating the attribution of results to any single substance. Monthly costs for GH can range from $500-$2000, with the risk of counterfeits present.

Anti-Aging

Many seek GH in the hope of promoting youthfulness, despite it lacking FDA approval for anti-aging purposes. Claims of reversing wrinkles and improving skin texture lack scientific backing. The booming industry surrounding HGH includes ineffective “copycat” treatments and patients paying substantial sums annually for authentic injections, typically administered in anti-aging clinics or spas.

Availability

Most individuals acquire HGH through illegal channels, including pharmacy theft or unscrupulous prescriptions. Smuggling operations exist, along with online pharmacies dispensing HGH without appropriate medical supervision. Alternative forms, such as sprays or gels, claim to deliver GH, but absorption via these methods is minimal.

Limitations of Testing

Detecting synthetic GH post-administration is challenging; current testing methods fail to identify it beyond 48 hours after injection, a fact well-known among athletes. This creates a dilemma as athletes consider using illicit performance enhancers.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin, a newer drug mimicking growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce GH. It remains undetectable in blood or urine after a certain duration, allowing athletes to evade testing restrictions. Sermorelin takes 3-4 weeks to exhibit notable effects and lacks the severe side effects linked to GH. However, it is not a substitute for those genuinely deficient in GH, and costs range from $300-$1000 monthly.

Control Status

The abuse of HGH has led to stringent federal regulations restricting its sale and distribution. Under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, possession and distribution of GH constitutes a crime, incurring serious penalties. In 2007, legislation was proposed to classify HGH as a schedule III controlled substance. As acknowledged by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, GH is categorized as a performance-enhancing drug, prohibiting its use among athletes.