Hilma Biocare HGH 1 vial (10 IU)

HGH – human growth hormone

Human growth hormone is a vital substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for growth and development. This Growth hormone (GH) is secreted since infancy, peaking during late adolescence, then declining substantially after the age of 20. Over four decades, GH has been utilized in medical treatments, yet its popularity has surged recently among various age groups seeking benefits like anti-aging, muscle growth, and improved athletic performance. Notably, GH abuse ranks among the top drugs misused by athletes.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Abbreviated as HGH, hGH, και GH, this hormone stimulates cell production and metabolic processes. It is secreted by the pituitary gland and works synergistically with other hormones, reaching peak levels during puberty and declining significantly by age 40.

Growth hormone is readily available through health food stores and holistic practitioners. It’s marketed under various names such as Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Φαρμακολογία

Most available GH is produced via recombinant DNA technology, with two synthetic types: somatropin and somatrem. Both forms exhibit similar pharmacological properties. GH mimics natural levels upon injection, binding to receptors across different tissues and prompting various cellular functions. Its physiological effects include metabolism regulation, fluid balance maintenance, and muscle mass increase, with levels rising during sleep, stress, and exercise.

When do GH levels fluctuate?

Medical conditions may arise due to abnormal GH levels. Excess GH can lead to acromegaly, marked by enlarged extremities and severe health issues, or pituitary gigantism, resulting in exceptional height. Conversely, GH deficiency can cause serious short stature conditions impacting health.

FDA Approved Clinical Uses of GH

FDA-approved injectable HGH is prescription-only. Initially approved in 1985 for treating GH deficiency (GHD)-related short stature, subsequent approvals followed for conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and growth retardation due to intrauterine factors. Additionally, GH is indicated for adults with AIDS-associated wasting syndrome.

• αυξημένη μυϊκή μάζα και οστική πυκνότητα
• reduced body fat
• enhanced mental function
• boosted athletic performance
• better cardiovascular stress tolerance

Δοσολογία

GH is never taken orally; it’s administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Its rapid action follows absorption, but optimal dosing remains uncertain. Research suggests dosing according to IGF levels, while many physicians prefer body weight-based dosing, typically around 0.01-0.1 mg/kg. GH is available in powdered form, requiring solubilization in saline before injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

GH can induce various side effects, including:

• γενικευμένο οίδημα
• σύνδρομο καρπιαίου σωλήνα
• πόνο στις αρθρώσεις και τους μυς
• neuropathies (e.g., numbness, tingling)
• elevated blood glucose levels

Is a Prescription Required for GH?

Legally, GH is prescribed solely for FDA-approved uses, yet many off-label applications exist, such as enhancing athletic performance and anti-aging. While GH is often marketed as a miracle cure, its serious associated risks necessitate careful consideration before undertaking treatment.

Potential Risks of Taking GH

Overdose is a significant concern with GH therapy, potentially leading to serious conditions like acromegaly. Also, GH may provoke unwanted cell proliferation, raising cancer risks. Less severe side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals seeking anti-aging benefits must diligently assess the risks versus rewards of GH therapy.

Off-Label Use

Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders commonly misuse GH for anti-aging and physique enhancement. As one of the most frequently abused substances among athletes, GH’s legality remains ambiguous and expensive, with monthly costs ranging from $500 to $2000. The actual effectiveness amidst poly-drug use often goes unmeasured, complicating the landscape of performance enhancement.

Anti-Aging

GH is also sought for its perceived anti-aging properties, although it lacks FDA approval for such claims. No evidence suggests GH can effectively reverse aging signs like wrinkles or skin texture. Consequently, a $70 million industry revolves around ineffective alternatives, with real GH injections costing between $10,000 and $20,000 annually, often sourced from anti-aging clinics.

Διαθεσιμότητα

The majority acquire GH through illegal channels, occasionally involving stolen stock or unscrupulous prescriptions. Internet pharmacies frequently sell GH without proper medical oversight. Although legitimate administration requires injection, many marketers promote ineffective delivery methods like sprays or gels.

Limitations of Testing

Detecting synthetic GH in the body proves challenging, with current tests failing to identify use past 48 hours after administration—a fact many athletes exploit.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin, a counterfeit variant of Geref, stimulates GH release but lacks effectiveness as a standalone replacement for GH. Its favorable profile indicates fewer side effects and a gradual onset of action over several weeks, typically costing between $300 and $1,000 for a monthly supply.

Κατάσταση ελέγχου

The escalating abuse of GH has led to federal regulations limiting its distribution. Under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, possession and sale are felonies with severe penalties. Additionally, recent legislative efforts propose adding GH to scheduled substances, aligning with the World Anti-Doping Agency and International Olympic Committee’s classification of GH as a performance-enhancing drug, barring its use in competitive sports.