Euro-Pharmacies Eurotropin 10 vials (10x 10 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone, known as HGH, is a vital substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in growth and development. Levels of GH peak in late adolescence, then gradually decline after the age of 20. For over 40 years, it has been used in treating specific medical conditions. However, in recent times, a surge in demand for growth hormone has emerged, with middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging effects, teenagers aiming for muscle gain, and athletes desiring enhanced performance. Growth hormone ranks among the top three substances abused in sports.

Understanding Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone, or HGH, drives cell production, growth, and metabolism in the human body. Secreted from the anterior pituitary located at the skull’s base, it collaborates with other hormones to ensure proper development. GH levels peak at puberty and decline significantly by age 40. Growth hormone is readily available at health food stores, spas, and from alternative care practitioners under various brand names, including Genotropin®, Humatrope®, and Norditropin®.

Pharmacological Insights

The majority of synthetic HGH is produced using recombinant DNA technology. The two primary forms are somatropin and somatrem, which function similarly. Once injected, synthetic and natural GH become indistinguishable. Growth hormone binds to receptors in various tissues, influencing metabolism, fluid balance, and muscle mass. Levels surge during stress, sleep, and exercise.

Conditions Affecting GH Levels

Imbalances in GH levels may lead to medical issues. An excess can cause acromegaly, characterized by enlarged extremities and accelerated cell growth, or pituitary gigantism, resulting in abnormal height. Conversely, a deficiency may lead to significant health impacts, such as short stature conditions.

FDA-Approved Clinical Uses

The FDA has validated several injectable HGH preparations, requiring a prescription from a licensed physician. Initially approved in 1985 for GHD, growth hormone has since been sanctioned for conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, and short stature related to renal insufficiency. Recent approvals also include treatment for adults with AIDS-related wasting syndrome. Evidence indicates that HGH injection can yield:

• Increased muscle mass and bone density
• Decreased body fat
• Improved cognitive function
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Greater cardiovascular stress tolerance

Dosage Guidelines

Growth hormone is administered exclusively via injection, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as oral intake is ineffective. While dosage typically relies on IGF levels, many physicians use body weight as a guide, averaging 0.01-0.1 mg/kg for adults. Available forms include powder or liquid, with powders requiring reconstitution before injection.

Potential Side Effects

Users may experience various side effects from HGH supplementation, including:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Peripheral neuropathies (such as numbness)
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Prescription Requirements for GH

Legal prescriptions for GH are restricted to FDA-approved uses. While off-label applications like performance enhancement and anti-aging are prevalent, the risks often outweigh benefits. Patients must evaluate potential side effects before pursuing HGH therapy.

Risks of GH Consumption

Excessive Growth hormone can lead to severe health issues such as acromegaly or contribute to cancer proliferation. Less severe side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Those considering HGH for anti-aging must judiciously weigh risks.

Off-Label Uses

BodybuildingAmong the most common off-label applications for HGH is bodybuilding. It remains one of the most abused substances by athletes, despite its illegality. Many bodybuilders combine it with various other drugs, complicating that assessment of efficacy. Costs for HGH can range from $500 to $2000 monthly, with many counterfeit products in circulation.

Anti-Aging Use

Some individuals pursue HGH in their quest for youth, hoping to eliminate wrinkles. However, it lacks FDA approval for such treatments, and scientific backing for reversing aging signs is absent. The demand for growth hormone has spurred a $70 million industry of ineffective alternatives.

Availability Concerns

Most people acquire HGH illicitly, whether by theft or prescriptions from unethical physicians. It is sometimes smuggled from abroad or purchased online, where illicit pharmacies operate without proper patient examination. Despite injection being the only proper administration method, various non-injection forms are falsely marketed.

Testing Limitations

Detecting synthetic HGH poses challenges, as current methods can only identify it up to 48 hours post-injection, making it a favored choice among athletes.

Sermorelin Overview

Sermorelin, an analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone, stimulates HGH production but is not a substitute for it. With costs ranging from $300 to $1000 monthly, it requires several weeks for noticeable effects and is less risky than HGH.

Κατάσταση ελέγχου

The abuse of HGH has prompted regulations limiting its distribution, as outlined in the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act. Possession or distribution is a criminal act, with potential jail time or fines. In 2007, a proposal aimed to classify growth hormone as a Schedule III controlled substance; it is recognized as a performance-enhancing drug by major sports organizations.