Sandoz Omnitrope SurePal 1 vial (1x 45 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is an essential, naturally occurring hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for growth and development. This Growth Hormone (GH) is produced from birth, peaking in late adolescence, before gradually declining in the second decade of life. For over 40 years, GH has been utilized to treat various medical disorders. In recent decades, its popularity has surged, with middle-aged and elderly individuals seeking anti-aging benefits, adolescents aiming for body enhancement, and athletes striving for improved performance. Notably, GH is among the most abused substances in the athletic community.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

HGH, also noted as hGH or GH, stimulates cellular growth, development, and metabolism within the human body. This vital hormone works alongside others secreted by the anterior pituitary, located at the base of the skull, to ensure proper growth and bodily functions. GH levels peak during puberty, typically declining around age 40.

HGH can be easily sourced from health food stores, spas, and various nutrition-focused health practitioners. It is marketed under various brand names, including Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Farmacologie

The majority of available GH is produced via recombinant DNA technology, with two main synthetic forms: somatropin and somatrem. Both have similar pharmacological actions and, once injected, are indistinguishable from naturally occurring GH. This hormone interacts with GH receptors in tissues, promoting various cellular processes. GH influences several physiological aspects, including metabolic regulation, maintaining fluid balance, and increasing muscle and skeletal mass. Levels of GH typically rise during exercise, sleep, and periods of stress.

When do GH Levels Fluctuate?

Both excess and deficiency of GH can lead to medical conditions. Overproduction can result in acromegaly, characterized by enlarged body parts and serious health risks, or pituitary gigantism, causing abnormal height due to excessive GH secretion.

Conversely, GH deficiency can lead to significant health issues, resulting in conditions related to short stature that severely affect overall well-being.

Approved Clinical Uses of GH

Several injectable preparations of HGH are FDA-approved and can only be obtained through a licensed physician’s prescription. Initially approved in 1985 for treating short stature arising from GH deficiency, its indications have expanded to include disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. Recent approvals also cover GH therapy for adults experiencing AIDS-related wasting syndrome.

Evidence supports that GH injections in these conditions can lead to:

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

Dosering

HGH is administered solely via injection—either subcutaneously or intramuscularly—and acts rapidly once in the bloodstream. Appropriate dosing remains uncertain; recent studies suggest basing it on IGF levels, while many practitioners use body weight as the guideline. Adult dosing typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg body weight, depending on the specific product and intended use. Flowable or powdered forms are available; the powdered form requires reconstitution in saline prior to injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

While effective, GH can produce several concerning side effects. The most prevalent include:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Muscle and joint pain
• Neuropathies, such as numbness and tingling
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Is a Prescription Necessary for GH?

GH can only be lawfully prescribed for FDA-approved indications, although numerous off-label uses exist, including performance enhancement and anti-aging therapies. Many off-label applications remain unapproved due to potential risks outweighing benefits. While marketed as a miracle remedy, GH poses serious side effects that patients must consider before therapy initiation.

Potential Risks of Taking GH

Risks associated with GH include potential overdose leading to severe conditions from excessive production, such as acromegaly. As GH promotes cell growth, it may inadvertently stimulate unwanted cell proliferation, including cancer. Mild side effects encompass fluid retention, joint discomfort, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Individuals pursuing GH therapy for anti-aging must carefully evaluate the treatment’s risks versus potential advantages.

Off-Label Uses

Bodybuilding

The significant off-label applications of GH are in anti-aging and bodybuilding. GH ranks among the most misused substances in sports; although readily accessible, it is illegal to sell or possess. Bodybuilders often combine it with a cocktail of other drugs, complicating the attribution of results to any single substance. The drug’s challenging detection furthers its appeal among athletes.

Estimating the number of GH users is difficult, though occasional confessions surface from athletes. For bodybuilders, pursuing HGH can be costly; depending on sources, monthly expenses may vary between $500 to $2000, with risks of counterfeit products.

Anti-Aging

Another common off-label application of GH is combating aging. Many seek to erase facial wrinkles through GH despite it lacking FDA approval for such purposes; no credible evidence supports its efficacy in enhancing skin quality or appearance. The immense popularity of HGH has encouraged a $70 million market for ineffective “copycat” treatments, with individuals spending ten to twenty thousand dollars annually for genuine injections in clinics or spas.

Beschikbaarheid

Most individuals acquire HGH through illicit means, with reports of theft from pharmacies and physicians prescribing it off-label. Smuggling from Mexico and Europe is also common, alongside numerous online pharmacies selling HGH, often without a proper prescription. Despite being injectable only, some market HGH as sprays or gels, though absorption rates via such methods are minimal.

Limitations of Testing

Detection of synthetic GH in the body is challenging. Current testing methods can only identify its presence within 48 hours following the last injection, a detail known among athletes. Athletes often inquire about detection capabilities before consuming any illicit substances.

Sermoreline

Sermoreline is a relatively novel drug that has faced counterfeit production in China from its original formulation, Geref. As an active analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) produced by the hypothalamus, it prompts the anterior pituitary to produce and release GH. Sermorelin is undetectable after a certain duration in blood or urine, maintaining the status quo within sports organizations, as only the most careless athletes face repercussions for GH abuse.

When administered, Sermorelin requires 3-4 weeks until effects become noticeable, enhancing strength without significant side effects associated with GH. Although designed for an aging population, it cannot substitute GH if the body lacks it. The cost for a month’s supply of Sermorelin ranges from $300 to $1000.

Controlestatus

The rampant abuse of HGH has resulted in federal regulations curtailing its sale and distribution. The 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act classifies the possession, sale, or distribution of GH as a criminal offense, carrying severe penalties including jail and fines. In March 2007, a bill was proposed to amend the Controlled Substances Act, potentially scheduling HGH as a Class III substance. Moreover, GH is recognized by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee as a performance-enhancing drug, prohibiting its use among athletes.