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HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone, or Human Growth Hormone (HGH), is a vital substance released by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for standard growth and development. The secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) commences at birth, peaking in late adolescence and gradually declining from the age of 20. Over the last four decades, GH has been utilized for specific medical conditions while the past thirty years have seen a surge in its popularity, often viewed as a means to reverse aging, enhance body image among teenagers, and improve athletic performance. Notably, GH is among the top three substances abused by athletes.

Understanding Human Growth Hormone

Abbreviated as HGH, hGH, or GH, this hormone accelerates cell production, growth, and metabolic processes within the body. Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland situated at the skull’s base, GH collaborates with other hormones to regulate proper growth and development. Typically, GH levels peak around puberty and significantly decline by forty. Growth hormone is accessible in numerous health food stores and alternative wellness clinics, often sold under various trade names, including Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Pharmacology of Growth Hormone

The majority of commercially available GH is produced using recombinant DNA technology, with two primary forms: somatropin and somatrem. Both exhibit similar pharmacological effects, indistinguishable from naturally produced GH upon injection. This hormone binds to specific GH receptors, initiating various cellular actions, including regulating metabolism, and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, while also promoting skeletal and muscle mass. GH levels typically rise during periods of stress, sleep, and physical activity.

Factors Influencing GH Levels

Abnormal GH levels can lead to various medical conditions. Excess amounts may result in acromegaly, marked by enlarged extremities and significant health complications, or pituitary gigantism, characterized by excessive height. Conversely, GH deficiency can lead to severe short stature and other health issues.

FDA-Approved Clinical Applications of HGH

Numerous injectable HGH formulations have received FDA approval, accessible only via prescription. Initially approved in 1985 for treating short stature caused by GH deficiency (GHD), it has since gained approval for other conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, intrauterine growth retardation, and GHD due to pituitary tumors. Additionally, GH therapy is now sanctioned for adults experiencing AIDS-related wasting syndrome. Evidence indicates that GH treatment can yield numerous benefits, such as:

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

Dosage Guidelines for Growth Hormone

GH administration is exclusively via injection—either subcutaneous or intramuscular—as oral intake is ineffective. Once absorbed, GH acts rapidly; however, the optimal dosing is not fully established. Recent studies suggest dosing should correlate with IGF levels, though many practitioners still rely on body weight to determine dosage, typically ranging from 0.01-0.1 mg/kg for adults, depending on the product and intended use. GH is available in both powder and liquid forms, with the powder needing to be dissolved in saline prior to injection.

Potential Side Effects of Growth Hormone

Users of GH may experience several adverse side effects, including:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
• Elevated blood glucose

Prescription Requirements for HGH

While GH can only be prescribed legally for FDA-sanctioned uses, it is frequently misused for unapproved purposes such as athletic enhancement and anti-aging treatments. Many off-label uses arise due to the perception that benefits surpass potential risks of altering GH levels. However, patients must carefully consider the significant side effects associated with GH therapy before proceeding.

Risks Associated with Growth Hormone Therapy

Risks of GH therapy include potential overdose, leading to severe conditions like acromegaly due to excess GH production. GH promotes cell growth, heightening the likelihood of stimulating undesirable cell proliferation, such as in leukemia, prostate cancer, or malignant tumors during treatment. Less severe side effects may include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint discomfort, and type 2 diabetes. Those contemplating GH therapy for anti-aging must thoroughly evaluate its risks against potential benefits.

Off-Label Applications

Bodybuilding UsesAmong the most prevalent off-label uses of GH is for bodybuilding and anti-aging. Athletes often abuse GH despite its illegal status for possession and sale. Bodybuilders typically combine GH with various substances to enhance results, complicating the identification of a single substance responsible for improved physique. The actual number of abuse cases remains largely unknown, though occasional athlete admissions do occur. GH can be costly for bodybuilders, with monthly costs ranging from $500 to $2000, and issues with counterfeit products are prevalent.

Anti-Aging Claims

Another prevalent off-label use of GH centers on anti-aging, with many seeking to diminish facial wrinkles. Nonetheless, there is no FDA approval for GH as an anti-aging treatment, nor is there evidence validating its effectiveness in reversing skin aging. The inflated success claims surrounding GH have led to a burgeoning $70 million industry of subpar alternatives, often in pill form. Enthusiasts willing to invest between $10,000 and $20,000 annually seek genuine GH injections, typically through medical spas or anti-aging clinics.

Accessibility of HGH

Most individuals acquire HGH through unlawful channels. Instances may include theft from pharmacies or unscrupulous prescriptions from physicians for non-approved uses. Some GH is illegally imported from Mexico and Europe, while numerous online pharmacies offer GH without proper consultations. Many of these online sellers run schemes that lack legitimate prescriptions, often leading to black market activities. Despite the necessity of injection for effective administration of GH, many sellers promote it in less effective forms such as sprays or topical gels, which offer minimal absorption.

Testing Limitations

Detecting synthetic GH in the body poses challenges, with current methods revealing GH only up to 48 hours post-injection. Athletes are often aware of this, pondering drug testing availability before substance use.

Sermorelin Overview

Sermorelin is a relatively recent drug akin to Geref, a counterfeit product originating in China. This active analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates GH production and release by the anterior pituitary gland. Sermorelin remains undetectable in blood or urine after a specific period, maintaining the status quo in sports organizations where only the most undiscerning athletes end up caught. Once administered, Sermorelin takes 3-4 weeks for noticeable effects to develop, offering gradual strength enhancements without the numerous major side effects seen with GH. While Sermorelin targets the aging population, it is ineffective as a GH substitute—its benefit is limited if GH is deficient in the body. Pricing for a month’s supply of Sermorelin ranges from $300 to $1000.

Control and Regulation of HGH

The extensive abuse of HGH has prompted federal regulations on its sale and distribution. Under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, possession, and distribution of GH is a criminal offense, carrying serious penalties including jail time and fines. In March 2007, efforts were made to amend the Controlled Substances Act to classify HGH as a Schedule III substance. Currently, both the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee classify GH as a performance-enhancing drug, prohibiting its use among athletes.