Novo Nordisk Norditropin FlexPro 1 vial (1x 30 IU)

ГОРМОН РОСТУ. – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone, or ГОРМОН РОСТУ., is a vital substance produced by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a critical role in growth and development. As levels peak in late adolescence, they start to decline during the second decade of life. Since the approval of growth hormone therapy over 40 years ago for specific medical conditions, there has been a surge in its popularity among middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging benefits, teenagers aiming to enhance their physiques, and athletes looking to boost performance. Growth hormone stands out among the most abused substances in sports today.

Understanding Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone, commonly abbreviated as ГОРМОН РОСТУ., hGH, or GH, stimulates cell growth, reproduction, and metabolic functions. This hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary, located at the base of the skull, and works in conjunction with other hormones to ensure proper human development. GH levels peak during puberty, but significantly drop around age 40. Growth hormone is easily accessible through health food stores, spas, and various alternative medicine practitioners, available under different brand names like Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Pharmacological Insights

The majority of available GH is produced using recombinant DNA technology, primarily in two synthetic forms: somatropin and somatrem. Both types exhibit similar actions and, upon injection, are indistinguishable from the body’s natural GH. This hormone binds to GH receptors in various tissues, triggering a wide range of cellular functions. Key physiological effects of growth hormone include regulating metabolism, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and promoting skeletal and muscle development. Levels of GH naturally increase during stress, sleep, and physical activity.

Alterations in GH Levels

Changes in GH levels can indicate underlying medical conditions. Excess GH can lead to serious disorders, including acromegaly—characterized by enlarged extremities and rapid cell proliferation—or pituitary gigantism, causing excessive height. Conversely, GH deficiency can result in significant health issues, including various forms of short stature.

Approved Clinical Applications of GH

The FDA has sanctioned several injectable preparations of ГОРМОН РОСТУ. that require a prescription. Initially approved in 1985 for treating GH deficiency-related short stature, subsequent approvals cover conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. GH treatments are also sanctioned for adults with GH deficiency caused by pituitary tumors and, more recently, for treating AIDS-related wasting syndrome. Research indicates that GH therapy can result in:

• Increased muscle mass and bone density
• Decreased body fat
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Improved exercise performance
• Greater cardiovascular resilience

Administration and Dosage

Injection, either subcutaneous or intramuscular, is the only legal way to take GH. Its effects manifest quickly once in the bloodstream. While the optimal dosing based on IGF levels is still under investigation, many practitioners recommend doses between 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg body weight, depending on the specific product and intended use. GH is available as either a powdered form that must be mixed with saline or in liquid form.

Potential Side Effects of Growth Hormone

While GH has benefits, it can also cause several disturbing side effects, the most common of which include:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Nerve-related issues, such as numbness and tingling
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Prescription Necessity for GH

Legitimate prescriptions for GH are strictly for FDA-approved indications, but numerous off-label uses exist, including enhancement of athletic abilities and anti-aging treatments. The FDA has typically refrained from endorsing these off-label uses, balancing the potential benefits against the risks of altering GH levels.

Risks Associated with GH Use

Overdose of GH can result in serious complications such as acromegaly. Furthermore, GH’s cell growth-stimulating properties present inherent risks, including the possibility of activating cancerous cell growth, with potential links to leukemia, prostate cancer, and other malignancies manifested during treatment. Additional side effects may include water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes, necessitating thorough consideration before pursuing GH therapy in the context of anti-aging.

Off-Label Uses

БодібілдингThe primary off-label applications of ГОРМОН РОСТУ. include bodybuilding and anti-aging pursuits. Widely abused among athletes, GH remains illegal to possess or sell. Bodybuilders often use a combination of drugs, complicating the identification of which offers the most benefit. Additionally, GH is challenging to detect, contributing to its popularity among athletes. Costs for ГОРМОН РОСТУ. can range from $500 to $2000 monthly, with a risk of counterfeit products present.

Anti-Aging

Another unapproved use of ГОРМОН РОСТУ. is within the anti-aging market. Many seek to diminish wrinkles and rejuvenate their appearance with GH, despite lack of FDA approval for this purpose. Current evidence does not support claims that GH can significantly alter skin texture or rejuvenate alongside aging. The surge in popularity of ГОРМОН РОСТУ. has also paved the way for ineffective alternatives that purportedly generate an industry worth $70 million, with consumers paying tens of thousands for genuine GH treatments administered at anti-aging clinics.

Access to GH

Most individuals acquire ГОРМОН РОСТУ. through illegal channels, with some obtaining it from theft or unscrupulous medical practices. Illegally procured GH is also smuggled from abroad, often purchased via online pharmacies without proper medical oversight. Misrepresentation of GH is common, with forms like sprays or gels marketed despite their inferior absorption compared to injections.

Testing Limitations

Detecting synthetic ГОРМОН РОСТУ. poses challenges, as current methods can only identify it within a 48-hour window post-injection. Athletes often leverage this knowledge when considering substance use.

Серморелін

Серморелін is an emerging drug counterfeited in China from the original Geref, acting as an analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It promotes GH release and generally evades detection in blood or urine. Unlike GH, Sermorelin requires 3-4 weeks to exhibit noticeable effects, posing fewer significant side effects. Though designed for an aging population, it does not mimic GH functions effectively in individuals with nonexistent GH levels, costing between $300 and $1000 monthly.

Стан керування

The abuse of ГОРМОН РОСТУ. has triggered federal regulations governing its distribution. The 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act criminalizes possession, sales, and distribution, with severe legal penalties in place. In March 2007, a Senate bill sought to categorize GH as a Schedule III controlled substance, and it is currently flagged as a performance-enhancing drug by WADA and the IOC, prohibiting athlete usage.