Euro-Pharmacies Eurotropin 1 vial + 1 vial solvent (1x 40 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone is a vital hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for growth and developmental processes. Since birth, growth hormone (GH) levels peak at adolescence and gradually decline thereafter. For over four decades, GH has been used to treat various medical conditions. However, in recent years, its popularity has surged, with middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging benefits, teenagers aiming to enhance their physique, and athletes striving to improve their performance. Indeed, GH ranks among the top three substances abused in sports.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Human growth hormone, commonly referred to as HGH, hGH, or GH, plays a key role in activating cellular production, growth, and metabolic functions. Secreted by the anterior pituitary, GH collaborates with other hormones to ensure proper human development, peaking during puberty before declining around age 40.

Accessible at numerous health food stores and spas, GH is marketed under various names, including Genotropin™, Humatrope™, Norditropin™, Nutropin™, Saizen™, and Serostim™.

Pharmacology

Most available GH is produced using recombinant DNA technology, with two primary synthetic types: somatropin and somatrem. Both forms exhibit similar pharmacological properties, becoming indistinguishable from natural GH upon injection. GH operates by binding to specific receptors, stimulating multiple cellular actions, and is key to metabolic regulation, fluid balance, and increasing muscle mass. GH levels tend to rise during stress, sleep, and exercise.

When Do GH Levels Fluctuate?

Abnormal GH levels can lead to various medical conditions. Excess growth hormone may cause acromegaly, characterized by enlarged extremities, or pituitary gigantism, resulting in extraordinary height. Conversely, GH deficiency can result in serious short stature conditions impacting overall health.

FDA-Approved Clinical Uses of GH

The FDA recognizes several injectable formulations of HGH, available only by prescription. Initially sanctioned in 1985 for treating growth hormone deficiency (GHD), GH subsequently gained approval for conditions associated with chronic GHD, including Prader-Willi syndrome, renal insufficiency-related short stature, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and intrauterine growth retardation. GH therapy is also approved for adults experiencing wasting syndrome associated with AIDS.

Evidence indicates that GH injections can lead to:

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

Dosage

GH is not orally ingested; it must be administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection and acts promptly once absorbed. Although optimal dosage remains under research, current guidelines suggest a range of 0.01–0.1 mg/kg based on body weight. Available GH formulations include powder and liquid, with the powder dissolved in saline before injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

GH can provoke several concerning side effects, with the most common being:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Neuropathy (e.g., tingling and numbness)
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Prescription Requirement for GH

GH can only be legally prescribed for FDA-approved uses; however, numerous off-label applications exist, including performance enhancement and anti-aging treatments. The FDA often disallows these uses due to potential risks outweighing benefits. Despite claims of miraculous results, GH poses significant side effects that must be carefully considered before treatment commencement.

Potential Risks of GH Usage

Taking GH carries risks of overdose, potentially leading to severe conditions like acromegaly. As GH promotes cell growth, it may also unintentionally stimulate the proliferation of unwanted cells, increasing the danger of cancerous growths. Lesser but still serious side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals contemplating GH therapy for anti-aging reasons should weigh risks against potential rewards meticulously.

Off-Label Use

Bodybuilding

The predominant off-label applications of GH include anti-aging and bodybuilding. It is among the most exploited substances by athletes, often acquired unlawfully. Bodybuilders frequently combine various drugs along with HGH, making it challenging to discern which produces optimal results. Due to its relative difficulty of detection, GH is often misused by many competitors.

The overall prevalence of GH use is unclear, but athletes occasionally disclose their usage openly. Costs associated with GH can range from $500 to $2000 monthly, depending on the source, with some products being counterfeit.

Anti-Aging

Another common off-label application of GH is anti-aging, as people seek to reduce facial wrinkles. However, GH is not FDA-approved for this purpose, and no proof indicates its efficacy in improving skin conditions. The significant demand for GH has given rise to a $70 million industry, with anti-aging enthusiasts paying up to $20,000 annually for genuine GH injections at clinics.

Availability

Many individuals obtain HGH through illicit channels, including theft from pharmacies or prescriptions issued by unscrupulous doctors. Additionally, some products are smuggled from countries like Mexico and Europe. Many online pharmacies dispense GH without adequately evaluating the patient, further complicating the issue. Despite proper administration requiring injections, GH is marketed as a spray, pill, or topical gel, methods that yield minimal absorption.

Limitations of Testing

Detecting synthetic GH in the body is notoriously challenging. Existing testing methods can only identify GH within 48 hours post-injection, a fact well-known among athletes. Before trying any illicit substance, athletes frequently question if testing exists.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a newer drug sometimes counterfeited badly. It acts as a functional analog of the hormone released by the hypothalamus to signal GH production. Sermorelin remains undetectable in blood or urine after a certain period. It requires 3-4 weeks for noticeable effects to develop, gradually enhancing strength without significant side effects. Although designed primarily for anti-aging purposes, it cannot replace GH entirely. Costs for Sermorelin range from $300 to $1000 monthly.

Control Status

The widespread misuse of GH has prompted federal regulations restricting its sale and distribution. The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 classifies GH possession, sale, or distribution as a crime, with severe penalties for violations. In March 2007, a U.S. Senate bill sought to amend the Controlled Substances Act to categorize HGH as a Schedule III substance. Regulatory bodies like the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee classify GH as a performance-enhancing drug, forbidding its use in competitive sports.