Novo Nordisk Norditropin Simplexx 1 vial (1x 45 IU)

HGH – Human Growth Hormone

Human Growth Hormone, or HGH, is a naturally produced substance secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, crucial for normal growth and development. Known as GH, this hormone peaks during late adolescence but begins to decline in the second decade of life. Over 40 years, growth hormone therapy has been used for specific medical issues, yet in the past 30 years, its popularity surged, with middle-aged individuals seeking anti-aging effects, teenagers aiming for physique enhancement, and athletes desiring performance boosts. GH abuse ranks among the top three substances misused in sports.

What is Human Growth Hormone?

Human Growth Hormone, abbreviated as hGH or GH, activates cell production, growth, and metabolism within the human body. Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, GH collaborates with other hormones to stimulate and regulate growth and development, typically hitting a peak during puberty before declining around age 40.

Growth hormone is easily accessible through health food stores, spas, and practitioners, often marketed under various names, including Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, and Serostim®.

Pharmacology

The majority of GH is produced using recombinant DNA technology, primarily in two forms: somatropin and somatrem. These synthetic variants mimic natural GH once injected, binding to GH receptors in various tissues and stimulating cellular actions. The physiological effects of GH include metabolism regulation, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and increasing skeletal and muscle mass, with levels rising during stress, sleep, and exercise.

When Do GH Levels Change?

Altered GH levels can lead to medical conditions. Excessive GH can cause acromegaly—characterized by enlarged extremities and rapid cell growth—or pituitary gigantism that leads to extreme height. Conversely, GH deficiency can lead to significant health issues, including various short stature conditions.

Approved Clinical Uses of GH

The FDA has approved various injectable forms of HGH, available only by prescription. Initially approved in 1985 for GH deficiency-related short stature, subsequent approvals include conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, intrauterine growth retardation, and growth hormone deficiency due to pituitary tumors. Recent approvals also allow GH therapy for adults experiencing HIV/AIDS-related wasting syndrome.

Evidence suggests GH injections can yield:

• Increased muscle mass and bone density
• Decreased body fat
• Improved mental function
• Enhanced exercise performance
• Increased cardiovascular stress tolerance

Dosage

GH is always administered via injection, whether subcutaneous or intramuscular; it acts quickly once absorbed into the bloodstream. While dosing varies and may be based on IGF levels, physicians typically prescribe based on body weight, with adult dosing at approximately 0.01-0.1 mg/kg. Available as either powder or liquid, GH powder must be dissolved in saline before injection.

Side Effects of Growth Hormone

GH may lead to several adverse effects, including:

• Generalized edema
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint and muscle pain
• Neuropathies (such as numbness and tingling)
• Elevated blood glucose levels

Is a Prescription Required for GH?

Legally, GH is prescribed only for FDA-approved uses, with many off-label applications existing, including athletic enhancement and anti-aging treatments. However, the FDA generally does not support off-label use due to risks possibly outweighing benefits. Despite claims of being a miracle cure, GH carries significant side effects that warrant careful consideration.

Potential Risks of Taking GH

Using GH poses overdose risks, potentially leading to severe conditions like acromegaly. GH’s stimulation of cell growth may also inadvertently promote unwanted cell proliferation, heightening cancer risks. Less severe side effects include fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint discomfort, and type 2 diabetes. Individuals interested in anti-aging GH therapy should thoroughly evaluate risks versus benefits.

Off-Label Use

Bodybuilding

Common off-label uses of GH include anti-aging and bodybuilding. It ranks among the most abused drugs among athletes. Though broadly available, possession and sale are illegal. Bodybuilders often combine GH with other substances, making it difficult to attribute results to any single drug. GH abuse is attractive to athletes due to its lower detection likelihood.

The exact number of GH users remains unclear, though sporadic confessions arise. For bodybuilders, GH can be expensive, costing between $500-$2000 monthly, with counterfeit products posing a risk.

Anti-Aging

Another non-approved use for GH is in the pursuit of youth. Many seek to reduce facial lines and wrinkles, turning to GH despite a lack of supporting evidence for such effects. The anti-aging industry has created a $70 million market for ineffective “copycat” treatments, with many individuals paying between $10,000 to $20,000 yearly for genuine GH injections from clinics.

Availability

Most individuals acquire HGH illegally, sometimes from stolen pharmacy stock or via physicians prescribing off-label. Others import GH from Mexico and Europe, or purchase it online from unregulated pharmacies. Most internet vendors dispense GH with minimal patient interaction. Despite injections being the only effective administration method, many falsely market GH as pills or topical solutions, though absorption via these means is negligible.

Testing Limitations

Detecting synthetic GH in the body poses challenges, with current methods failing to identify GH beyond 48 hours post-injection; athletes are aware of this loophole.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin, a newer drug reported to be counterfeited, is a biological analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), stimulating natural GH production. Sermorelin lacks blood or urine detectability after a specific timeframe. This situation perpetuates the status quo, with minimal athletes caught. It typically takes 3-4 weeks to notice effects from Sermorelin, which lacks the severe side effects associated with GH, but is ineffective for those with no GH. Prices range from $300-$1000 for a month’s supply.

Control Status

The rampant abuse of GH has incited federal regulations curbing its sale and distribution under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act. Offenders face serious legal consequences. In March 2007, a bill to classify HGH as a Schedule III controlled substance was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, GH is listed as a performance-enhancing drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee, disqualifying athletes from its use.