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Long-Term Effects of HGH

Human growth hormone, or HGH, has been touted for use in bodybuilding and athletics as well as a remedy for the effects of aging. However, the long-term effects of HGH have to be considered against the short-term effects of benefits, such as increased lean body mass.

  1. What is HGH?

    • HGH is produced naturally by the pituitary gland. As its name implies, it is responsible for growth in humans and is key to changes seen in puberty such as increased muscle mass in boys. Athletes have used HGH to increase muscle mass and recuperate more quickly from injury. As you age, HGH levels drop, which is why some believe replenishing the body's supply of HGH can reverse the effects of aging.

    Initial Effects

    • While plenty of for-profit companies tout the benefits of HGH treatments for otherwise healthy people, long-term effects of HGH can far outweigh any mild benefits associated with its use, according to an American Medical Association report. Heavy users of HGH are likely to first experience carpal tunnel syndrome and swelling of the hands and other joints, often referred to as soft-tissue edema.

    Gynecomastia

    • The AMA report adds that HGH users experienced significantly higher rates of gynecomastia, the development of breasts in males.

    Increased Risk of Diabetes

    • Among the other long-term effects of HGH is the increased risk of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose, which is a condition in which glucose levels are above normal, but below levels consistent with diabetes.

    Other Long-Term Effects

    • HGH users can experience a number of other long-term effects: abnormal bone and cartilage growth, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and a complete shutdown of the pituitary gland, according to the AntiAgingInfo website.

    Acromegaly

    • Among the most serious side effects of HGH is acromegaly, a condition resulting from too much HGH in the body, according to the Endocrine Society. Often caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, this syndrome produces overgrowth of facial bone, particularly along the jaw and eyebrow, and high HGH dosages can produce the abnormal HGH levels seen in this disease. Acromegaly can lead to disfigurement, heart disease and death if left untreated.

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