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HGH Facts

Children with too little growth hormone are very short; those with too much growth hormone can have gigantism---the bones and body grow too much. According to Medline Plus, adults can also have a growth hormone deficiency. Prescribed injections of synthetic human growth hormone---HGH---were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 to treat specific conditions, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); it is also used illegally.

  1. Facts

    • "HGH is a naturally occurring polypeptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland," states the DEA, and it stimulates bone and tissue growth. According to the Mayo Clinic and the DEA, however, the pituitary gland begins to reduce the daily amount of HGH beginning in middle age. In addition, sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise stimulate the body to produce natural HGH. According to Colorado State University, HGH also helps regulate blood-glucose levels.

    Benefits

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, adults and children who have growth disorders are approved by the FDA to take synthetic HGH. Benefits of adults with growth disorders who take HGH include increased bone density, muscle mass and exercise capacity and decreased body fat, states the Mayo Clinic. HIV- and AIDS-related muscle wasting is an additionally approved use of HGH.

    Abuses

    • The Mayo Clinic states that synthetic HGH is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance muscle mass and decrease body fat, as well as to slow the aging process in celebrities and other healthy adults. It is difficult to detect illegal use of synthetic HGH and is believed to be widespread in sports, states the DEA. It is often combined with other performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance. According to the DEA, "Numerous professional athletes have admitted to using HGH."

    Side Effects

    • Numerous side effects are associated with HGH use by healthy adults. Swelling in the arms and legs, joint pain, muscle pain and enlargement of breast tissue in men are common effects. HGH may also contribute to diabetes and heart disease, states the Mayo Clinic. Side effects may be more common in older adults. It is undetermined whether effects dissipate or worsen, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Considerations

    • Treatments for growth disorders may include HGH injections, surgery and other medications, according to Medline Plus. The Mayo Clinic and the DEA state that there is very little evidence that taking synthetic HGH helps healthy adults. HGH releasers, pills and homeopathic remedies have not been proven to work, according to the Mayo Clinic. As of 1990, according to the DEA, the distribution and possession of HGH with intent to distribute for non-prescribed uses is a felony with a 5-year prison sentence by the FDA. The International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency have barred the use of HGH by athletes. HGH injections can cost thousands of dollars, notes the Mayo Clinic.

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