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HGH Myths

Human Growth Hormone, or HGH, is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. It is responsible for regulating growth in humans, and has been used therapeutically to help treat growth disorders and hormone deficiencies in children and adults. Recently, it has become popular for its use as an anabolic agent to increase the performance of professional athletes and to encourage muscle growth.

  1. FDA Testing

    • Though many people believe that HGH supplements have been tested and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, this is only true of those supplements that are prescribed by doctors. Store-bought over-the-counter HGH supplements have generally not been tested or approved. In addition, there are hundreds of different forms of HGH, and many have not undergone rigorous testing or approval procedures.

    Extended Lifespan

    • Some anecdotal evidence suggests that HGH supplements have have an effect on a person's lifespan, extending it by 20 years or more. None of these claims have ever been substantiated through any laboratory testing, however. There have been tests that confirm a positive effect on the length of a person's lifespan as a result of HGH, but these tests used pituitary gland stimulation to increase the levels of HGH, and did not introduce HGH artificially.

    Risks

    • HGH is sometimes marketed as risk-free as a result of it being a naturally occurring hormone. However, there are many health side effects that have been linked to HGH use. In children, overuse of HGH has caused a condition known as giantism, sufferers of which face height and weight growth several standard deviations above what is average for someone of their age and gender. Adults who have used HGH have suffered from acromegaly, a condition resulting in the abnormal lengthening of bones.

    Intake

    • Over-the-counter HGH tends to come in the form of an oral spray or pill. The makers of oral sprays advocate their use as a more direct method to get HGH to the pituitary gland. However, though HGH is produced by the pituitary gland, it has no effect on this area; HGH works at the site of bone and muscle growth. Further, it is questionable whether the mucous membranes in the mouth can effectively absorb HGH. Pills suffer from several problems as well, and it does not appear possible to get a sufficient level of HGH in the bloodstream from pills alone. Injected HGH is the only way to reliably get enough of the hormone into the system to have an effect.

    Legality

    • Some mistakingly believe that because HGH occurs naturally, it is legal to possess. Federal law does not list HGH as a controlled substance, but does criminalize its distribution or possession with intent to distribute for non-medical reasons. Additionally, some states including Idaho, West Virginia, Oregon, Rhode Island, Colorado, Illinois, Maine and Massachusetts have laws regulating HGH. Possessing or using the hormone within these states may be a criminal offense.

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