Risks of Using Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a substance produced naturally in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Essential for proper human development, HGH fuels childhood growth and serves a lifelong role in the maintenance of all vital organs and tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. A deficiency in this vital hormone should be treated under the care of a qualified medical professional. Self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) HGH supplements can be dangerous and is of questionable value.

See a Professional

• Treatment of both children and adults with a confirmed HGH deficiency should only be undertaken when the procedure is monitored by a medical professional, according to the Mayo Clinic. The method of treatment is with injection of synthetic HGH, which can be obtained only by prescription. The Mayo Clinic reports that the following benefits have been observed in adults who were professionally treated for HGH deficiency: an increase in capacity for exercise, a reduction of body fat and increases in both muscle mass and bone density.

No Fountain of Youth

• Healthy adults who take supplements of HGH in pursuit of some elusive "fountain-of-youth" effect are likely to be disappointed, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are genuinely interested in increasing muscle mass, strength and endurance, invest your time and money in some strength training.

Dangers of HGH

• Injections of HGH in otherwise healthy adults have produced some unpleasant side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include breast enlargement in men, known as gynecomastia; joint and muscle pain; and swelling of the arms or legs. Another painful side effect, considering the lack of evidence that HGH provides any benefits in adults who are not deficient in the hormone, is the high cost of treatment.

Beware of Claims

• Although the shelves of drug stores and health stores are loaded with supplements that claim to have the same effects as HGH injections, there is no scientific evidence to back up those representations, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products are frequently marketed with the claim that they will somehow stimulate the natural production of HGH in the body. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that they can produce such results.

Misuse and Abuse

• Dr. Alan D. Rogol, a specialist in pediatric edocrinology, warned about the potential dangers of off-label use of HGH by those who think it will slow the aging process. Testifying on behalf of the Endocrine Society before the House Government Reform Committee in February 2008, Dr. Rogol suggested that one of the most significant of such dangers is improper dosage. Overdosage could result in abnormally high levels of HGH in the body, a condition that could ultimately lead to possible heart disease and severe muscle weakness. In conclusion, Dr. Rogol told legislators, "People who misuse this drug run the risk of seriously damaging their health."