Is HGH Harmful?

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is produced within the pituitary gland of the body and is part of what makes you grow taller. Over the last several years this substance has been abused by various athletes, causing concern over how harmful HGH can be.

Significance

• There are legitimate medical conditions for which HGH can be prescribed, such as dwarfism and the treatment of AIDS and pituitary tumors.

Excessive Heart Growth

• HGH has been shown to lead to disproportionate growth of the heart. This can cause heart problems later on in life as the excessive hormones force the body's blood pressure to rise.

Abnormal Bone Growth

• Taking HGH excessively can lead to extreme bone growth. Some individuals report abnormally large hands, feet, jaws and foreheads.

Cancer

• HGH promotes excessive cell growth. According to doctors at Boston University, this unrestricted cell growth taking place in the body can lead to cancer.

Warnings

• HGH is banned by all professional and amateur sports. Any doctor who prescribes HGH for the wrong reasons can lose his medical license and may be arrested. If an individual is in possession of HGH without a valid prescription, she could be subject to a sentence of five years in jail.