Human growth hormone (hGH) is made by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. The hormone is carried through the blood stream to the organs of the body. One of the major roles of human growth hormone is that it stimulates the liver and other tissues to create insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Insulin-like growth factor enhances the production of cartilage cells, resulting in bone and muscle growth. Athletes sometimes abuse injectable or oral hGH because of these effects.
Positive Effects
Human growth hormone has been found to have an ergogenic and anabolic impact on the body. It has also been known to enhance the effects steroids. The growth of muscle, bone and other tissues is interpreted by athletes to mean bigger, stronger and quicker. It also has been purported to aid in recovery from intense exercise. hGH has the capacity to improve lean body mass, which can be of benefit to some athletes.
Negative Effects
There are many negative effects of human growth hormone. These include risk of developing diabetes, worsening of cardiovascular disease, pain in the muscles and joints, the onset of hypertension, abnormal organ growth and accelerated osteoarthritis. Metabolic disorders have also been known to occur as a result of hGH use.
Dosage
Human growth hormone may be taken orally or by injection. hGH leaves the body quickly, which requires individuals to use the hormone on a daily and sometimes twice a day regimen. The does of hGH varies from 1 i.u. to 6 i.u.
Regulations
The use of human growth hormone is prohibited in and out of competition by the Word Anti-Doping Agency and the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Tests
Tests for hGH exist but the reliability of these tests has been the subject of much debate. The first tests for hGH was a blood test that was introduced at the 2004 Summer Olympics. hGH is not detectable for long periods of time in the body so the timing of any test is of the utmost importance. Improvements in test methods and detection window for hGH are ongoing.
Member Comments