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Bodybuilding Hormone Supplements

Jan 31, 2011 | By Chekwube Ndubisi
Bodybuilding Hormone Supplements
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Bodybuilding hormone supplements typically fall into the class of human growth hormones, anabolic steroids, androstenediones or erythropoietin. Athletes and bodybuilders take hormone supplements to stimulate muscle growth, increase performance, improve strength training and endurance. Consult with your primary care physician before taking any bodybuilding or other hormone supplement.

Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This peptide hormone is responsible for cellular growth and repair, increased protein synthesis, mobilization of free fatty acids from adipose tissues and muscle growth. According to CNN Health, human growth hormones are only prescribed for medical reasons. For a patient to receive a prescription of human growth hormone, a blood test must show that their physiological level of this hormone is below average. A fine of $250,000 or a prison sentence for five years can be incurred for selling growth hormones without a doctor's prescription. Although HGH can theoretically increase muscle mass and lipolysis, growth hormone abuse can lead to adverse effects including acromegaly, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and muscle weakness, states Mayo Clinic.

Androstenedione

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, androstenedione is an androgenic hormone produced by the ovaries, testes and adrenal gland. It is a precursor to testosterone and estradiol and is used by bodybuilders to increase free and total levels of testosterone, muscle mass, performance and endurance. According to the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Office of Diversion Control, androstenediones are classified as schedule III controlled substances and are illegal to distribute, possess or use for performance enhancement under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. The safety and effectiveness of androstenedione is controversial, and scientific studies dispute the claim that androstenedione is converted to testosterone. Instead, it is believed to be converted to estrogen, notes Mayo Clinic. Side effects associated with androstenedione include diminished sperm production, enlargement of the breasts and shrinking of the testes.

Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein hormone produced by the kidney and liver. Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin and thus, is used by bodybuilders to increase the body's oxygen carrying capacity, according to Rice University. This hormone supplement results in improved oxygen circulation to the muscles and different tissues, increased muscle energy production, increased muscle strength and size, increased endurance and reduced muscle recovery time. Although increased amounts of red blood cells can be beneficial for bodybuilding and endurance training, it can also result in increased vascular occlusion, thrombotic strokes, pulmonary edema and heart attacks, states Mayo Clinic. Erythropoietin is illegal and banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the International Olympic Committee.

Anabolic Hormones

According to Vanderbilt University, anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds related to the male sex hormone, androgens. They mimic the hormone testosterone and thus promotes the growth of skeletal muscles, increased performance and strength, increased red blood cells and lipolysis. Anabolic steroids are illegal and require a medical prescription to be used legally in the United States, notes the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Adverse effects associated with steroid use includes kidney and liver cancer, heart disease, psychosis and hyperaggressiveness.

References

Article reviewed by Carolyn Williams Last updated on: Jan 31, 2011

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