The pituitary gland produces the growth hormone that regulates childhood growth and sustains the organs and tissues throughout your lifetime. The pituitary gland is a structure the size of a pea that's located at the base of your brain. With age, hormone production decreases, and some people turn to synthetic human growth hormones to maintain their youth and vitality.
Benefits
There is little evidence that synthetic human growth hormones play any role in increasing strength, though they can increase muscle mass, according to MayoClinic.com. The effects on strength training exercises are limited, leading researchers to believe that lifting weights may be a more effective, and less expensive, way to build strength. Benefits that you can derive from taking HGH include increased bone mass, the capacity to exercise longer and decreased fat accumulation.
How It's Used
HGH is approved for use on adults who have an abnormal deficiency in the natural growth hormones. HGH is used to treat the muscle wasting that accompanies those with HIV or AIDS. It is not indicated to help adults suffering from normal aging. HGH is a prescription drug that is given by injection. Pills sold as human growth hormone replacement alternatives have not been tested by the FDA and, according to MayoClinic.com, are of highly questionable value.
Side Effects
While you may experience a boost in your endurance levels while taking HGH, the side effects may curtail your exercise abilities drastically. Men taking human growth hormones often develop large breasts that may interfere with a number of sports activities and weight-lifting routines, beyond the effect on their appearance. Joint and muscle pain are common side effects, as is swelling that occurs in the arms and legs, all of which could interfere with normal exercise. Additionally, you may incur higher risks of developing heart disease or diabetes from continued HGH treatments.
Alternatives
Increased exercise intensity may be a healthier alternative to costly and possibly dangerous human growth hormone injections. According to a study at Brunel University, both sleep and intense exercise increase the natural production of HGH, even in the elderly. Aging athletes can increase HGH production with intense 10 minute bouts of exercise, leading to rejuvenated muscles, bone and collagen production and increased fat metabolism.
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