The Truth About HGH

HGH is Human Growth Hormone.  HGH is produced in our body by the pituitary gland in the brain. This naturally produced hormone’s duty in our body is to encourage cell production and stimulate growth. HGH is responsible for increasing height in humans, building muscle mass, maintaining bone health, monitoring and controlling sugar and insulin levels, retention of calcium in the body, and fat reduction. HGH is produced readily when we are young but the pituitary gland slows down the production as the body ages.

Age “catches” up in more ways than one with the passage of time. 

The reduced secretion of HGH happens when we reach our 30s and continues for years to come. This reduced secretion of HGH is why the human skin has less elasticity and the bodily functions slow down as we grow older. HGH secretion is high when we are children and reaches its peak during puberty. This is when children experience spurts of growth. The secretion continues into adulthood, but at reduced levels. Health problems, such as depression, reduction in muscle mass, reduced energy, diabetes and other age-related issues are associated with decreased HGH production.

 

HGH and Gene Therapy

In class, we learned about utilizing gene therapy to improve the patient's quality of life. HGH is useful in treating conditions such as Turner Syndrome, chronic renal failure, Prader-Willi syndrome, intrauterine growth retardation, among others. HGH injections are also useful for preventing muscle mass loss due to AIDS. However, use of HGH is not free of serious side effects. There are reports that it increases the risk for diabetes and can lead to joint pain and swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cancer if used on a regular basis.

 

 Side Effect of HGH: Excessive bone growth in limbs.

HGH Use in Athletics

Even though there is no direct correlation between HGH use and athletic performance, athletes young and old have used HGH to improve physical appearance and resistance to injuries. However, research has shown that HGH can actually decrease users' strength. Because HGH is banned in most American professional sports leagues, several athletes have been disciplined for use, such as Andy Petitte, Roger Clemens, Rick Ankiel, Jose Canseco and many others.