Is Human Growth Hormone Dangerous?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is naturally produced in the body and is responsible for both growth and the regulation of other hormones in the body. Blood levels of human growth hormone drop as you age. Some people take HGH supplements to replace dropping levels of natural HGH to reduce signs of aging. Other people take HGH to increase muscle development and performance in sports. When taken as directed under a doctor's supervision, there are very few side effects of supplementing naturally low HGH. However, when taken as a performance-enhancing drug, there can be some very negative side effects.
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Hypoglycemia
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Hypoglycemia is the opposite of diabetes. If you have diabetes you have low insulin levels, which result in too much blood glucose. If you have hypoglycemia you have high insulin levels, which results in low levels of blood sugar. Because HGH increases the insulin levels in your body, in can result in low levels of blood sugar, which can, in rare occasions, be dangerous. Low levels of blood sugar usually results only in headaches and low energy levels.
Acromegaly
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Acromegaly is an abnormal grown of bones, often on the face. Although HGH can't trigger this disease if you aren't already predisposed to it, it can make the condition much worse if you are. People with this disease can face the thickening of their connective tissues and thicker skin. Their skin also becomes more oily. The jaw and brow ridge often increase dramatically in size, as do their lips, nose and tongue.
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Extended Belly
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When you do not take HGH supplements as directed, you can develop an extended belly. This condition is not permanent, and it usually subsides when you resume taking HGH supplements as directed by a doctor.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a narrowing of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, which pinches a nerve passing through the tunnel. When not taken as directed, HGH can cause a narrowing of this tunnel, which subsequently results in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Joint Pain
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Elevated levels of HGH can cause joint pain. This could be due to a number of reasons. One is an increase in physical size and weight, in addition to more power in the muscles, which puts strain on body systems used to a lower weight. In some cases, however, not taking HGH as directed can result in damage to the connective tissues in the joints.
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- Photo Credit Photo: Peter Skadberg, stock.xchng
