Side Effects of HGH Stimulator
Growth-hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is produced by the hypothalamus to stimulate growth hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. GH stimulators seek to enhance GH release and no approved pharmacological treatment exists to stimulate GH release, with various "alternative products" actively marketed with little to no proven merit. Synthetic human growth hormone (hGH or r-hGH), (somatotropin) was approved by the FDA in 1985 for several very specific uses, especially for treating growth hormone deficiency in children. It is used in the treatment of idiopathic short stature resulting from hGH deficiency during puberty and represents a key advancement in endocrinology (study of hormones). HGH has also been promoted for a number of "off label" uses (not approved by the FDA), most of which are considered personal enhancements that people seek for themselves or their children.
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Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
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Growth hormone is a key component of a complex hormonal system regulating the growth of the musculoskeletal system, mediates metabolic/catabolic processes and notably supports the transition from puberty into full physical adulthood. It maintains an important role throughout life in conjunction with the sex steroids (androgens), insulin and other growth factors (IGF I & II) to maintain normal physical mass. GH deficiency in adults is associated with decreased muscle mass and increase body fat. Its effectiveness in enhancing physical performance is not proven, where hGH is used for its potential anabolic activity (male hormone effects) on the growth.
HGH Clinical Indications for Use
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The most important factors associated with favorable responses to hGH therapy in both GH and non-GH deficient individuals is the growth occurring during the first year of treatment, starting use at a younger age, the hGH dose and several other variables. GH treatment of GH-deficient adults or in elderly men increases nitrogen retention (important for protein production), lean body mass and it decreases the percentage of body fat. GH treatment is clinically justified for elderly frail patients, individuals who have experienced prolonged malnourishment, severe burns, cachexia and severe loss of weight and muscle mass occurring with AIDS wasting, and for patients with an established low GH level.
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Key Side Effects
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As a general consideration, hormones used at natural physiological levels provide beneficial effects with few adverse effects. However, when administered beyond physiological levels, safety concerns arise. HGH supplementation at high doses and for extended periods of times can induce acromegaly, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver dysfunction, increased triglyceridemia (increases risk for vascular disease), adverse changes in bone metabolism and can stimulate tumors leading to cancer. Acromegaly represents a classic endocrine disorder resulting from a pituitary tumor which produces high hGH levels and leads to extremely tall stature, a protruding jaw bone, and a range of skeletal and muscular disorders.
Additional SIde Effects
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Additional side effects of hGH treatment at high levels includes tissue turgor complex, a sensation that muscles will rupture, musculoskeletal discomfort, pseudotumor cerebri and carpal tunnel syndrome. Intracranial hypertension, visual changes, headache, nausea and vomiting has also been reported in some patients.Tumor growth remains one of the most important consequences and other side effects such as detrimental neuromuscular responses are often non-reversible. The short-term adverse effects of GH therapy may be minimized by using low-dose regimens.
Long Term Consequences
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Individuals must be aware that stimulating GH release and the use of hGH has not been definitively shown to enhance physical stamina or overall athletic performance in healthy individuals. HGH has a number of potential long-term side effects that are irreversible and even may be life threatening. It is important to speak with a specialist such as an endocrinologist and not a general practitioner regarding your desire to pursue hGH treatment and whether or not you have a true hGH deficiency or underlying condition which may require a more comprehensive medical approach.
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- Photo Credit commons/flickr.com; University of Rochester, Division of Molecular Biology; images/gstatic.com
