Risks of Taking Human Growth Hormones & Steroids
The use of steroids and human growth hormone has generated much controversy in recent years. The reason for these controversies is quite simple: scientists simply don't know enough about either steroids or human growth hormone to promote (much less legalize) everyday use.
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Identification: Human Growth Hormone
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Human growth hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, is an important contributor to the aging process. Cell growth, immune support and tissue repair require adequate amounts of HGH. Too much or too little will result in abnormalities. HGH levels decrease with age-which is one of the primary reasons that it is often sought after aging or elderly people.
HGH was officially recognized in 1986, although it was used experimentally throughout the 1950's. An important 1990 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, confirmed that HGH can help to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass if it is injected into the bloodstream. According to scientists, taking HGH orally is ineffective, although many manufacturers claim that it works.
Risks of Taking HGH
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While advocates praise HGH for its possible anti-aging uses, it is not entirely certain that the benefits outweigh the risks. According to Dr. Judith Reichman, Physician Correspondent for NBC's Today Show, "One third or more of the treated participants developed carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling (edema) and joint pain. Twice as many men on HGH developed pre-diabetes or diabetes as compared to those not treated." The population of this study was limited to older patients, but the risks of using HGH are not limited to this age group. Additionally, since HGH encourages increased cell growth, scientists fear that it may contribute to cancer development. Mayoclinic.com's online article, "HGH: Does it Slow Aging?" lists other side effects, such as joint and muscle pain, swelling in arms and legs, and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in males.
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Identification: Steroids
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According to Kidshealth.org, there are two types of steroids: anabolic steroids and steroidal supplements. Anabolic steroids work by imitating natural hormones, specifically male hormones (or androgens). The most famous of these is testosterone. Steroidal supplements are basically weaker forms of male hormones, which cause similar effects. Most of them are illegal, except for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which can be purchased over the counter or in health foods stores.
Anabolic steroid development began in the 1930's. It was originally intended to help in the treatment of hypogonadism, a condition that results in a lack of testosterone in males. Scientists discovered that its use increased muscle growth in lab animals, and since this discovery, the use of anabolic steroids in athletic circles has become quite widespread.
Risks of Using Steroids
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A 2008 article in the Journal of Medical Case Reports confirms that uncontrolled abuse of anabolic steroids causes multi-organ damage. The subject of the study was a 24-year-old male, admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure and hypercalcemia. The patient had admittedly been injecting himself with testosterone-imitating steroids three times a week. Doctors ruled that the adverse state of his bodily organs was due to steroid use.
The primary risk of taking growth hormones is that research has not been developed enough to weigh all of the possible side effects. As noted in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, "Disparity and lack of precise consistency of medical knowledge on these widely abused drugs together with their quick and uncontrolled spread among athletes and body builders mandate a worldwide collective endeavor to educate both the public and physicians about this issue."
Beneficial Uses of HGH and Steroids
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HGH and steroids are often sought after for their positive cosmetic side effects. There are also scenarios in which HGH and steroid use is medically desirable, such as in hypogonadism and growth disorders.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of roonb
