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How to Identify Side Effects of Somatotropin

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By The Armchair Herbalist
User-Submitted Article
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Learn how to Identify Side Effects of Somatotropin
Learn how to Identify Side Effects of Somatotropin
Image credits: rbhavana, under the StockXchange license

Somatotropin is human growth hormone (HGH). It is used therapeutically to treat growth disorders in children. We produce HGH naturally and HGH production peaks when children begin to grow rapidly. Too little HGH can cause short stature and even dwarfism. Our body stops producing HGH at approximately age 30. Therefore, there is great interest in HGH for anti-aging purposes. Because it is a steroid, it is popular as a body-building drug. However the use of HGH is very risky.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Monitor the child's growth. When HGH peaks during childhood growth, too little can result in dwarfism, but, conversely, too much can result in gigantism. Therefore, when administered as a growth supplement, dosage is critical.

  2. Step 2

    Keep an eye on the patient's insulin levels. Look our for hypoglycemia is the opposite of diabetes and has been associated with the use of HGH. Treatment with HGH can result in abnormally high insulin levels and result in impaired glucose tolerance.

  3. Step 3

    Watch for symptoms of atherosclerosis. As experimentation is underway regarding HGH as an anti-aging supplement, studies have already shown that HGH can trigger coronary heart disease. Its highest risk, however, is its elevation for insulin levels, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

  4. Step 4

    Check for abnormal bone growth. In adults, excessive use can result in a condition known as acromegaly. This is abnormal growth of bones, most noticeably in the forehead, nose, hands and feet.

  5. Step 5

    Look out for the development of masculine characteristics in women. HGH is popular among body builders because it is an anabolic steroid, which builds muscle. However, the effect on women can be the development of masculine characteristics, such as deepening of the voice and facial and body hair.

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