What is HGH (Human Growth Hormone)?
Human Growth Hormone is a biological protein that originates from the pituitary gland and produced into the bloodstream. Many athletes resort to HGH in order to boost their athletic performances and reduce aging. Additionally, Harvard’s Men’s Health Watch states that “In people of all ages, GH boosts protein production, promotes the utilization of fat, interferes with the action of insulin, and raises blood sugar levels.” However, as for every procedure, it’s important to understand the big picture--the pros and cons of HGH. Is it safe? Does it boost performance and/or slow aging? Is HGH even necessary or would some exercise and an improved diet do the trick? Read further to find out more!
What are the benefits of HGH injections?
HGH injections have many benefits for those with HGH deficiency issues. HGH injections boost energy and stamina, reduce the risk of heart disease in the future, prevent fractures, and increase muscle mass. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are potential side effects. According to Harvard University’s Men’s Health Watch, “Up to 30% of patients experience side effects that include fluid retention, joint and muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and high blood sugar levels.”
Aging
Researchers reviewed 31 total studies in order to determine the effects of HGH in older people (220 individuals received HGH and 227 did not). After evaluating the subjects, it was found that the participants didn’t particularly benefit from the hormone--however, they did display a high level of side effects, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, enlarged breasts, and lastly, joint pain. Furthermore, “The studies were too short to detect any change in the risk of cancer, but other research suggests an increased risk of cancer in general and prostate cancer in particular,” according to this article from Harvard University. If you start to implement small, healthy changes into your daily regimen, your athletic performance should improve and your overall process of aging should go smoother than ever. Good luck!
Athletic Performance
Athletes who suffer from a lack of muscle/energy and yearn to improve their overall athletic performance either achieve that by building up their muscles through strenuous workouts or turning to Human Growth Hormone injections/pills. According to an article from Harvard, HGH has been “banned by the International Olympic Committee, Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and the World Anti-Doping Agency...GH abuse has tainted many sports, including baseball, cycling, and track and field.” Athletes risk disqualification if caught using the hormone and their health could also potentially be at risk. Ultimately, what are athletes believed to be gaining from this hormone and what are the risks?
“A team of researchers from California conducted a detailed review of 44 high-quality studies of growth hormone in athletes”--85% of the subjects were male and 303 volunteers received the HGH injections while 137 received the placebo alternative. While the subjects who received the injections increased their overall body mass quite a lot, it didn’t actually improve their performance. Furthermore, individuals who received the injections were more likely to experience fluid retention as opposed to those who were on the placebo side of the study. Additionally, the injections didn’t boost energy or stamina either.
Are HGH injections worth it and are they safe?
All in all, it appears that HGH injections are not worth it and that they may cause more side effects than benefits. People can be very quick to try to find an ‘easy solution’ when simple implemented changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise can be extremely beneficial. Aging is a natural process and it is part of life--it shouldn’t be avoided but we can do things throughout our lives to improve how we look and feel in the future. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and “aim for a moderate protein intake of about .36 grams per pound of body weight.”