HGH has been used by many professional athletes for a long time. Since this hormone is produced naturally in the body, side effects from its administration are very rare and primarily occur with long-term use of high doses.
Possible side effects of growth hormone use:
Tunnel syndrome—characterized by pain and numbness in the limbs. The main cause of this condition is an increase in muscle mass that begins to compress the surrounding nerves. Typically, this syndrome resolves as the dosage is reduced.
Fluid retention in the muscles – This side effect is common to many hormonal drugs used for anabolic purposes. To minimize this effect, reduce intake of salty foods and avoid alcohol.
Elevated blood pressure. This can be addressed by reducing the HGH dosage or taking antihypertensive medications.
Mild suppression of thyroid function. To counteract this, it is recommended to take thyroxine (25 mg daily) during growth hormone therapy. It is worth noting that thyroid function fully recovers after the course of treatment ends.
Hyperglycemia is an increase in blood sugar levels. This side effect is managed with supplemental insulin or medications that stimulate the pancreas, such as Diabeton.
Acromegaly—observed with long-term use of high doses of growth hormone. This does not occur with moderate doses.
Enlargement of internal organs—occurs only with very high doses of growth hormone.
Side effects of growth hormone not officially confirmed by science:
Abdominal enlargement.
Some theories suggest that long-term growth hormone use leads to abdominal enlargement (due to visceral hypertrophy caused by IGF-1 receptors). Currently, this has not been confirmed by the scientific community, but the experience of some professional bodybuilders suggests this may be the case. Experts explain this by the fact that many professionals combine high doses of growth hormone with other anabolic steroids, which indirectly contributes to abdominal enlargement.
Erectile dysfunction and infertility.
According to research, the anabolic use of GH does not lead to pathological changes in sexual function.
Suppression of endogenous GH production.
According to a study by Professors Elmer M. and Cranton M., among more than 100 patients taking GH, there was no suppression of endogenous GH production.
Tumor development.
There is a theory that GH intake can accelerate the division of cancer cells. To verify this claim, researchers conducted a study and found that patients with tumors who received growth hormone therapy did not experience disease progression.
The Correct Conclusion
Taking any hormonal medication for anabolic purposes can cause irreversible effects on the body. Even “safe” steroids are no exception. Using these drugs to increase muscle mass and strength is only justified when athletes are competing for monetary rewards or professional status (which are often one and the same), as these are the consequences of such athletic pursuits.