According to a study from Switzerland, human growth hormone (HGH) therapy can increase muscle mass.
Many athletes and bodybuilders consider it to improve their athletic performance.
However, there are also possible side effects when it comes to using this muscle mass enhancer, and in this article, we will discuss how this hormone affects our body positively and negatively.
Human Growth Hormone and the Pituitary Gland
Human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the hormones naturally produced in the body.
HGH is secreted by the pituitary and is responsible for proper cell reproduction and supporting proper internal organs, muscles, and bone growth.
The use of it can help you build muscle mass and increase bone density.
Furthermore, it is important to maintain healthy levels of growth hormones.
According to a study from Wisconsin, enough growth hormone levels can help you recover from injury and prevent you from experiencing chronic illness as HGH can also support your immune health.
Effects of Growth Hormone Deficiency
According to a study from Seattle, aging, directly and indirectly, affects the natural levels of your HGH.
For the latter, the factors that can reduce your growth hormone levels include obesity. The higher your body fat, the lesser secretion of HGH. But what may happen if you have HGH deficiency?
1) Decreased libido
According to a Mayo Clinic staff, GH deficiency can cause a decrease in libido or sex drive.
Consistent with a study from Italy, low levels of HGH can cause erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low testosterone levels that can eventually reduce your sexual performance.
2) Delayed puberty
Your growth hormones are essential for proper cell reproduction and the body’s development.
Thus, if you have low levels of these hormones, poor growth can occur.
According to a study from the USA, in females, the common puberty delay is breast development, and in males, lack of testicular enlargement.
3) Slow tooth development
According to a study from Poland, HGH deficiency affects the development of your teeth.
Eventually, this can cause dental caries, tooth wear, developmental enamel defects, and premature tooth eruption.
4) Mental health problems
Mental health problems caused by low HGH levels are most common in adults.
According to a study from Greece, the most common mental health issues include anxiety, depression, and severe headache.
5) Risk of heart disease
When you have low levels of HGH, you increase your risk of having cardiovascular problems.
This is because GH deficiency can cause elevated triglyceride levels and high LDL levels or bad cholesterol.
When these values are not regulated, they can increase the risk of high blood pressure and lead to heart attack or stroke.
To prevent complications, tell your healthcare provider if you think you have these heart-related risk factors.
HGH Side Effects
Although HGH therapy may offer many benefits, you are also at risk of experiencing adverse reactions, especially when the dose you take is not suitable for your health conditions.
Some of these adverse reactions will be discussed in this section.
1) Carpal tunnel syndrome
One of the common side effects of HGH therapy is carpal tunnel syndrome and it is most common in older adults.
Based on peer-reviewed studies, the self-administration of high-dose recombinant HGH or synthetic HGH is the common cause of this adverse effect.
Fortunately, in a clinical study from Wisconsin, it was reported that proper dosing and treatment intervals can prevent this side effect.
2) Insulin resistance
HGH therapy can cause an increased risk of insulin resistance.
According to a study from Korea, low levels of HGH prevent the regulation of metabolism which is related to the production of insulin.
As a result, this can decrease insulin sensitivity, eventually causing diabetes in both children and adults.
If you have other risk factors that can complicate your HGH therapy, especially those related to diabetes, do not forget to remind your healthcare provider about them.
One of the possible side effects of HGH therapy also includes edema or fluid retention.
Based on a clinical review from Denmark, this fluid retention usually occurs in the hands and feet.
In another study from Israel, it was reported that even short-term HGH therapy can already cause sodium and water retention in both children and adults.
4) Joint and muscle pain
HGH injections can cause joint and muscle pain, aches, and stiffness.
According to Harvard Medical School, these are only secondary effects, and usually, the elderly are most at risk of experiencing them.
HGH injections also cause gynecomastia.
According to a study from Maryland, these gynecomastia side effects occur between 0.5 to 7 months after the start of HGH therapy.
In this study, it was also reported that this side effect is limited and benign.
6) Increased risk of certain cancers
The way HGH therapy causes cancers is not direct. During an HGH therapy, the insulin growth factor-1 is stimulated.
Based on a study from Switzerland, the insulin-growth factor-1’s effect on carcinogenesis is responsible for inducing breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as tumor growth of facial features.
7) Pain in the injection site
HGH injections can cause pain in the injection site, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Additionally, aside from pain, these reactions include nodules and erythema.
Although it is common to feel pain with other injectable drugs as well, reporting the severity of the pain to your healthcare provider could help you address this issue.
How to Boost HGH Levels Naturally
If you want to increase your levels of HGH without having to do HGH therapy, you may want to consider the following tips below:
- Lose body fat or control your weight.
- Choose a healthy diet and practice regular exercise.
- Consider intermittent fasting.
- Try some dietary supplements with amino acids. These amino acids mimic the effects of HGH.
- Reduce your sugar intake.
All listed above should not be considered medical advice.
Instead, they can be your guide, especially when you want to address the effects of low hormone levels.
For proper diagnosis, seek consultation from medical doctors or wellness professionals.
Indeed, growth hormone is vital for proper development.
HGH can also slow aging which is why it can also support healthy skin and hair growth. Since there are times when people do not have many of these hormones, HGH use can be an alternative.
However, this anti-aging hormone, when introduced by injection, may cause some side effects.
Some of these side effects are related to joints and muscles.
Fortunately, there are other ways to address the effects of having low levels of HGH.
Some of these are choosing a healthy diet and regularly exercising.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does taking HGH cause gastrointestinal disorders?
Generally, HGH does not cause gastrointestinal effects. However, if you choose supplements with amino acids, you might experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Is HGH therapy safe?
HGH therapy is a safe treatment for individuals with low levels of HGH. However, this anti-aging therapy may come with side effects when an improper dose is administered. If you wish to get safer HGH therapy, always seek consultation from a medical doctor beforehand.
What are the foods rich in HGH?
If you wish to skip supplements and the HGH therapy itself, some of the foods that are rich in HGH include eggs, beans, milk, and meat. You can also try raspberries, coconut oil, and pineapple.