Human Growth hormone (HGH) is an incredibly small protein but potent enough to send you to the realm of dwarfs or the kingdom of giants. However, its immense power also makes it extremely dangerous; thus, one should be highly watchful of it. With its numerous benefits against many a disease, it also possesses multiple threats when used as a ‘performance-enhancing drug’ or ‘anti-aging agent’.
Here are some of the side effects of long-term, high dose Growth Hormone administration:
- ‘Man-boob’:
It is medically and formally referred to as gynecomastia which is enlarged of one or both breasts in men. Gynaecomastia may even be uneven. It occurs because Growth Hormone stimulates the production of both testosterone (male sex hormone) and estrogen (female sex hormone). While testosterone does rise, estrogen rises way out of proportion. This not only neutralizes the effects of testosterone but also causes predominance in female characteristics. Gynecomastia, itself, is not a serious condition but can become one due to the norms set by society. It may become a source of embarrassment for the sufferer and may even push them into the dark alley of depression because of the stigmatization. Many people then go for talk therapy to cope up with anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, most cases of gynecomastia return to normal once a balance is reached between the hormones and if not, medicinal and surgical options are also available.
- Cardiovascular Disorders:
Common morbidities of HGH abuse are CVS disorders that ultimately lead to higher mortality rates. These CVS disorders range from valvular dysfunctions to arrhythmias. Myriads of studies have concluded that there is about a 10-years-decrease, on average, due to CVS diseases in the lives of patients with bona fide GH excess, people who abuse HGH drugs, or patients with long-term/high dose HGH treatment.
Factors like thyroid gland malfunctioning, hypertension, increased rate of metabolism, and increased calcium intake, cause these disorders. It is baffling to know that in many cases, science is still oblivious to how exactly these factors cause CVS illnesses.
These disorders follow their due course. Initially, there is increased contractility of the heart muscle, followed by enlargement of the heart as a whole and ultimately heads towards the scarring of the cells of the heart for life. Nonetheless, deaths due to CVS disorders have reduced greatly in recent years due to improved diagnostic techniques and early diagnosis.
- Diabetes:
Piles of research conducted on the association of growth hormone and diabetes, in fact, does indicate that HGH excess increases the risk of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 2 in younger people especially those with predominant DM family history and other contributing factors like obesity. Studies show that the incidence of DM is six times higher in people with HGH excess than the normal, control population. Therefore, one should be extremely vigilant to monitor one’s blood sugar levels during and after the administration of HGH.
In our body, the growth hormone on one hand, produces a spur in the production of insulin and on the other hand, also increases the generation of glucose and produces insulin resistance, hence resulting in Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes itself comes with detrimental effects on virtually all systems of one’s body. From skin diseases to renal failure to blindness, diabetes paves the path for almost all lethal and disabling diseases.
Nonetheless, the chances of DM are higher by many folds in people who use HGH for non-medical purposes like body-building.
- Hypertension:
HGH causes sodium and water retention in our body which culminates in high blood pressure. During HGH supplementation, heart rate increases, and resistance from blood vessels decreases. The growth hormone also causes disruption in the walls of vessels that further aggravates hypertension. In the nutshell, a vicious cycle develops when cardiac changes developed by GH excess worsen hypertension and vice versa.
Like Diabetes, hypertension too is the mother of many potentially lethal complications. Hypertension not only affects CVS badly but also possesses immense danger to Central Nervous System (CNS). There, it can be the reason for stroke, aneurysms, and memory loss. High blood pressure can also damage delicate vessels of the eye by cutting their supply and even bursting them. A serious condition known as hypertensive retinopathy is a common and serious complication in such people. This is condition is characterized by double vision, blurred vision, headaches and may also cause sudden loss of vision.
- Painful Changes in Bones and Joints:
One of the cardinal functions of Growth Hormone is to increase the longitudinal length of a person but in doing so it increases the chances of fractures and secondary osteoporosis. Manifestations in joints are the main causes of morbidity and immobility of the people with GH excess in their bodies, and they do linger on even after long and successful treatment. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these changes may alleviate the seriousness and complications.
Essentially all people with GH excess report some level of musculoskeletal and osteoarticular pain. Any joint can be affected by these changes but the most commonly affected ones are hips, shoulders, knees, hands, and elbows.
Despite these changes being the most common, earliest, and most hampering side effects of GH excess/abuse, no to little research has been done in this aspect. So, we still are not sure these manifestations are brought about and what can be the ways of curbing these.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Does Growth Hormone Do In Males?
Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. It is responsible for triggering a cascade of biochemical reactions that lead to growth and development in the human body. Growth hormone is important for both males and females, but it plays a different role in each sex. This paper will discuss the role of growth hormone in males.
Growth hormone has multiple functions in males, the most important of which is the promotion of growth and development. In males, growth hormone stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the liver, which in turn stimulates the production of other hormones, such as testosterone, that are essential for physical development. Growth hormone also helps the body maintain its muscle mass and bone density, as well as its metabolic rate.
Growth hormone has also been shown to be essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males, such as facial and body hair, a deepened voice, and increased muscle mass. Growth hormone also plays a role in the development of normal reproductive abilities, which includes the production and release of sperm.
In addition to its role in physical development, growth hormone also has psychological benefits in males. It has been shown to increase self-confidence and self-esteem, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.
Growth hormone deficiency is a common condition in males, and can lead to stunted growth, decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, and decreased sexual development. Treatment for growth hormone deficiency includes injections of synthetic growth hormone. These injections are typically given every day or several times a week, depending on the severity of the deficiency.
In conclusion, growth hormone plays an important role in the physical and psychological development of males. It is essential for growth and development, as well as for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive abilities. Growth hormone deficiency is a common condition in males, and can lead to stunted growth, decreased bone density, and decreased sexual development. Treatment for growth hormone deficiency includes injections of synthetic growth hormone.
