10 side effects of human growth hormone

The human body is a complex structure involving organs and fluids. It is an organic engine that performs many sophisticated internal functions. These internal functions are carried out with the help of complex chemical substances called hormones. These are special chemical messengers that are created in the Endocrine Glands. They are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues to perform their functions.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is one of the most important hormones in the human body. It helps in the development of the human body.  It is a peptide hormone which helps in stimulating growth, cell reproduction and cell regeneration. It generally has anabolic effects on the human body meaning building up. It is also called Somatotropin and is secreted by The Pituitary Glands.

While HGH has been approved by the FDA for use in several purposes like in treatment of poor growth in children, it has some health concerns associated with it when taken in excessive amounts or overdoses. Some of the side effects of HGH are:

Edema

Earlier known as the hydropsy or dropsy, this condition is the abnormal retention of fluids in regions between bone joints or the interstitial spaces between organs and tissues (known as Interstitium). This will result in extreme swelling in certain parts of the body. This is caused due to excessive intake of HGH.

Diabetes

High doses of HGH tend to result in an increase in blood glucose levels. This poses a major health risk in the form of diabetes. This is a prominent side effect of HGH. There are also possibilities of glucose metabolism imbalances because of a higher dose of HGH.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The narrow tunnel/passage that runs through on the inner side of the wrist is called the Carpal Tunnel. The median nerve which is responsible for the control of movement and sensation of thumb and first three fingers runs through this passage. Due to excessive HGH, this nerve gets pressed or squeezed resulting in the numbing sensation in the hands. This side effect of HGH is also prominent in the case of overdose.

Joint Pain

This non-inflammatory side effect of HGH arises from the allergic reaction to the usage of HGH or as a result of illness and infection due to the medication. It is different from arthritis in that here only joint pain is experienced without any inflammations.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The side effect of HGH also includes significant health risk to an individual in the form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which is a type of cancer originating from lymphocytes. Thus HGH increases the risk of cancers well. So patients with a history of cancer must avoid the usage of HGH.

High Cholesterol levels

Another side effect of using HGH as a medication is the increase in the cholesterol levels in the blood. The increase in cholesterol levels in blood results in restricted flow of blood in arteries and veins, thereby increasing chances of cardiac arrest. High cholesterol levels are a major cause of cardiovascular diseases in recent times.Pituitary Tumours

Pituitary tumours are a result of HGH excess. These tumours are benign and grow slowly. They gradually produce more and more GH over the years causing health risks related to excessive HGH. This is a very risky side effect of HGH.

Morning Sickness

This is a common side effect of Human Growth Hormone. Quite often, people who are taking medications of HGH wake up in the morning with a certain uneasiness. This is similar to a feeling some people get when they wake up in the morning after a heavy workout session at the gym the previous day. It is a temporary side effect involving slight pain in the finger, toes, joints and the muscles. While sleeping, the body tends to grow and regenerate and hence such effects take place.

Hypoglycaemia

After getting a medication of HGH, the period of starting or ending the cycle usually brings this side effect of HGH. It also tends to occur when the dosage of HGH is modified. In this phenomenon, the blood glucose level drops very sharply. This is prominently incident after a period of physical activity. It can take the form of a ‘sudden hunger attack as well.

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a condition that results from excess growth hormone. The initial symptoms include enlargement of hands and feet. It is primarily due to the Pituitary Gland producing excess Growth Hormone. Extremely high doses of HGH when used as a medication, also causes acromegaly in the long run. This is not an inherited disease and is commonly diagnosed in middle age. Males and females are affected equally by this disorder. This side effect of HGH is generally observed on a large time gap of say, 10 years of prolonged usage of HGH.

Some positive effects of HGH on the human body include:

1. Somatotropin(HGH) Increases the strength of bones by increasing the Calcium retention in the bones
2. Promotes protein synthesis
3. Helps stimulate the immune system
4. It stimulates the growth of all internal organs excluding the brain

Human Growth Hormone is a major component of the growth and development of the human body. Being a stress hormone, it helps raise the concentration of glucose and free fatty acids. But it is a known fact that over usage of anything brings us misery. Be it food or any other thing we consume, excessive consumption always gives rise to problems. The HGH is a boost to the human body, only when used in optimum amounts. Please do not be misled by any advertisements or promotions of products involving HGH. Careful discretion is advised before using any medication or product containing HGH in any form. It is therefore recommended for the readers to kindly consult a specialised doctor or physician before using HGH as a medication.