The Annals of Internal Medicine in Stanford University published a medical report stating that growth hormone does not actually boost one’s athletic performance. The research was prior to result of the 27 studies conducted on 303 people between 13 and 45 years of age. As a result of the research, they found out that artificial growth hormone helped the body build leaner body mass, although there hasn’t any strength or endurance boost.
Advertisers tell us that growth hormone can increase the strength of users as well as treat pituitary gland tumors including hormonal problems, but there has been no evidence that it is healthy and safe to everyone. On the contrary, there are evidences that show taking artificial growth hormone might even decrease users’ endurance.
Effects of growth hormone
The said research claims that people who are taking growth hormone tends to lactate more while exercising which is causing increased muscle pain and even fatigue. In another study, a participant even had to stop his cycling workout due to suffering fatigue. Apart from that, people who take human growth hormone supplements experienced swelling of the tissues.
Andrew Hoffman, a researcher said that the mentioned side effects of the human growth hormone to athlete users are actually more severe than what is indicated by the study. According to him, the athletes who participated in the study were probably taking more of the right dosage of growth hormone that is why they have worse side effects. Also, Hoffman said that healthy people actually need less dosage of growth hormone and he felt that the investigators wasn’t aware that healthy people don’t really require taking it, thus the side effects.
Side Effects of Taking Growth Hormone
High doses of human growth hormone supplements may cause side effects such as:
- Increase muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Fluid accumulation in the legs
- Too enlarged muscles and bones
- Fatigue
The researchers who conducted the study noted that other hormone in the body such as testosterone can actually improve athletic performance so we don’t need to rely on growth hormones alone. However, the said hormone treatments may cause serious risks.
Hoffman also said that most athletes take very large doses of growth hormone supplements which are very dangerous. In the long run, this may even cause sudden death.
If you are going to take growth hormone on a regular basis, make sure to take only the required dosage in order to prevent getting the said side effects. Talk to your doctor first before taking them so they can decide how large or how little dosage you need.
