The brain’s pituitary gland produces a natural hormone that is necessary for stimulating growth. Man-made versions of this growth hormone are sometimes needed to treat children who don’t grow normally or sick adults who experience dangerous weight loss and wasting of the body. Illegally, this hormone is commonly abused by athletes and older adults to increase muscle mass and reverse the effects of aging.

In normal development, human growth hormone (HGH) is secreted daily throughout childhood; production peaks during adolescence and declines afterward. The hormone helps muscles and bones, and possibly the heart. But some children—those who have Turner’s syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or chronic renal insufficiency— don’t produce enough HGH themselves. In 1985, a synthetic, injectable version of the hormone was approved for treatment of these disorders. HGH can also be prescribed for children who have unexplained, unusually short stature and to treat weight loss and body deterioration associated with AIDS.

There are two forms of synthetic HGH: somatropin, which is identical to the natural version, and somatrem, whose chemical makeup contains one additional amino acid. Both forms are indistinguishable from naturally occurring hormones in blood and urine tests. Because HGH is so hard to detect—and because it is suspected to improve athletic performance and prevent age-related body deterioration—the hormone’s illegal use among bodybuilders, athletes, and celebrities is believed to be widespread.

The use of HGH, however, is associated with negative side effects including swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint and muscle pain, and numbness and tingling. HGH also increases the risk of developing diabetes and may speed the growth of preexisting cancer cells. A few patients who have taken HGH have developed leukemia, although a causal relationship has not been determined.

Synthetic growth hormones are often used illegally in combination with anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs. As part of the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act, the distribution or possession of HGH for any nonprescribed use is a felony punishable with up to 5 years in jail.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Dreaming, exercise, and stress all increase the secretion of HGH.
  2. Various sprays and pills claim to contain HGH, but the synthetic hormone molecule is actually too large for absorption when taken orally. It is effective only when given as an injection.
  3. Illicit use of HGH in people who already have normal levels can cause enlargement of the breasts, increased growth of birthmarks, diabetes, hardening of the arteries, and high blood pressure.