Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide that stimulates cell reproduction, regeneration and growth in humans and other animals. HGH is synthesized, stored and secreted by somatotroph cells in the anterior section of the pituitary gland. The hormone is also known as somatotropin with its synthetic version being called somatropin.

HGH has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of growth disorders in children and hormone deficiencies in adults. This hormone can be obtained from a pharmacy in the U.S. with a doctor’s prescription. Although the actual hormone is only available through prescription, it is possible to obtain HGH supplements over the counter.

What Are HGH Supplements

HGH supplements are basically dietary supplements which don’t contain actual HGH but instead contain HGH releasers. HGH releasers are compounds that stimulate the release of growth hormone. Typical ingredients for growth hormone releasers include amino acids, vitamin such as vitamin B3, minerals and herbal extracts. U.S. law prohibits supplements from containing hormones, thus HGH releasers cannot contain any hormones even if adverts may imply they do. The FDA also prohibits supplements to be labeled as prevention or cure for a disease.

What Are HGH Injections

HGH injections are not supplements and that is why they are controlled by the strict laws of the FDA. An HGH injection contains actual human growth hormone. These injections can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription. HGH can only be taken via an injection. This is because the hormone will be digested if it were to be taken orally.

Uses Of HGH Which Haven’t Been Approved By The FDA

Some athletes use HGH in combination with some anabolic steroids to build muscle and enhance athletic ability. The effect of HGH in athletics has not been thoroughly researched on however most sports ban the use of this hormone. Because of the many HGH benefits Some doctors claim the hormone could be used to slow the effects of aging. This may be due to the fact that when the body is aging levels of HGH decrease naturally. It is therefore assumed that taking injections of the hormone can greatly reduce signs of aging.

Suppliers of HGH supplements like Genf20 Plus, Sytropin, Genfx, Growth Factor Plus and Somatropinne claim that HGH releasers can improve the body’s ability to release HGH. By increasing the body’s ability to release HGH a person is able to build muscle, shed excess fat, replace damaged hair, improve memory capacity and improve memory capacity. All these claims are just hypotheses for they haven’t been proven through research and the FDA hasn’t yet approved them.

What Happens When HGH Is Too High

Excess HGH can lead to formation of tumors of the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. These tumors are benign and will slowly grow thus further increasing the levels of HGH which can later cause migraines, impaired vision and may damage the pituitary gland.

What Happens When HGH Is Too Low

The major problem with low levels of HGH is growth failure and failing to grow taller. Low HGH can lead to delayed sexual development. Adults that have low levels of HGH, often have increased fat mass and reduced muscle mass. Low HGH is also associated with decreased energy levels and low self-esteem. Low levels of HGH may be caused by an inactive pituitary gland.

Possible HGH Side Effects Of Using HGH

Common side effects of using high levels of HGH include muscle pain, joint pain, edema, acromegaly, carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness, high cholesterol levels and diabetes. In order to avoid harmful side effects it is advisable that you use this hormone under strict advice from your doctor and if you are getting supplements of the counter consult your doctor if they are safe for you.