Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. Some key things that HGH helps make grow include:
Muscle mass
- HGH stimulates protein synthesis and increases muscle mass. This makes it useful for gaining strength and muscle size.
Bone density
- HGH stimulates osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation and growth. It leads to increased bone mineral density.
Fat loss
- HGH can accelerate lipolysis, or the breakdown of fat. This leads to decreased body fat, especially abdominal fat.
Organs
- Organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen have been shown to increase in size with HGH usage. However, extreme growth may indicate abnormal enlargement.
Height
- If given while growth plates are still open, HGH can increase final adult height beyond genetic expectations. The degree of height increase depends on factors like age, genetics, dose, etc.
Skin thickening
- Increased collagen production under the skin after taking HGH leads to thicker, more elastic skin. This reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.
Healing rate
- By speeding tissue growth and regeneration, HGH shortens recovery times from injury, surgery, wounds or workouts. It facilitates rapid healing.
Other body changes
Some other effects associated with increased HGH levels include:
- Increased sweating
- Changes in blood pressure regulation
- Growth of jaw, nose, ears and areas deepening of voice
- Growth of internal organs like intestines and spleen
- Thickening of vocal cords
- Protrusion of forehead, jaw and eyebrows
- Enlargement of hands, feet and skull over time
Dangers of excessive HGH
While HGH has many benefits when used properly, abnormally high levels come risks like:
- Altered cholesterol levels
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Joint pain or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Edema or swelling in extremities
- Abnormal growth of organs
- Cardiovascular complications
- Cancer risk with prolonged usage
These side effects demonstrate why judiciously dosing HGH is important. Blood levels should be monitored to avoid adverse events.
Appropriate uses of HGH
Some appropriate uses of doctor-supervised HGH therapy include:
- Treating stunted growth in children
- Managing muscle wasting due to HIV/AIDS
- Offsetting hormone deficiency as people age
- Improving body composition in athletes or fitness enthusiasts
- Speeding recovery from injuries or illness
- Enhancing skin, hair, nails and sexual function
In most countries, using HGH purely for performance enhancement or anti-aging is illegal. Therapeutic use requires blood tests confirming a hormone deficiency.
I aimed to provide an overview of key growth effects, risks and medical uses of HGH based on current scientific understanding, without any personal recommendations or advertisements. Please let me know if you would like me to modify the answer in any way.