Everything You Need To Know About Human Growth Hormone

[sc:masthead-std]
[sc:salutation-std]HGH is one of the most controversial and misunderstood compounds in the bodybuilder’s anabolic arsenal.   It can also be the one with the most potential toward building muscle beyond ones genetic limits.

HGH in its natural state is produced by the anterior pituitary gland.  The most concentrated levels occur during deep sleep but it is also released in short intervals when under intense physical strain. This is why sufficient sleep and heavy compound movements such as squats are so important to overall growth.  Increased growth hormone makes EVERYTHING grow.

Stress or long duration of low-level activity will lower natural HGH output. (Which is why excessive cardio training may suppress optimum muscle growth).  It’s highest output takes place during adolescence – roughly between the ages of 6 and 17 – the period where most bone growth takes place, after which, it slows down incrementally.

If HGH release is low, during the years of puberty one may experience stunted growth or in severe cases, dwarfism.  In rare cases of excessive output, it will cause gigantism – a condition where excessive growth is experienced.  Though it may sound appealing to be bigger than everyone else, the increased size is usually not particularly aesthetic.  (Random body-parts are out of proportion)  People who are afflicted with this condition also tend to have shortened lives due either to the excess IGF creating tumors or from the strain on the heart to support the excess size.  If nothing else though, it shows the power of HGH.

The medical use of exogenous HGH to combat dwarfism started in the 1960’s – using the HGH from cadavers.  This early (and ghoulish) form of administration proved effective but carried contraindications including the risk of disease, brain damage and  cancer – thought to possibly be transmitted from the deceased person from where it came.   It was replaced by a synthetic version, which contained the identical molecular structure and amino acid chain.  It soon became the standard for medical purposes and it didn’t take long for the bodybuilding community to take notice.  After all, it causes growth.  And that’s what bodybuilders what to do – GROW!

HGH was originaly used by competitive bodybuilders looking to get any advantage possible. Early chemical renegades and anabolic pioneers such as Dan Duchaine brought HGH to the consciousness of the regular “gym rat” who was equally willing to do whatever it took to improve his muscularity.  Concurrent with these events was a media blitz promoting the health benefits of its use for the elderly.  After the age of 60 or so, HGH production stops and the ravages of aging increase rapidly.  Skin loses its elasticity and functions of the cardiovascular system deteriorate due to a drop in HGH Supplemental HGH seemed like the logical solution.  But it didn’t always pan out as quite the miracle drug it was proposed to be – either as an anti aging agent or a bodybuilding aid.   But the main reason was in the application.

We now know that HGH can do amazing things.  It greatly increases the effects of steroids as well as having a fat burning effect – though unlike that of steroids or stimulants.  HGH utilizes carbohydrates very effectively and very quickly – much like that of a child (not surprisingly), which is why so many kids can eat tons of crap and never get fat.  It also has the ability to regenerate cartilage – a significant advantage in regard to healing joint injuries.  (Though too much can cause carpel tunnel syndrome).

HGH enhances the nitrogen retaining effects of steroids increasing the synthesis of muscle tissue. It ‘s also believed that growth hormone cannot only increase the size of a muscle cells but may create new muscle cells. (Hyperplasia, not hypertrophy).

HGH can even establish a more favorable HDL/LDL ratio. There is also empirical evidence that HGH increases sex drive.

Many bodybuilders use HGH to maintain muscle in-between cycles. By going off of steroids it allows the HPTA  to recover (which also allows for greater gains the next time one cycles), yet the GH supports the muscle that’s already been grown.   It has become very popular with sports figures due to the increase in endurance it provides.  Another attractive quality is that it is  undetectable with any drug-screening test.

So what’s the down side? Many of the concerns of its safety have been off base.  It used to be said that HGH  can cause elongated bones and an extended brow or an enlarged jaw, though there is no solid evidence of any of this.  If HGH actually did cause bone growth it’d be the most popular drug on the planet since it could give people an extra inch in height.  But it does not.  The accusation of the extended stomach of pro bodybuilders being the result of HGH is also mostly unfounded.  It may have a slight effect, since it can enlarge organs in supra-physiological dosages but the larger stomachs of competing bodybuilders is more likely the result of the excessive calories (and insulin) needed to gain as much size as possible.

One of the biggest drawbacks of HGH has been the fact that has not been readily available and therefore is very expensive. However, more UG labs are producing quality products equal to what you would get with a prescription.

Water retention and thus high blood pressure is not uncommon.  (Though interestingly, this does not occur in children).

HGH can cause gyno, but it’s interesting to note that there is no evidence of it increasing estrogen. It was thought the gyno related symptoms were due to the edema (fluid retention) but HGH is classified in a group of three hormones referred to as homologues hormones, made up of HGH, somatomammotropin and prolactin –  the later two of which are necessary for the purpose of lactation.   Why do men have these hormones when it isn’t needed?  That’s uncertain. It could be due to the fact that all three hormones are necessary for fetal growth so it’s an inherent part of our biological make up. Nevertheless, as many bodybuilders know, high levels of prolactin can cause what looks like gynocamastia, though technically gyno is a lump  and prolactin induced “gyno” is a collection of fat and water (and milk) in the breast area.

Elevated HGH has also linked with some cancers – not that it necessarily causes it, but since it induces growth. There’s a belief that many people keep tumors under control with their own natural immunity. The HGH however may spur the growth of the tumor.

Since HGH helps burn carbs, hypoglycemic symptoms may occur in sensitive individuals.

The use of insulin with HGH has become more commonplace.  It makes sense – in theory. The addition of insulin helps to shuttle nutrients and makes the HGH more effective. It also becomes a precarious practice since it can cause severely low blood sugar levels.  When using HGH, especially with insulin, sufficient carbs need to be ingested.  An overdose of insulin can prove fatal.   It’s best to avoid.

HGH is also, curiously, not particularly effective at increasing strength.  Though it “should” by all its indications, the numbers just don’t pan out.  Still, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages but HGH is not something to be treated in a cavalier manner.  It’s potent, powerful and potentially dangerous.  It is not recommended for beginners and it should be taken by anyone is not completely versed in its proper use.

"HGH is dispensed in the form of a lyophilized powder.  It is then mixed with bacteriostatic water and injected subcutaneously.  Any remaining solution needs to be refrigerated. It maintains potency up to 2 weeks.  HGH is administered with an insulin pin.

There is debate on the timing of HGH.  Some like to use it when it would naturally be secreted – during exercise and at bedtime.  Others feel it’s more advantageous to use it when HGH is not normally released in an effort to get “as much as possible.”  It’s also believed that using it in this manner will cause less suppression of natural HGH output,  though that is only conjecture.  Some split the dosage, going with the presumption it’s more of a steady release, others feel a single bigger shot has a more potent effect since that’s how HGH is released throughout the day.  The truth is, the actual timing may not matter much at all.  Go with what you find most convenient and comfortable and you can even experiment along the way to find what works for you.  There is no “wrong” time to time HGH other than it should never be taken when blood sugar levels are depressed.

There’s also some discrepancy as to what is better  -- daily or every other day injections.  (EOD) For what it’s worth, children experience greater growth on EOD administration. This may be due to the belief that GH has cycle of approximately 48 hours so the EOD route better replicates the natural pulsile frequency of our own GH secretion pattern.

As with any drug, it’s always best to start with a conservative dose.  Beginners should use 2-4 i.u’s every other day, though this will not show dramatic results.  (In general, it takes a few weeks for HGH to begin showing its effects)   After a few weeks that can be taken to 4 i.u’s a day.  Men over 220 pounds can go as high as 6-8 i.u’s.

Though few pro bodybuilders are open about their drug use and consequently, their dosages, no one knows for sure what is typical among today’s competitors though some have admitted to going as high as 15 i.u’s a day, which is not only enormously costly but dangerous as well. At that dosage, the risk of tumor growth is greatly increased as well as the possibility of a stroke or heart attack.

HGH should be cycled but it does not suppress the HPTA in the way steroids do.  It will however, suppress natural HGH release and the longer the duration and the higher the dosages, the more severe the suppression will be.   HGH is best cycled with breaks of several weeks in-between.

It should be noted that HGH cannot be absorbed orally, so any of the secretagogues (which aren’t even real GH) sold as promoting GH release should be considered worthless.  To support or supplement HGH,  the use of Arginine or  L alpha glycerylphosphorycholine – also known as Alpha GPC is a far more logical choice and recommended since Arginine is needed for GH output and additional amounts have been shown to heighten levels of both endogenous (natural) and exogenous (administered) HGH.

HGH is the final step in the quest for the ultimate body.  It obviously must be approached with caution and respect, but properly implemented it can make the difference between looking good and looking great.
[sc:signoff-std]

Author: George Spellwin