Growth Hormone

Description

Growth hormone is a substance released from the pituitary gland, an area of the brain that stores and releases hormones. Growth hormone enhances many processes in the body, including cellular amino acid uptake, protein synthesis, and the breakdown of fats. It also inhibits glucose utilization in tissues, which can increase sugar levels in the blood. Without growth hormone, we cannot reach a normal height. Severe deficiency results in decreased height, and excessive amounts of growth hormone result in acromegaly, a condition associated with decreased life span. Growth hormone levels increase during exercise and remain elevated immediately after exercise. Supplementing growth hormone levels with injections is controversial and does not clearly improve sports performance.

Why athletes use it

Athletes use growth hormone because they believe it will increase strength, decrease body fat, and improve athletic performance.

Adverse effects

Athletes supplementing growth hormone may experience the following:

• Elevated blood sugar

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