Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Growth hormone supplements

Growth hormone is secreted by a small gland called the pituitary gland, in the middle of the brain. Growth hormone promotes growth of the body. It affects how food is used by the body.

In children, growth hormone activates normal body growth and development. It builds tissue and aids the growth of muscle, bone, and cartilage. It makes protein in the muscle cells and releases energy from the breakdown of fats. Growth will be delayed by lack of growth hormone. When this occurs, growth hormone is given as a replacement therapy. This treatment is very expensive, and requires long-term use.

Some athletes may inject growth hormone to increase muscle mass and strength and decrease body fat. Fat burning is increased and glucose burning is decreased. The result is muscle bulk and strength.

Athletes have been known to take up to 20 times the proper dosage. It is dangerous for anyone to inject growth hormone unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Abuse of the growth hormone yields serious side effects, some irreversible. These side effects include:

• high levels of blood fats
• glucose intolerance
• gigantism in pre-adolescents
• diabetes
• enlarged heart
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• nerve disease and
• lung disease

It is medically unsafe and unethical to use human growth hormone for athletic gains. The practice is banned by the International Olympic Committee and other athletic organizations.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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