Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is naturally produced in your body that is used for many functions. In children and teenagers, it is what makes them grow, and insufficient levels of the hormone can result in stunted height and muscle development. HGH also helps regulate parts of the body for people of all ages, from body fluids, to metabolism, to bone and muscle density. Because of its importance, some claim HGH to be a magical cure-all that keeps you young forever, but with misuse, there are side effects that can occur.
Proper uses of HGH
HGH is best used with supervision or advice from a physician. Some of the conditions that are approved for HGH use include:
- Chronic kidney insufficiency
- Deficiency of HGH
- Short bowel syndrome
- Muscle-wasting diseases
HGH supplements are also commonly used to encourage muscle growth in the body, though only intra-muscular injections will have any actual effect.
Side effects of HGH
Some side effects of HGH misuse are more common than others.
Common side effects
Most common side effects are more irritating than dangerous. These include ear infections, stiffness in the muscles or joints, water retention, and fluid retention in limbs.
The most serious side effect from misusing HGH is a disease known acromegaly. Acromegaly is an overgrowth of the tissues that connect facial bones, resulting in an altered appearance. This can also extend to the connective tissues in the hand and feet, which make them larger. Increased body hair is another symptom of this disease.
Uncommon side effects
Occasionally, HGH misuse can result in increased fat in the bloodstream, tingling and numbness, excessive sweating, nausea and dizziness, backache, bone paints, depression, tender breasts, and sinus infections.
The most serious side effects that occur occasionally are inflammation of the intestinal lining, chest pain, bronchitis, and under active thyroid.
Rare side effects
Some side effects only occur very rarely with HGH use. These include mood swings, headaches, sugar in the urine, decreased energy, trouble sleeping, pain in the joints, hair loss, inflammation of the tonsils, irritated throat, carpal tunnel syndrome, and mole growth.
The more serious side effects that rarely occur include diabetes, higher risk of bleeding, reactions at the injection site, allergies, broken bones, increased blood sugar, blood in the urine, pancreatic inflammation, and retinal disease.
Avoiding Side Effects of HGH
The best way to avoid these side effects is to only buy HGH supplements from certified sellers. Buying cheap knockoffs can be dangerous and result in side effects being more common. It is also best to consult a doctor before using HGH supplements and only take them under the doctor’s supervision.