The growth hormone is widely used in professional and amateur bodybuilding for muscle mass gain. It is a substance that is natural to the human body, which naturally raises the question of safety… But what is the reality?
It is quite difficult to provide a definitive answer for several reasons.
If we were to set out to find this out, then:
- on one hand, we could conduct appropriate scientific experiments, recruit volunteers, and provide a clear answer regarding whether the growth hormone really has side effects and how dangerous they are. However, ethical considerations prevent scientists from doing this: it would be inhumane to test on humans something that could potentially harm them.
- on the other hand, we could simply observe professionals who take growth hormone 99% of the time and draw conclusions. Despite the obviousness, this method also does not work: professionals take dozens of pharmacological drugs to stimulate muscle growth, cut, relieve pain, and in the case of positive or negative effects, it is unrealistic to conclude what caused them.
Therefore, we have to limit ourselves to hypotheses.
We have gathered opinions from scientists and experts on the side effects of growth hormone and the consequences of its use. These are not reliable facts (for the reasons mentioned), but rather reflections on the topic “Possible Side Effects of Growth Hormone” based on available data from related fields.
Main thoughts:
Growth hormone can stimulate the development of not only muscle cells but also cancerous ones
Most side effects of growth hormone disappear with a reduction in dose or cessation of its use
There have been known fatalities from overdosing on growth hormone (dose over 5-8 mg/day).
There are no serious systematic scientific studies on the side effects of growth hormone use.
Most of the facts regarding the consequences of its use are based on feedback from scientists and doctors observing practicing athletes and are not experimentally confirmed.
In such observations, it is important to understand that often the cause of various side effects attributed to growth hormone may be numerous other drugs taken alongside it (in particular, anabolic steroids), which is a common practice among athletes.
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The risk of side effects from growth hormone is determined by the dose
Growth hormone – somatropin, somatotropic hormone, somatotropin, human growth hormone – is a powerful hormone produced in the brain that is responsible for cell growth in the human and animal body, their reproduction, and recovery.
In bodybuilding, two categories of growth hormone drugs are used:
- professional athletes – directly growth hormone, or rather its artificial analog, which is very expensive and administered intravenously;
- amateurs – affordable analog drugs of growth hormone that are reasonably priced.
Scientists talk about the absolute ineffectiveness of most growth hormone drugs for gaining mass, mainly due to very low concentrations of the active substance.
As ineffective as they are, they are equally safe, as the concentration of growth hormone, the size of the dose, is the determining factor for the occurrence of side effects.
In professional sports, doses of growth hormone are used that exceed natural levels by tens of times. This leads to a distortion of the hormonal balance in the body, the health of which is determined by the correct ratio of various hormones.
I hope this is clear: the higher the dose, the greater the risk of consequences.
Especially dangerous is the use of somatropin by those who already have a high natural level, particularly athletes: physical exercise and a diet high in protein and amino acids are natural factors that increase the concentration of growth hormone.
The risk of side effects and consequences of growth hormone is proportional to the size of the dose. Cheap analogs of growth hormone contain very low concentrations of somatropin and are therefore relatively safe.
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Possible side effects of growth hormone use
Scientists cite the following probable side effects of growth hormone use:
- edema (accumulation of water in body cavities or tissues);
- intense sweating;
- myalgia (muscle pain);
- arthralgia (joint pain due to inflammation);
- carpal tunnel syndrome;
- diabetes.
To be completely honest, claims about the potential side effects of growth hormone use by bodybuilders are mainly based on studies of patients with acromegaly – a disease characterized by excessive production of growth hormone over a long period (usually many years).
The following symptoms are observed in patients with acromegaly and are considered possible side effects of using growth hormone in bodybuilding 1:
- diabetes;
- increased gaps between teeth;
- increased sweating;
- prominent brows, significant enlargement of feet, hands, fingers, jaws, skull;
- enlargement of the heart;
- hypertension (high blood pressure);
- heart failure (the heart is unable to pump blood according to the body’s needs; manifests as shortness of breath, rapid fatigue, sweating of the feet);
- cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle);
- shortness of breath;
- joint disease, particularly debilitating arthritis (inflammation of the joints that makes movement impossible);
- cystic tunnel syndrome (persistent pain in the wrist and numbness of the fingers due to nerve compression);
- neuropathy (damage to nerve pathways, which is accompanied by loss of sensitivity, ability to move limbs, etc.);
- increased insulin resistance;
- muscle weakness;
- thyroid cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer;
- increased likelihood of premature death.
Studies of patients with acromegaly indicate that among them there is an increased frequency of benign and malignant tumors. They most often have nodules in the thyroid gland and thyroid cancer, colon polyps and colon cancer, uterine and cervical cancer 2-5.
Therefore, scientists recommend that those who have cancer or are at increased risk of developing it (having relatives with this disease) avoid the use of growth hormone, as it may stimulate the growth of not only muscle cells but also cancerous ones.
Growth hormone can stimulate the development of not only muscle cells but also cancerous ones
The likelihood of side effects is greatly influenced by the dosage. Small doses reduce the likelihood, while large doses pose a serious health risk and almost inevitably lead to their occurrence.
When using growth hormone in small doses, the likelihood of side effects decreases. Large doses inevitably lead to serious side effects
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Factors that increase the risk of harm from growth hormone
The following factors, according to scientists, significantly increase the risk of developing side effects when taking growth hormone:
- diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes, manifested by vision impairment);
- diabetes of any type;
- cancer of any kind;
- abdominal surgeries on the stomach or heart;
- injuries or other emergencies;
- breathing problems;
- liver problems;
- kidney problems;
- high blood pressure;
- pancreatitis;
- carpal tunnel syndrome;
- hypothyroidism (insufficient hormonal activity of the thyroid gland);
- scoliosis.
In the presence of any of the above problems, the best solution would be to refrain from using growth hormone.
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Reviews from doctors and experts on the consequences of taking growth hormone
1 Ali Amini – expert in hormone therapy
As noted by hormone therapy expert in bodybuilding Ali Amini in an interview on the bodybuilding.com portal (see excerpts in our article on doctors, scientists, and experts’ reviews on the effectiveness of growth hormone in bodybuilding), “very large doses of growth hormone often lead to abdominal bloating due to water retention. A bloated stomach is a characteristic sign of a hormonal athlete. Only two substances in the world of sports chemistry cause such a side effect: insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 and growth hormone“.
Ali Amini: a characteristic sign of an athlete taking growth hormone for muscle in large doses is a bloated stomach
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This is roughly what it looks like:
A characteristic sign of bodybuilders taking growth hormone in large doses is a bloated stomach
2 Michael Graham – doctor, lecturer on substance abuse
Michael Graham, a doctor and senior lecturer at Newman University College in Birmingham, in an interview with the Guardian expands on the range of side effects mentioned above:
“Those who do not know how to use a syringe can tear arteries and bleed until death, create blood clots, or hit a nerve, risking permanent paralysis. Prolonged use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of nerves in the wrists causing continuous tingling), increased blood sugar levels (which can lead to type 2 diabetes), heart failure, and – in excessive doses – gigantism, disproportionate growth of body parts“.
There, on the pages of the Guardian, the authors point out the main reason for the negative consequences and side effects of using growth hormone:
“Today, almost all Kigtropin (one of the most popular) growth hormone preparations are imported illegally and sold online without any control, and the buyers themselves receive no recommendations on how to take them.”
3 Mick Hart, author of “The Amateur’s Guide to Steroids”
And Mick Hart, author of “The Amateur’s Guide to Steroids,” notes: “The danger of growth hormone is that 99% of athletes will use it recklessly – in too large doses or without knowing how to administer it. Dealers want you to buy as much as they can sell. Previously, a course of growth hormone lasted about eight weeks, followed by some rest – now athletes take it continuously for two to three years”.
Note that this refers specifically to improper and reckless use, not the harm of growth hormone itself.
Mick Hart: “The danger of growth hormone is that 99% of athletes will use it recklessly – in too large doses”
4 Eric Braverman – a doctor specializing in anti-aging therapy
Here is the response from another popular internet portal muscleandfitness.com to the question about the consequences of using growth hormone (note the author’s reasoning):
“Remember, there was a time when leading media declared creatine potentially dangerous to health? Now it is a supplement that has the most serious scientific backing, one of the safest and most effective. Today, professional doctors claim that the rumors about the harm of growth hormone are also exaggerated.”
“The dangerous consequences of using growth hormone are unlikely,” says Eric Braverman, a doctor specializing in anti-aging therapy at Path Medical Center in New York. – “Some people experience fluid retention and increased blood sugar levels, but these cases are very rare and characteristic only of very high doses. And only a small number of people experience an increase in the size of their feet and liver – from very high doses – and even then, they are not my patients. These are very, very rare cases.”
Eric Braverman: “The dangerous consequences of using growth hormone are unlikely… and are characteristic only of very high doses”
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Results of scientific research on the side effects of growth hormone
In this section, we will discuss scientific confirmations/denials of known facts about the harm of growth hormone when used for therapeutic purposes (the field of hormone therapy is studied much better than sports). While reading the information below, keep in mind that therapeutic doses of the hormone are generally comparable to natural levels, while in sports, they are many times higher: the listed risks should be multiplied accordingly.
Researchers studying the effects of growth hormone use for both therapeutic purposes and in sports note the following most common side effects of growth hormone: fluid retention, swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tingling, tickling, numbness, skin burning without visible cause, and impaired glucose tolerance (which precedes diabetes). Rare cases of retinal swelling have also been recorded, where fluid accumulates in its central area responsible for clear daytime vision 7.
Important: Scientists say that most of the listed side effects generally disappear with a reduction in the dose of growth hormone. Very high doses are associated with more serious consequences 6.
The majority of side effects of growth hormone disappear with a reduction in dose or cessation of its use
Growth hormone and diabetes
Results of scientific research indicate that the use of growth hormone can indeed lead to the development of type 2 diabetes in children and adults 8, as it affects glucose levels.
However, most cases of diabetes and swelling were noted when fixed doses of growth hormone were used, calculated based on body weight.
After switching to the practice of individual dose calculation, where a small dose is prescribed at the beginning of the course and then gradually increased until the expected therapeutic effect or undesirable side effects manifest, the number of cases of diabetes and edema has significantly decreased.
Important: Today, scientists note that long-term therapy with growth hormone in patients with its deficiency (for therapeutic purposes!) does not lead to the development of diabetes 9 (provided, of course, that the dosage is individualized – this is NOT typical for athletes who determine the dose, duration, and regimen of intake themselves).
When using an individually calculated dose of growth hormone in hormone therapy, the likelihood of developing diabetes is low. Factors that significantly increase the risk of diabetes in bodybuilders include fixed high dosages and hereditary predisposition.
Overall, according to scientists, the influence of growth hormone on insulin sensitivity is largely determined by predisposition, age, body constitution, and of course – dosages 10.
Important: Diabetes is not a 100% side effect of growth hormone intake, but if you have a predisposition to it (one or more relatives with diabetes), it is better to refrain from its use, or together with a doctor, adjust the doses, increase them very slowly, and reconsider the dosages of antidiabetic medications.
When it comes to doses significantly exceeding natural levels, which are used by athletes or for treating certain diseases in medicine, there have even been fatal cases (at doses over 5-8 mg/day, i.e., more than 10 times the natural levels) 11.
There are known fatal cases from growth hormone overdose (dose over 5-8 mg/day).
High doses of growth hormone are characterized by the development of a condition of water retention in the body 12,13 (think “bloated stomach”).
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Growth Hormone and Cancer
As for the influence of growth hormone on the increased risk of developing cancer or the recurrence of recurring cancer formations, according to scientists, there is insufficient evidence for this claim.
The assumption that the use of growth hormone may provoke the development of cancer is based on studies of patients who underwent brain radiation treatment for cancer in childhood, which typically leads to impaired growth hormone production and its deficiency. After being prescribed hormonal therapy, if the cancer began to progress again, some researchers attributed this to growth hormone, although, as is known, regression is a very common phenomenon in the case of cancer 14.
Although there is no definitive basis for claiming that growth hormone affects cancer development, some cases have indeed been recorded. For example, there is a known case of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) in a semi-professional cyclist after 4 years of using growth hormone in high doses exceeding physiological levels 15.
In another large study of more than 1800 people undergoing hormonal therapy (for medical purposes) for over 25 years, researchers also noted an increased risk of cancer compared to normal individuals: 10 years after the end of the course, 12 cases of cancer were recorded (2 – colon, 2 – lymph nodes, 2 – bones, 1 – mouth, 1 – liver, 1 – testicles, 1 – bile ducts, 1 – cervix, 1 – ovaries). In fact, the number is within statistical norms, but for the first two types of cancer, it exceeds the average value 16.
There is no serious scientific basis for claiming that the use of growth hormone leads to cancer development (when it comes to doses comparable to those naturally occurring in the body). Serious concerns arise with high dosages that significantly exceed natural levels.
Important
: Researchers also note the danger of growth hormone use for those who already have any cancerous diseases, as growth hormone stimulates their growth 17-21.
Amateur Athletes’ Reviews on the Negative Side Effects of Growth Hormone
In an article dedicated to reviews of growth hormone, where we gather opinions from doctors, experts, amateurs, and professionals about the effectiveness and possible issues of using growth hormone, there is a discussion of the negative experience of an amateur athlete, which ended with a whole range of side effects. Among them are almost all those listed in the section Possible Side Effects of Growth Hormone Use:
- numbness in fingers, progressing each day;
- increased heart rate, even at rest;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased blood sugar levels (prediabetic state);
- excessive sweating;
- swelling of the limbs;
- back pain;
- immense weakness;
- terrible insomnia;
- shortness of breath;
- knee problems;
- decreased sexual function.
The author’s negative experience ended with the refusal of growth hormone.
Something tells me this is not the kind of review that is written for money.
Don’t be lazy, read it, it’s quite interesting and informative.
Conclusions: what we know about the consequences of using growth hormone and side effects
The table below summarizes information regarding the potential health risks of growth hormone.
| Consequences and side effects of using growth hormone in bodybuilding | |
|---|---|
| Organ/System | Severity/likelihood of manifestation |
| Cardiovascular system | |
| Cardiomyopathy | ++ |
| Heart failure | + |
| Hypertension | + |
| Metabolism | |
| Diabetes | ++ |
| Skin | |
| Increased sweating | + |
| Thickening of the skin | + |
| Muscles/Skeleton | |
| Enlargement of feet, hands, fingers | + |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | + |
| Osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage, causing pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and big toe joints) | + |
| Others | |
| Increased risk of cancer | +/- |
(++) – reliably confirmed, serious consequences; (+) – reliably confirmed, but either do not always manifest or cause not very serious consequences; (+/-) – not well studied and confirmed, some likelihood of manifestation
