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Anabolic steroids are drugs that help the growth and repair of muscle tissue. They are synthetic hormones that imitate male sex hormones, specifically testosterone.¹

Anabolic steroids have some legitimate medical uses, including for treating hormonal issues in puberty, and to treat muscle loss caused by other diseases such as cancer and AIDS.²

Some people use anabolic steroids for non-medical purposes, including to increase lean muscle mass and build strength and endurance. This only works if used in conjunction with certain exercise and diet regimes.³ Steroids can also help people reduce fat and recover quicker from injury.³ Anabolic steroids are classed as performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs). These substances are taken by people with the intention of improving their physical appearance or enhancing their sporting performance.

Corticosteroids are a class of drug used to treat inflammatory arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as asthma. They are commonly referred to as ‘steroids’, and people often believe them to be the same thing as anabolic steroids. It should be noted that these are different substances that act on different parts of the body.⁴

Studies of healthy adults taking human growth hormone are limited and have mixed results. It appears that human growth hormone can boost muscle mass and lower the amount of body fat in healthy older adults. But the gain in muscle doesn’t lead to gains in strength.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a naturally occurring hormone that is essential to human growth and the development of bodily structures. Some people produce an abnormal amount of HGH and this can cause conditions such as gigantism and acromegaly caused by an overgrowth of certain tissues.

Children with gigantism can grow exceptionally tall, in rare cases over 7 and even 8 feet tall — but they are plagued with numerous musculoskeletal and medical problems.1

HGH is used medically to stimulate growth in people who lack this hormone or, in some cases, to help those recovering from a serious illness.2

Human Growth Hormone for Bodybuilding

Human growth hormone (HGH) is associated with increased fat loss and enhanced cosmetic muscle growth. Bodybuilders may inject human growth hormone to achieve a more muscular appearance. However, most of the increase in muscle mass is actually due to fluid retention, not actual muscle growth. There are also risks associated with the use of human growth hormone.

Because of a perceived advantage to muscle growth and strength, bodybuilders and athletes who are tempted to take performance-enhancing drugs and supplements like steroids have taken HGH in order to gain an athletic advantage, or for rapid, cosmetic muscle growth.

Because HGH taken orally can be broken down by digestion, HGH is injected when used as a supplement drug.3 HGH is also promoted as an agent for rejuvenation for aging people who want to look and perform younger.4

There needs to be more studies on the effects of HGH on healthy adults who have normal levels. It does offer benefits if you have low levels, but you must get tested by a doctor to determine if you need it. Experts say it is rare to have a true deficit.6

According to The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), HGH is only recommended for adults who have a deficiency or have AIDS/HIV and short bowel syndrome, along with kids who have conditions including Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.7

If taken in the appropriate doses when needed, experts say the side effects are minimal and it can be beneficial, but there are side effects and risks, including the risk of tumor or cancer growth. There are not enough studies done on the side effects of taking it when your levels are normal.6

Sports Nutrition

HGH does change your body composition and promote improved lean body mass and fat loss. This works because HGH promotes enzymes called lipases that break fat down and provide preferential burning of fat. Although it may promote the growth of collagen tissues like tendon, ligament, and bone, HGH has little to offer because any muscle enlargement is due to fluid retention, studies found.2

In addition, studies also found that even though you will have increased muscle mass, it doesn’t translate into improved strength. They found that those who took HGH actually had decreased strength and physical fitness compared to those who didn’t take it.8

Alternatives and Natural Methods to Boost HGH Levels

The only way to minimize the risks of HGH is to truly be deficient and get a prescription from a doctor. Remember, HGH has to be injected to be effective. Taking it in pill form or a cream will not work effectively. For most people, boosting your HGH levels naturally is the healthiest and best way to do it. Here are some proven ways to make it happen:

• Make sleep a priority: HGH is released when you sleep. Studies have round that not getting enough deep sleep can actually reduce the amount of HGH your body releases. Aim for at least 7 hours per night.9
• Reduce your sugar intake: Eating sugar and refined carbohydrates will increase your insulin levels, which affects how much HGH your body releases.10
• Consider a GABA supplement: Research found that taking the amino acid supplement Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) boosted HGH levels by 400% after exercise and 200% at rest. It also may help promote restful sleep, which also boosts HGH. 12Talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Bottom Line

Unless it is prescribed by a doctor, those with normal levels of HGH should avoid taking it due to the risks of side effects, as well as the fact it doesn’t increase physical fitness or strength. It is best to increase or maintain your HGH levels through natural methods.

In addition, it is important to note that synthetic HGH is banned in most countries under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) protocols.13

13 Sources

By John Stanner
Paul Rogers is a personal trainer with experience in a wide range of sports, including track, triathlon, marathon, hockey, tennis, and baseball.