While there’s no short cut to good banter with the ladies, there is a huge rise in popularity, both legal and illegal, when it comes to ‘cheat’ options for gaining super sized muscle. In the search for a quick fix, many are tempted by the promises of miracle cures and magic pills. One substance that body builders turn to in the eternal hunt for size is human growth hormone (HGH).
HGH is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, promoting growth in children and teens regulating body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth and fat metabolism. With this role in the human body, it’s no wonder that the synthetic version is such a sought after substance.
Synthetic HGH was developed way back in the 1980’s, not for body builders, but for medical treatment of those suffering natural deficiencies. Available through prescriptions, medications containing human growth hormone are used to treat bowel diseases, HGH deficiencies, and muscle eating diseases such as HIV.
However by far the most common use of HGH is to promote muscle growth. While natural levels of the hormone decrease with age, artificial injections, pills and sprays promise prolonged youth as an added benefit. Despite its benefits in a natural state, introducing an excess into the body systems can place huge stress on the organs.
Side effects of HGH use include:
- Nerve, muscle, and joint pain
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling in the wrist thanks to nerve damage)
- Numbness and tingling of the skin
- High cholesterol levels
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Potential increase chance of developing cancerous tumours
The risks associated aren’t only limited to the hormone itself. Given that the only legal means of obtaining HGH is through doctor’s prescription, illegal avenues are most commonly explored in purchasing. As with any illicit drug purchase, you cannot be guaranteed that what you are purchasing is high quality, pure or even HGH at all. With no laws or regulations, you may be getting very little actual HGH in your concoction. This opens you up to a wide range of potential substances and health issues that will be very hard to counter or even identify in the first instance. Before considering any move towards any chemical introduction, doctors should always be consulted and legal means followed to protect your health.
Dabbling with your hormones is dangerous business, however it understandably plays on the mind of a lot of blokes as an option towards their ideal body. At the end of the day, the safest and healthiest method is always going to be hard work and good nutrition.
