Harmful Side Effects of HGH


HGH is the short form for human growth hormone. This hormone is produced by pituitary gland, one of the many endocrine glands in our body. The function of this hormone is to support and help the growth process in children. It has also a role in maintaining the metabolism in the adults.

The most important application of HGH therapy is to provide help to those children having poor growth to overcome their disability by bringing the level of this hormone in their body to normal level. Athletes and players also go for this therapy to build their muscles and to increase their stamina.

The level of this hormone starts to fall from the age of 30. The adverse effects of ageing process are said to be produced because of this falling level of the hormone.

There is a perception among people that by going for HGH therapy, these adverse effects of ageing process could be reduced and even neutralized.
But, to avoid any harmful side effect of this therapy, it should be carried out only under the strict supervision of a physician.

But, many people undertake this therapy without any proper guidance. This leads to the administration of drugs at high dosage level and for very long period.
Under such circumstances, HGH therapy is known to produce many harmful side effects.

One of the most common harmful side effects of using HGH therapy for a long time without proper supervision is the condition known as acromegaly. Under this condition, bones get enlarged in hands, feet, jaw, nose and ribs and also cause growth of excessive hair all over the body.

This condition also reduces the lifespan of the person and may cause premature death. The presence of high concentration of the hormone in the body may lead the body to stop producing HGH hormone on its own and ultimately shutting the function of the pituitary gland.

HGH is found to have affected the function of pancreas leading to reduction in insulin production and ultimately leading to developing diabetes. Other known side effects include

  1. Enlargement of the heart
  2. Body retaining excess water
  3. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  4. Damage to liver
  5. Damage to Thyroid gland
  6. Joint Pain
  7. Swelling of soft tissues

These harmful side effects could be reduced both by the reduction in the time period of using this drug and/or by reduction in the dosage of the drug. When the use of this drug is reduced or discontinued, the body takes some time to come back to the normal status.

Therefore, it is imperative to take proper medical advice before starting any HGH therapy to avoid facing harmful side effects of undergoing such therapy.