HGH for Bodybuilding: Is It Safe and Effective?

Since its inception, HGH has always gathered many conflicting opinions regarding its effectiveness and safety as an anabolic to be used for enhancing the bodybuilding gains.

Bodybuilders have always been using, since the 1950s, a variety of anabolic supplements (steroids mostly), natural or pharmaceutical, to achieve their strenuous muscle goals. Then, in the 1970s, a new drug appeared in the supplement market with very appealing claims for muscle growth: HGH (Human Growth Hormone).

Everything under the sky has two aspects – good and bad. The same is with HGH. I will give you a brief overview of the HGH’s effectiveness and safety to use in bodybuilding.

What is HGH

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a peptide hormone made of 191 amino acids. It is released in the blood from the pituitary gland-a pea-sized organ just under the brain. As the name suggests, it is the primary hormone responsible for human growth. It promotes growth, cellular reproduction, and regeneration. It makes your muscles, bones, and brain cells grow.

While its deficiency in the body results in stunted growth in affected children, its overproduction results in a condition called ‘Gigantism’ characterized by larger than normal body organs.

Bodybuilding Benefits of HGH

HGH is commonly used in bodybuilding practices because of the enormous benefits it offers for the athletic physique. Being an anabolic hormone, it promotes the production of proteins in the body. It super-boosts muscle growth by adding more and more protein fibers in the muscle. It also strengthens the bones and joints. It also burns fat stores of the body, making muscle cuts more prominent. Most athletes use HGH to achieve that shredded and dry muscle look, which distinguishes an athlete as a top-level bodybuilder. It increases the overall endurance of an athlete.

Is HGH Really Effective?

When asked about the effectiveness of HGH, athletes and bodybuilders have conflicting opinions. Some athletes confirm that it works wonders for them. Others claim to oppose the findings.

Some top-level professionals claim, after prolonged use, that HGH supplements increase muscle mass, reduce fat stores, and increase sprinting capacity in men. They say that It works well when used along with other anabolics, e.g., steroids.

Although it has proven claims to increase the muscle mass, muscle strength, and endurance capacity in the beginner athletes when used after heavy workouts, it shows no significant benefits in trained athletes.

Others would say that HGH supplements might lead to muscle hypertrophy and enlarged muscles, but this increase in muscle mass is not associated with increased muscle strength.

Is HGH Safe to Use?

Well, it depends. It depends on how much you consume it. As long as you take it within the proposed normal limits for bodybuilding and muscle gains (3-4 IU/d three to four times per week), it is undoubtedly safe to use HGH.

Once you cross the limit and overuse the HGH supplement, it will do more harm than benefits. Always consult your doctor before starting on HGH supplements.

Side Effects of HGH

Every drug on the earth has some side effects. The same is with HGH. There are various side effects you may have with prolonged use of HGH.

Acromegaly (very enlarged body parts, e.g., enlarged head, tongue, hands, feet, and other internal body organs). Gynecomastia (man boobs) is also a common side effect with prolonged use of HGH. Surely this is not what you want. It hurts your self-esteem. There is also some risk of heart diseases. It may also stimulate your heart to grow and enlarge (cardiomegaly), leading to heart failure. HGH overuse can also put you at risk of getting diabetes. Some other side effects you may face include severe headaches, constipation, muscle pain, joint pain, high serum cholesterol levels, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusion

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements are effective in enhancing the bodybuilding gains when used in appropriate doses other anabolic steroids and proper exercise and workouts.

However, you may have some side effects with prolonged use and overuse of HGH. Therefore, you must consult your doctor before taking HGH supplements.