Human growth hormone (HGH) is often confused with anabolic steroids due to the performance-enhancing effects they both offer. Athletes and bodybuilders have been known to utilize HGH to improve muscle growth, recovery, and performance.
Due to the potential advantage it offers, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has prohibited the use of HGH, as well as other performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids (AAS).
Despite the similar properties, HGH is not a steroid, although taking it in excess can pose serious health risks.
Is HGH a steroid?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is not a steroid, but rather a single polypeptide chain made of 191 amino acids, making it a protein structure and a peptide. It is distinct from steroid hormones, which have a molecular structure of four rings made of 17 carbon atoms that resembles cholesterol.
Despite this, some athletes mistakenly believe that combining HGH with other prohibited substances, such as anabolic steroids, will improve their performance in competition. However, this is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.
HGH is a legally manufactured medication
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a prescription medication used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and is only available in the form of subcutaneous injections. It is produced by a DNA recombinant technology with the help of modified bacterial strains, which allows it to match the structure of the natural human growth hormone.
Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are synthetic compounds that are often used for performance enhancement. They can be taken orally or as injections, and can cause a significant increase in muscle mass, strength and fat loss. However, they also have more severe side effects such as testicular atrophy, infertility, gynecomastia, and liver failure.
In terms of side effects, HGH can cause water retention, edemas, pain, insulin resistance, and even type 2 diabetes in susceptible individuals. In comparison, anabolic steroids can also lead to psychological addiction in around 30% of users, and discontinuing steroid use abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Moreover, HGH does not pose a risk for addiction.
Does HGH help with athletic performance, why are athletes breaking league rules to get it?
Ergogenic aids are anything that help to improve physical performance, and steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) are two of the most common. Steroids increase strength, but can also reduce speed.
On the other hand, HGH can help to improve hand-eye coordination and vision, which can be beneficial in sports like baseball, where making contact with the ball is essential. In general, ergogenic aids can give athletes an advantage, but it is important to remember that they can also come with a range of potential risks and side effects.
HGH vs Testosterone
Humans need both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Testosterone to maintain a healthy body composition and muscle performance.
HGH is a hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland, and it is essential for growth, cell regeneration, and reproduction. If the pituitary gland stops producing enough of this hormone, a growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can occur and cause people to gain excess weight, lose muscle mass, and have low energy.
HGH treatment is designed to counter these symptoms.
Testosterone is another steroid hormone that is important for libido, energy, and immune system functioning, as well as protection against osteoporosis and the development of male characteristics. Although it is considered a male
hormone, women also need it in small amounts for muscle and bone strength. Men typically produce eight to ten times more testosterone than women.
During puberty, testosterone production increases, but it gradually decreases with age, leading to symptoms like low sex drive, fatigue, depression, and loss of strength. Low testosterone levels can also increase the risk of obesity and heart attack.