Introduction
Human growth hormone (HGH) is created in the body. It helps cells grow and develop. Synthetic HGH can also be made outside the body and used as a supplement. Though it may have some benefits, it can also be dangerous.
It’s essential to know the potential side effects before taking HGH supplements. This article will go over them. However, it’s best to get advice from a trained medical professional before making decisions about your health.
Common Side Effects
Folks take high supplements to boost their growth hormone levels. But, taking large quantities of growth hormone supplements can have side effects. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most usual side effects. Plus, potential long-term risks too.
Headaches
Headaches are a common side effect of HGH supplementation. It can vary in intensity and duration, depending on the person and dosage. Often, it is caused by hormone imbalances in the body. If someone has low testosterone, extra hormones from HGH can cause headaches. Too much HGH or too frequent doses can also cause headaches.
Foods and supplements taken with HGH can trigger headaches too. It’s important to monitor dietary changes that may lead to occasional headaches after taking HGH.
Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect with HGH supplements or the injectable form used to treat medical conditions. Though usually not serious, it can be a nuisance and stop the supplement from working.
Most people feel nausea in the first few days of taking the supplement. This is because of the extra amount of hormones being added to the body. It should go away soon, however if it doesn’t, you should talk to your doctor about reducing or stopping usage.
Sometimes, there may be an underlying medical issue that could be causing nausea. If it persists or you have abdominal pain or vomiting, you must speak to a doctor right away as this could be serious.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a side effect of taking HGH supplements. It can cause no sleep, or difficulty with sleeping. It can make you tired during the day and not be able to concentrate. If left untreated, it can get worse. Speak to your doctor about any new side effects when taking HGH.
To maximize sleep potential, your doc may advise lifestyle changes. This includes having a regular bedtime routine, and no alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or heavy meals close to bedtime. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night helps the body recover. If insomnia continues even with changes, a short-term course of medication may be necessary.
Anxiety
Anxiety may be a side effect of taking HGH. Studies suggest it may be due to changes in mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Those with depression or a history of anxiety should get their doctor’s advice before taking HGH.
5-HTP, magnesium, passionflower, and valerian root may help with anxiety. It’s also important to keep stress low, and rest and relax. This can help with any potential side effects related to HGH.
Joint Pain
HGH supplements are usually advertised as performance enhancers or body composition improvers. Yet, their long-term effects are not clearly understood. Common side effects include joint pain. This is due to increased cartilage activity in our joints. The good news is, lab studies show HGH reduces inflammation and increases joint flexibility – if used correctly.
Unfortunately, if too much is taken, it can cause serious joint pain. Plus, cortisol levels can spike, bringing even more joint pain. This along with other symptoms like lower back pain, fatigue, depression, lack of sleep & sex drive, and irritability.
If you experience intense joint pain after taking HGH, stop and talk to your doctor. Treatment could include:
- Increasing Vitamin D levels
- Using NSAIDs to decrease inflammation
- Lifestyle changes to reduce stress and add mild physical activity
This might help alleviate joint pain symptoms caused by HGH supplements.
Long-Term Side Effects
High-dose Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements can be risky. Possible side effects include increased cancer risk, cardiac muscle enlargement, fluid build-up, and joint pain. Plus, overusing HGH supplements can make your body become unresponsive to the natural production of growth hormone. It is essential to know these risks before taking HGH supplements for health and fitness.
High Blood Pressure
HGH supplements can be linked to high blood pressure, or hypertension. Studies show that higher HGH levels can raise blood pressure. Obese people on synthetic HGH are at an increased risk. High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like stroke and coronary artery disease.
It is important to monitor blood pressure when taking HGH. Other long-term side effects include enlarged organs, joint pain, diabetes, cholesterol, and gynecomastia. Plus, growth hormone can increase cancer risk due to cell growth. Talk to a doctor about the risks of hormonal therapy before starting.
Liver Damage
Long-term use of human growth hormone (HGH) supplements can be harmful to the liver. These supplements put a strain on organs that break down and metabolize their components. When the body can’t filter the hormones quickly enough, they start to build up, throwing off hormonal balance.
This leads to a surge in cortisol and other stress hormones, causing inflammation and damage. Research into HGH mainly looks at long-term use, not short-term or cycling.
Four major effects of long-term HGH use on the liver are:
- blocking protein synthesis due to competition with natural ingredients;
- lower production and activity of certain serum proteins;
- higher liver enzyme levels; and
- enlargement or fibrosis due to hormone parameter disruption.
All these things can add up to hepatotoxicity and a damaged liver over time.
It’s important for those taking HGH for long periods to get regular checkups and blood tests, especially for their kidneys and liver.
Kidney Damage
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements are widely used by athletes and bodybuilders to boost performance. But, they can cause serious long-term side effects. One of the most critical ones is kidney damage.
HGH supplements have been linked to an elevated risk of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus. This is a condition in which kidneys cannot process and retain water properly. It can lead to dehydration or failure of other organs due to lack of water in the body.
High intake of HGH can also raise creatinine levels in the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation in the kidneys. People who take high doses of HGH for a long time can develop Renal Fibrosis. This is the buildup of scar tissue in the kidneys which impairs renal function over time. It can lead to Hydronephrosis or Interstitial Nephritis.
HGH supplements can lower levels of albumin. This is a type of protein made by the liver which helps keep fluid balance in our bodies. Low albumin can cause excess fluid buildup and damage weak or damaged organs, including our kidneys.
Therefore, people considering taking HGH need to be aware of these potential side effects before deciding on dosage and duration.
Conclusion
Before you start using HGH supplements, research their side effects and talk to a doctor. Especially if you’re over 40, be aware of the potential effects on your body chemistry. But with the right information, you can safely enjoy the benefits.
The best way to use HGH properly? Get instructions from a qualified healthcare provider. They’ll make sure any side effects are minimized and you can get the most out of HGH. Keep this in mind when deciding if HGH is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HGH supplements?
HGH (human growth hormone) supplements are products that either contain synthetic versions of the hormone or ingredients that stimulate its production.
What are the potential side effects of HGH supplements?
The potential side effects of HGH supplements include joint pain, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, fluid retention, high cholesterol, and increased risk of diabetes.
Are HGH supplements safe for use?
HGH supplements are generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation regimen, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Are HGH supplements legal?
While HGH supplements are legal to purchase and use, it is illegal to use them for purposes other than medical treatment without a prescription.
Can HGH supplements be used for anti-aging purposes?
HGH supplements are sometimes marketed as anti-aging products, but there is insufficient evidence to support their effectiveness for this purpose.
How long do HGH supplements take to work?
The effects of HGH supplements can vary depending on the individual and the specific product being used. It may take several weeks or even months to see noticeable results from supplementation.