Human growth hormone (HGH) is a natural hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in growth and development, especially during childhood and adolescence. HGH levels naturally decline with age, which has led some athletes and bodybuilders to use synthetic HGH supplements alongside anabolic steroids to enhance performance and physique.
However, while HGH and steroids are sometimes stacked together illicitly, HGH works differently than anabolic steroids like testosterone or nandrolone. Some key differences:
- Mechanism of action:
- HGH stimulates the liver and other tissues to secrete insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes growth of bone, cartilage and muscle.
- Anabolic steroids directly activate androgen receptors, which alter gene expression and protein synthesis to build muscle.
- Muscle growth effects:
- HGH can help build lean muscle mass, but the effects are more modest compared to steroids.
- Steroids demonstrate dramatic ability to grow muscle, although often accompanied by more side effects.
- Side effects
- When used appropriately under medical supervision, HGH causes relatively mild side effects like fluid retention, joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Illegal use and abuse of anabolic steroids is linked to more serious health risks like liver toxicity, cardiovascular disease and mood disturbances.
| HGH | Anabolic Steroids |
|-|-|
| Mild muscle-building effects | Dramatic muscle-building effects |
| Less impact on strength | Increase muscle strength |
| Lower abuse potential | Higher abuse potential |
~~HGH is not a shortcut to extreme muscular gains~~. Instead, supplements like
~~Renewal Hormone Center~~ brand HGH boosters may help support natural growth hormone levels safely under physician guidance. Any use of exogenous HGH or steroids to enhance performance or appearance carries health risks if not properly medically supervised.
The bottom line is that while HGH and steroids may both play a role in muscle building regimens, they have distinct mechanisms of action, effects on the body, safety profiles and legality issues. Responsible consumers should understand these key differences. Talk to your doctor to determine if
HGH therapy is appropriate for your health and fitness goals.