Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. In the United States, HGH is a controlled substance that can only be legally prescribed for a few specific medical conditions.
There are several reasons why HGH is heavily regulated:
- Performance enhancement - One of the major concerns is that athletes or bodybuilders can abuse synthetic HGH to enhance muscle mass, strength, and performance. This is considered cheating and against the spirit of fair competition.
- Health risks - If used incorrectly or in excess, HGH can lead to negative side effects like nerve, muscle, or joint pain; increased risk of diabetes; abnormal growth of bones and organs; and possibly stimulate tumor growth. Strict medical supervision is required.
- Off-label uses - Pharmaceutical companies cannot legally promote HGH for anti-aging, bodybuilding, or athletic performance enhancement. But HGH has been attractive for these off-label uses.
- Prescription requirement - Doctors can only prescribe HGH for approved medical uses like deficiencies in growth hormone production, short stature, prolonged catabolic illness, and muscle wasting diseases. There are strict guidelines on dosages and treatment monitoring as well.
Legal access to HGH requires:
- Diagnosis confirmation - Blood tests, medical history, and examination are needed to confirm adult growth hormone deficiency.
- Injection administration - Legally prescribed HGH is typically given as injections just under the skin.
- Ongoing medical monitoring - Doctors monitor patient health, dose adjustments, and any side effects.
There are a few exceptions. Some less regulated HGH supplements are made from amino acids that may stimulate natural growth hormone production. But synthetic injection HGH is only legally accessible by doctor's prescription for specific medical needs, under close supervision.
The strict regulation around HGH access is to moderate health risks and prevent exploitation for unfair athletic advantages or unapproved uses. Responsible doctors also need to carefully screen patients to ensure treatment is truly medically necessary and administered safely. Illegal distribution or misuse of HGH remains a significant concern for regulators.