Human growth hormone is all the rage, especially amongst older men who still want to bench double their body weight.
There is plenty of fiction surrounding this hormone, including the fact that it has anti-aging properties and can actually speed up the repair of your muscles.
Sadly, however, there have not been conclusive studies regarding the use of HGH and how it affects the body. But we’ll be looking at what is out there in terms of science, consulting with some of the experts, and separating the facts from the fiction.
The fact is that when you sleep your body is producing HGH anyway. It comes from the pituitary gland, which will certainly help you to develop muscle and keep you healthy and active.
It also helps you to grow brain cells and muscles while you sleep. This is why fitness experts suggest you get plenty of sleep for muscle repair.
So are gains from HGH permanent? How can you tell if you are getting any improvement at all? What are the benefits of taking this hormone versus the negatives? Can it help you recover from injuries quicker? Is it worth taking HGH when you consider all the potential risks?
Well, if you are on the fence regarding HGH, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve collated all of the science so you can get a clearer picture of what HGH does to your body and how you can make the most of it for your workout.
We’ll also be talking about whether or not you should be taking HGH in the first place.
What Is HGH?
HGH stands for Human Growth Hormone and it is a hormone that is naturally occurring in the body. It is produced by the pituitary gland and it helps build muscle as well as stimulate the parts of the brain that deal with memory and perception.
HGH also promotes the growth of healthy liver function, as well as helps your bones and muscles to grow.
As you get older, your body will only be producing half of what it used to, however, even if you only have a small amount of HGH in your system, it is incredibly important for bodily maintenance.
This is one of the most regulated drugs that you can get in America, with doctors only prescribing it to patients who really need it.
However, there are people who still use HGH to increase their levels of stamina at the gym or to benefit from some of the anti-aging properties. This is usually acquired off the underground market.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking HGH?
There are a few stated benefits of taking HGH, one of the main ones being that it will increase your muscle mass and help you remove stubborn fat from your body. However, there is only some truth to this.
When bodybuilders are using human growth hormone, they are often using it in conjunction with steroids, which definitely do have an effect on muscle stimulation.
However, studies have shown that HGH in isolation only really stimulates the connective tissue between these muscles rather than the muscles themselves.
There are weight lifters that claim that they are able to burn more fat when they combine steroids with HGH, although this has not been backed up by any science either.
However, there are some cases where it has been shown that HGH can actually burn stubborn visceral fat.
RELATED: HGH Dosage & Bodybuilding: How Much HGH To Take A Day
What Myths Are There Surrounding HGH?
There are plenty of myths surrounding HGH, three of the main ones are as follows:
- It speeds up the recovery of injured muscles - it has been stated by bodybuilders that the recovery time from a sports-related injury is remarkably quicker with added HGH.
- It builds muscle and burns fat - this is actually reported to be true from studies, however, this is only when HGH is used in conjunction with steroids.
- It has anti-aging properties - this has been reported by a few people who have taken HGH, but there are not enough long-term studies to prove whether or not HGH is effective for halting the aging process.
Can HGH Increase Your Injury Recovery Time?
This is one of the common rumors about HGH that is actually more or less true.
Many athletes take HGH to repair injuries so they can get back into their sport a lot quicker. It has been shown that after taking HGH a torn shoulder can be healed within a few months.
This is also given to people to treat their inflammation. In much the same way as testosterone or anabolic steroids do, HGH can reduce the amount of inflammation in your body significantly.
Does HGH Decelerate The Aging Process?
There have been people who have been prescribed around 0.3 milligrams of HGH (although it is worth noting that this was an elderly man who was in his 70s and deemed to be deficient in HGH) and reported to look younger as well as feel fewer aches and tiredness like he did before.
However, when it comes to the science behind this claim, it is a lot less clear. Studies have remained inconclusive as to the benefits of increased HGH in older people.
However, one of the main risks with increased HGH is cancer. This is because HGH promotes tissue growth, which can lead to the development of tumors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your HGH gains questions answered.
How long does it take to see results from HGH use?
The time it takes to see results from HGH use can vary depending on the individual and the reason for use. However, it may take several weeks or even months to see significant changes.
When do HGH levels naturally decline?
HGH levels tend to decline as part of the natural aging process, usually starting in our 30s.
What are some natural ways to increase HGH levels?
Adequate sleep, regular exercise, intermittent fasting, and maintaining a healthy diet can help boost HGH levels naturally.
Is It Worth Taking HGH?
Weighing up the science and the myth, it might be worth taking HGH if you are suffering from chronic joint or muscle pain, as there have been studies that seem to prove that it works and it is effective in treating these symptoms.
However, if you are looking to build muscle and reverse the aging process, then you should be aware that science has not yet fully confirmed whether or not HGH is good for these things.