Growth hormone administration: is it safe and effective for athletic performance.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Human growth hormone (GH) is frequently misused by athletes seeking performance benefits.
• Limited scientific evidence supports the efficacy of GH for enhancing athletic performance.
• GH replacement therapy can improve exercise capacity in individuals with GH deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of human growth hormone (GH) administration on athletic performance in healthy adults.
• To assess the impact of GH on muscle mass, strength, power, and exercise capacity (aerobic and anaerobic).
• To review the potential risks and adverse effects associated with long-term GH abuse.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature on human growth hormone (GH) effects in athletes and healthy adults.
• Analysis of studies examining GH's impact on body composition (lean body mass), protein anabolism, and fluid retention.
• Examination of data on GH's influence on muscle strength, power output, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic performance.

Main Results:

• GH administration shows a protein anabolic effect and increases lean body mass, partly due to fluid retention.
• Evidence suggests GH does not enhance muscle strength, power, or aerobic exercise capacity in healthy individuals.
• GH may offer a potential benefit in improving anaerobic exercise capacity.

Conclusions:

• The widespread abuse of human growth hormone (GH) by athletes is not supported by robust evidence of performance enhancement.
• While GH can increase lean mass and potentially improve anaerobic performance, it fails to improve strength or aerobic capacity.
• Long-term GH abuse poses significant health risks, including acromegaly-like symptoms, increased morbidity, and mortality.