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Human growth hormone. Its use and abuse
1Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock.
Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Human growth hormone (hGH) offers no proven athletic benefits and poses serious health risks. Its use in sports and by children raises significant ethical and safety concerns due to potential irreversible, life-threatening side effects.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Bioethics
Background:
- Human growth hormone (hGH) is increasingly relevant to sports due to potential misuse.
- Ethical and scientific questions surround hGH use, especially with synthetic availability.
- The ergogenic potential of hGH in athletes remains unproven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the scientific evidence for hGH as an ergogenic aid.
- To discuss the ethical implications of hGH use in athletes, particularly children.
- To inform athletes, parents, coaches, and physicians about hGH risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on hGH and athletic performance.
- Analysis of clinical data regarding hGH effects on neuromuscular responses.
- Ethical considerations regarding non-therapeutic hGH use.
Main Results:
- No clear benefits of hGH as an ergogenic aid have been demonstrated.
- Clinical data suggest detrimental neuromuscular responses from prolonged high-dose hGH exposure.
- Ethical concerns are heightened regarding hGH use in children for height enhancement.
Conclusions:
- hGH has not been proven to enhance athletic performance.
- Potential long-term side effects of hGH are irreversible and life-threatening.
- Awareness and education are crucial for all stakeholders regarding hGH risks.