Some adults have growth hormone deficiency due to diseases of the pituitary. This may be due to radiation or surgery. These people have low muscle mass, fatigue and depressed mood. They benefit from taking growth hormone replacement.
However, GH is commonly used as a gym supplement and in competitive sports. GH is banned by the International Olympic Committee. It is punishable if a person is found to be using GH while engaging in competitive sports events at the national or international level. Scientific studies have shown that using GH in normal people who engage in sports improves muscle mass. However, this has not been translated into strength, exercise capacity or performance. Further, people using large doses of GH experience diabetes, hypertension, arthralgia and fluid retention.
Hence, it is high time to restrict the availability of GH for recreational use in sports and gyms.
Dr. Mathew John MD, DM