Download Being exposed to the bodybuilding community and all of the current

Being exposed to the bodybuilding community and all of the current news
regarding steroids in sports, many of us have heard all about the use of
growth hormones. However, how many of us know how they work, or why
they work?
Growth hormone, known alternately as HGH or simply GH, is a hormone secreted by
the pituitary gland at the base of the brain in response to a variety of stimuli. Sleep,
if long enough in duration for REM sleep to be achieved, produces a burst of GH
secretion, as does body temperature elevation, and the consumption of certain
amino acids.
Growth hormone utilizes several mechanisms to promote the growth of body tissues;
working to directly boost anabolic actions in the body by stimulating an increase in
the rate of cellular reproduction, enhancing cellular repair, and promoting the
synthesis and secretion of insulin-like growth factors, notably IGF-1. These
pathways cause growth throughout the human body. GH also promotes testosterone
production, which is something we are all interested in.
Once the long bones have reached their full potential and the body’s organs have
attained their optimal size for function, our bodies tend to use our endogenous GH
exclusively to repair damaged tissues, to promote the preservation of glycogen
reserves by triggering a metabolic switch to facilitate the preferential use of body fat
for fuel, and to maintain a healthy metabolism.
However, if exogenous sources of GH are introduced to the body in large doses, it
can stimulate the continued growth of bones, organs, and muscle tissue. In adults,
the long bones have fused, and the additional bone growth will typically cause a
thickening of the facial bones and skull, and continued growth of short bones (hands:
carpals/metacarpals/phalanges - feet: tarsals/metatarsals/phalanges), causing a
condition known as acromegaly. The extra growth of the organs can cause the
distended abdomens we have sadly become accustomed to seeing in professional
bodybuilders.
Why are we trying to enhance GH?
The bodybuilder seeks to increase or enhance the amount, and thus effects, of GH in
their system based on two specific actions.
First, muscle tissue is affected in the same way as any other tissue, and muscle
growth is the primary goal of all serious bodybuilders. The enhanced healing ability,
coupled with the increased ability of muscle cells to reproduce via satellite cells
creates a powerful environment for increased muscle size and strength. Add
increased levels of IGF-1 and testosterone, which work in synergy with GH, and a
bodybuilder may create a hormonal dynamo of muscle growth.
The second desired effect is the preferential burning of adipose tissue for fuel. The
preservation of glycogen is critical not only for cellular energy (think increased
intensity), but also for optimal cellular repair and volume (recovery and muscle
size/hardness). Not to mention that burning more body fat creates a leaner body.
I said that bodybuilders use GH for these two beneficial effects, but GH offers much
more. Including:
 Elevated libido



Greater skin elasticity
Mood enhancement
Improved neurological function
How effective is GH?
GH can be very effective. Witness the incredible muscular development of today’s
professional bodybuilders when compared to the physiques of the champions of
yesteryear, before GH was in vogue. While I, like many of my peers, long for the
days of Arnold and Haney, there is no denying that since GH has arrived on the
scene, the top tier competitors have become much more massive. While the results
seen onstage may be a result of synergism between GH and the rest of the
pharmacological agents the pros are using, GH is definitely playing a big role in
today’s bodybuilding world.
But results are not limited to large dose injection of GH. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that even the relatively tiny dosages of GH found in homeopathic
preparations are helping bodybuilders decrease their recovery time. I have also read
accounts of L-Dopa rich macuna pruriens supplements helping athletes to get lean.
These GH enhancing strategies may not deliver incredible results, but for most of us,
every little bit helps.
What are the differences between GH and steroids?
First and foremost, GH is natural. While modern GH is synthesized, rather than
being taken from cadavers as in the past, the synthesized GH molecule is identical to
that produced by our bodies. Steroids are also synthesized, but they are not exact
copies of testosterone, the hormone they are meant to approximate.
Additionally, steroids are androgenic as well as anabolic. GH has no androgenic
actions, thus, it will not lead to the masculinization of the female body or the
feminization of certain parts of the male physique as steroids have been known to.
Conversely, steroids can be carefully selected, due to their modified molecular
structure, to maximize certain aspects (anabolic) while minimizing others
(androgenic). Large dose GH will affect all tissues of the body, with no reliable way
to minimize its effects on bone and organ growth.
Finally, steroids are, as we all know, illegal. Steroids cannot be legally possessed by
any person in any amount unless prescribed by a medical doctor. GH is also
controlled to a large extent, requiring a script for all but minute doses, such as those
used in homeopathic medicine, but it can be obtained legally in such preparations.
Conclusion
GH is getting some bad press due to its use by professional athletes. But this
substance offers a plethora of benefits to those who use it judiciously. As with
anything, moderation is key. One can use GH to cut fat and boost muscle mass
while easily avoiding negative side-effects such as acromegaly and enlarged organs.
My preference is to give the body every opportunity to maximize its endogenous
production of growth hormone through nutrition, supplementation, and regularly
producing a hyperthermic body environment through hard training or the use of a
far-infrared sauna.