Why do some athletes take growth hormones to build muscles, and what are the potential benefits and risks associated with this practice?

Sourav PanNovember 9, 2024

Answered step-by-step

Athletes may take growth hormones, specifically human growth hormone (hGH), to enhance muscle mass and improve performance. While the appeal of hGH lies in its potential benefits, it is essential to consider both the purported advantages and the associated risks of this practice.

Reasons Athletes Use Growth Hormones

1. Muscle Growth and Recovery:
   • Growth hormone is known for its anabolic properties, promoting the growth of muscle tissue and enhancing recovery from intense exercise. It stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a key role in muscle development and repair.
2. Increased Lean Body Mass:
   • Studies have shown that hGH can lead to an increase in lean body mass, which is often attractive to athletes looking to improve their physique and performance. However, this increase may not always translate into enhanced strength or athletic performance .
3. Fat Loss:
   • hGH has been reported to decrease fat mass while increasing lean muscle mass, making it appealing for athletes aiming for a more defined physique . This change in body composition can contribute to improved performance in sports that require strength-to-weight ratios.
4. Perceived Performance Enhancement:
   • There is a common belief among some athletes that hGH can enhance overall athletic performance, including endurance and strength, despite limited scientific evidence supporting these claims .

Potential Benefits of Using Growth Hormones

1. Improved Recovery:
   • Athletes using hGH may experience faster recovery times from injuries or strenuous workouts, allowing them to train more frequently and intensely.
2. Increased Energy Levels:
   • Some users report higher energy levels and improved exercise capacity, although scientific support for these claims is mixed .
3. Enhanced Muscle Repair:
   • The anabolic effects of hGH can facilitate quicker muscle repair after injury or intense training sessions, potentially leading to better long-term performance outcomes .

Risks and Side Effects of Growth Hormone Use

1. Health Risks:
   • Long-term use of hGH can lead to several adverse health effects, including:
     • Increased risk of diabetes due to insulin resistance.
     • Joint pain and swelling (edema).
     • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
     • Hypertension.
     • Potentially increased risk of certain cancers .
2. Physical Side Effects:
   • Symptoms similar to acromegaly (a condition caused by excess growth hormone) may occur, including enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, and abnormal growth of internal organs .
3. Lack of Performance Improvement:
   • Research indicates that while hGH may increase lean body mass, it does not significantly enhance strength or athletic performance in healthy individuals without growth hormone deficiency . In some cases, it can even worsen exercise capacity due to side effects like fatigue and fluid retention .
4. Legal and Ethical Issues:
   • The use of hGH in sports is banned by organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), leading to potential disqualification from competitions and damage to an athlete’s reputation if caught using banned substances