Growth hormone (HGH): what the research shows
The body’s own growth hormone, made in the lab: a proven medicine for real deficiency, and widely misused.
Also known as Somatropin
At a glance
An approved prescription medicine for children with certain growth problems and adults with proven growth hormone deficiency.
What is Growth hormone (HGH)?
Growth hormone is a small protein (191 amino acids) made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The medicine, somatropin, is made by bacteria and is identical to the human hormone.
How does Growth hormone (HGH) work?
It helps children grow and, in adults, affects muscle, bone and fat. Much of its effect works through another hormone, IGF-1, made in the liver.
What does the research show?
- Expert guidelines support treatment for adults with confirmed growth hormone deficiency, after proper testing, with doses adjusted to blood levels of IGF-1.
Known risks and side effects
- Side effects include fluid retention and swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel symptoms and higher blood sugar.
- It is banned in sport, and using it without a proven deficiency is not supported by evidence.
Is Growth hormone (HGH) approved?
A medicines regulator, such as the FDA in the US or the EMA in Europe, has approved it for specific uses.
An approved prescription medicine for children with certain growth problems and adults with proven growth hormone deficiency.
From the community
Watch: Growth hormone (HGH) and related science
Start with the compound discussion, then use the background lesson to understand its biology. Each card explains its connection. Recordings may predate later findings or regulatory changes.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
Patient guide to growth hormone deficiency
An overview of growth hormone deficiency and specialist care. It does not establish anti-ageing benefits or benefits of growth-hormone-releasing research peptides.
Professional endocrinology association
Discusses the compound
Explains diagnosed growth hormone deficiency. This is different from claims about anti-ageing or unapproved growth-hormone-releasing compounds.
Ninja Nerd
Endocrinology: growth hormone
A detailed lesson on growth hormone physiology and its signalling pathways.
Medical physiology education
Discusses the compound
Discusses Growth hormone (HGH) or its clinical context. Read the original studies linked here for the exact formulation, population and outcomes.
khanacademymedicine
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
How the hypothalamus and pituitary coordinate hormone release, including growth and reproductive hormones.
Khan Academy · endocrine physiology
Related biology
Background on hypothalamus and pituitary signalling for understanding Growth hormone (HGH). It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Sources and references
- Evaluation and treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelineMolitch et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2011
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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