Human growth hormones (HGH) are naturally produced by the pituitary gland which is part of the endocrine system. This system releases different hormones to stimulate the continual changes our bodies go through over a life time. HGH serves many specific functions, so many in fact researchers have still not found all of the hormone relationships that alter our physiology. There is conclusive evidence that HGH produce the following effects.

• Increase in skeletal muscle mass and strength
• Decrease in excess weight, mobilization of fats
• Improved cholesterol profile
• Increased energy and increased sense of well being
• Reproduction of other body cells such as liver tissue
• Strengthens the functionality of the immune system

It is easy to see why so many professional athletes would want to use supplements to enhance their sporting career. The benefits shown would allow those athletes to run faster, jump higher and out perform their competitors. However this would not be the case if every athlete used artificial steroids for the anabolic reactions they produce. This is why the use of most HGH supplements is banned from the professional sports arena including the Olympic Games. Committees such as the IOC have more reason than just unfair sportsmanship to consider when banning the supplements. Side effects of overuse can include the following.

• Headaches
• Impaired vision
• Excessive thickening of bone
• Nerve pressure
• Muscle weakening
• Diabetes type II

Other side effects have been noted in case studies such as joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. These were common in later research causing a split in the medical community between pro HGH supporters and those who are against it. Some private clinics still perform steroid supplement injections however these are expensive and time consuming. Injections can cost around US$50 to US$100 and require several per day. Other methods of application can be purchased on the internet. HGH sprays are a popular product because they are easily administered and comparatively cheap compared to the injections. The sprays however have not yet been proven to penetrate the skin or to enter the bloodstream via this application method. Pills and tablets are available in a consistent manner to the sprays. They are also inexpensive considering the properties they are marketed to posses. The growth properties and other benefits can be very beneficial to the user if administered in the correct dosages.