Gaining lean muscle mass while losing fat is the prime goal for bodybuilders everywhere. While a proper diet and exercise regimen are the first steps to achieving this, the process can be aided with medications such as HGH.
The HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a peptide-based hormone that plays a leading role in age-related growth, cell repair, and metabolism. In recent times, the use of HGH has observed a marked increase among bodybuilders. This gives rise to the question: Can HGH actually help build muscle, or is it overhyped?
Let’s take a deep dive into the impact of the use of HGH in bodybuilding and whether or not it helps.
Understanding HGH: What Is Human Growth Hormone?
HGH, or the Human Growth Hormone, is a peptide hormone that is naturally produced by the pituitary gland via its anterior lobe. In the human body, the HGH levels are regulated by the hypothalamus. In adults, HGH helps achieve metabolic homeostasis and also improves endurance, improving their athletic output.
The levels of natural HGH in the body are governed by the following:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Maintaining tissue, energy balance, bone growth and health, body composition, blood sugar, fat levels, and cardiovascular health are some of the key activities addressed by the HGH. In the liver, HGH prompts the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is directly associated with lipolysis, protein synthesis, and muscle growth.
Why Do Bodybuilders Use HGH?
Among bodybuilders, synthetic HGH helps increase lean muscle mass while cutting back on the percentage of body fat. It also increases endurance and reduces the recovery time needed after each workout session.
Further, the use of HGH in bodybuilding offers the following:
- Higher muscle mass and strength
- Increase in available energy levels
- Reduction in HDL and body fat
- Stronger bones with an increase in bone density
- Faster recovery from workout injuries and better endurance
- Improved quality of sleep
- Better mental acuity, memory, stable mood, and mental health
How HGH Works in the Body: Mechanism of Action for Muscle Growth
Synthetic HGH is designed to be a subcutaneous injection that needs to be administered to the adipose tissue that lies under the surface of the skin. Once injected, it passes to the liver, where it interacts and stimulates IGF-1 production. The presence of IGF-1 leads to muscle growth, increases bone density, and promotes tissue repair.
Further, HGH increases protein synthesis. Among adults, it also helps maintain blood sugar levels and regulate metabolism. It strengthens bones, helps develop lean tissue, and facilitates tissue repair after an injury (athletic or otherwise).
Enhances fat metabolism by supporting lipolysis, which decreases the levels of body fat and increases the amount of energy available. At the same time, it stimulates protein synthesis, improving muscle maintenance and recovery, and preventing age-related muscle loss.
Additionally, HGH stimulates osteoblast activity, which increases bone density and prevents osteoporosis. It also aids tissue repair and healing owing to its regenerative nature.
HGH vs Anabolic Steroids: Key Differences in Muscle-Building Approach
| Feature/ Aspect | HGH (Human Growth Hormone) | AAS (Anabolic Androgenic Steroids) |
| Primary Function | Stimulates growth, cell repair, fat burning, and metabolism | Mimics testosterone to increase muscle mass and anabolic activity |
| Mechanism | Stimulates IGF-1 to promote muscle and bone growth | Binds to androgen receptors to improve protein synthesis and increase muscle mass. |
| Purpose | Lean muscle gain and recovery | Rapid muscle and strength gain |
| Administration | Subcutaneous Injection | Pills and Intramuscular Injection |
| Onset of Effect | Gradual | Early |
| Muscle Growth Rate | Gradual and moderate | Fast and significant |
| Fat Loss | High | Low to moderate |
| Water Retention | Low | Depending on the steroid |
| Joint and Bone Health | Increases bone strength | Little direct benefits; Some increase collagen (like nandrolone decanoate) |
| Workout Recovery | Helps recover both muscle cells and connective tissue | Speeds up muscle recovery |
| Cycle Duration | Several months | Few weeks |
| Side Effects | Organ enlargement, swelling of the hands and feet, and insulin resistance | Acne, hair loss, gynecomastia, hormonal imbalance, and liver strain |
| PCT | Not required | Essential |
| Legality | Prescription only | Prescription only |
| Best For | Balanced lean mass gain, fat loss, and recovery | Maximising strength and size gain |
Table: Comparison between HGH and AAS
Evidence on HGH for Muscle Growth
Clinical studies show that, among children, calculated doses of HGH can accelerate growth and development. Further, a study conducted with those aged 50 and above found that 6 months of HGH use increased the lower-body strength of the HGH group with respect to the placebo group.
By opting for injectable HGH, bodybuilders can gain larger muscles, have more available energy, and improve their exercise capacity. Among healthy adults, HGH is found to promote moderate muscle gain. Further, it is observed to be more effective for recovery and fat loss than pure muscle hypertrophy.
However, without proper training and diet alignment, it offers limited benefits.
Risks and Side Effects: Potential Downsides of HGH Use
Long-term use of HGH in bodybuilding is associated with the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fluid retention
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle stiffness
- Joint discomfort
- Loss of mobility
- Acromegaly (bone and joint deformation)
- Increased cell proliferation
- Visceromegaly (organ enlargement)
- Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart)
- Reduced apoptosis (cell death)
- Altered glucose metabolism, resulting in insulin resistance
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Potential Type 2 diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Shutdown of natural HGH production
- Colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer
Practical Guidelines for Bodybuilders
The safe use of HGH in bodybuilding should follow the guidelines below:
HGH Dosage and Cycle for Bodybuilders
For bodybuilding and performance enhancement, the daily dosage of HGH lies between 2 – 4 IU. However, an advanced user may opt for a higher dose of 6 IU per day. Further, the HGH cycle can continue anywhere between 6 to 24 weeks, though the average is 16 weeks.
Further, many bodybuilders stack HGH with AAS (like Testosterone and Dianabol). This helps them achieve further lean muscle growth and fat loss if they hit a plateau with their steroid cycle.
Factors That Influence HGH Effectiveness
Natural baseline HGH levels are influenced by age and physiology. Studies show that by opting for resistance training, compound movements, and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), bodybuilders can increase their natural HGH levels.
Further natural HGH levels can also be given a boost by including key micronutrients, such as zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin D. Additionally, a balanced, macro-rich diet containing protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs supports natural hormone synthesis.
To top it off, restorative sleep also prompts the release of HGH from the pituitary gland.
Legal Alternatives
Use of HGH in competitive sports is restricted by the WADA. However, with natural methods of giving your HGH levels a boost (as mentioned above), you can increase your HGH levels without opting for prescription medication.
Further, you may also explore over-the-counter alternatives for HGH to help promote lean mass gain and fat loss.
Wrapping Up
HGH can support muscle growth indirectly, but its biggest strength lies in fat loss and recovery. By aiding natural metabolism, it increases tissue repair and available energy, which allows bodybuilders to opt for stricter training regimens. Though not a magic solution, it works best as part of a complete training and nutrition plan.
Reaching Fitness Goals With HGH
Want to experience an intense training regimen supported by HGH? Consult a sports medicine professional before considering HGH, and seek a prescription for HGH from your doctor before taking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where to Inject HGH for Bodybuilding?
HGH is administered as a subcutaneous injection, and thus, it is injected right under the skin into the layer of fat.
2. When to Inject HGH for Bodybuilding?
For maximum benefits, HGH should be taken before you go to bed (at night).
3. Can I Combine HGH with AAS?
HGH and AAS (such as testosterone) have synergetic effects and can be stacked. However, this should be done on strict medical advice and after a proper physical checkup.
4. Is It Legally Allowed to Purchase HGH?
HGH is also a class C medication in the US (similar to AAS). As such, you may purchase HGH by providing a valid prescription that has been issued by a licensed doctor.
