Alternative Forms of Growth Hormone and Conlusion
Up
to this point, the only form of human growth hormone
supplementation that has been analyzed is the use of injectable
HGH. With its high cost, $10,000 to $15,00 per year17,
it is out of the price range for the vast majority of people.
Because of the cost, many people are turning to other forms of
growth hormone with hopes that they will provide the same
results that many claim to experience from injectable HGH. For
the most part, these various forms do nothing for the patient,
primarily because they are not using true HGH. Human growth
hormone is illegal to import personally; a prescription from a
doctor is the only way to receive growth hormone legally in the
United States. It is also not possible for an oral tablet of growth hormone
to be of any benefit, because it is digested in the stomach and
rendered ineffective.10 These other treatment options
are not truly growth hormone, but in fact try to stimulate the
various glands to produce more growth hormone. There has been
very little qualified research done on these
supplements, and their benefits have not been proven to live up
to some companys’ extravagant claims.
Human
growth hormone is an extremely complex substance and its full
effects are not yet completely understood. Some doctors would
like to see growth hormone eliminated completely, and avoid
further research. To avoid researching human growth hormone
further would be a tremendous mistake. The possibilities of
this hormone having an outstanding effect on humans are far too
great to abandon it. It remains to be seen if an additional
ingredient could boost its effectiveness safely and
effectively, if the delivery methods could be improved, or if
the proper dosage could be discovered. All of these questions
require serious research in order to understand the full range
of benefits and effects that HGH has on a person. For now, and
when the full benefits and side effects are better documented,
it is up to each individual to decide whether human growth
hormone supplementation is something he or she is willing to
take a chance on. Each person must weigh the various issues
surrounding the growth hormone, and make an informed decision
for themselves. Regulation of the substance may be necessary
for sports competitions, but other people should have the
opportunity to make a decision on their own.
10.
Barrett, Stephen. Quackwatch.org.
3 December 2003
. http://www.quackwatch.org
<http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/hgh.html>
17.
Cooke, Jennifer. “Beware Growth
Hormone Net Scam.” Sydney Morning Herald 12
June 2003.
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