Why do people take hgh

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: People take human growth hormone (HGH) primarily for medical treatment of growth disorders and hormone deficiencies, with FDA-approved uses including pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and adult GHD. It's also used off-label for anti-aging, athletic performance enhancement, and bodybuilding, despite limited evidence for these applications. The global HGH market was valued at approximately $4.5 billion in 2022, with growth projected to continue. HGH therapy requires prescription in most countries due to significant side effects including joint pain, edema, and increased cancer risk.

Key Facts

HGH was first isolated from human pituitary glands in 1956 and synthesized via recombinant DNA technology in 1981
FDA-approved indications include pediatric growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and adult GHD affecting approximately 6,000 new adult patients annually in the U.S.
The global HGH market was valued at $4.5 billion in 2022 with projected growth to $6.8 billion by 2030
Common side effects include joint pain (occurring in 20-30% of patients), edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome
HGH abuse among athletes increased by 800% between 2000 and 2010 according to anti-doping agencies

Overview

Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. First isolated from human pituitary glands in 1956, HGH was initially extracted from cadavers for medical use until 1985 when it was linked to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease transmission. The development of recombinant DNA technology in 1981 allowed for synthetic production, with the first recombinant HGH (somatropin) approved by the FDA in 1985. Historically, HGH therapy was limited to treating children with growth disorders, but its applications expanded to include adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) following FDA approval in 1996. The global market has grown significantly, with North America accounting for approximately 40% of HGH sales. Beyond medical uses, HGH gained popularity in sports and anti-aging communities starting in the 1990s, despite being banned by most sports organizations and lacking FDA approval for these purposes.

How It Works

HGH functions by binding to growth hormone receptors on target cells, primarily in the liver, which then produces insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormone cascade stimulates protein synthesis, increases muscle mass, promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown), and enhances bone growth and mineralization. In children, HGH promotes linear growth by stimulating cartilage cell division in growth plates. Therapeutically, HGH is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically daily, with dosages carefully calibrated based on body weight, age, and specific condition. For pediatric GHD, treatment usually begins around age 4-5 and continues until growth plates fuse. In adults, HGH replacement therapy aims to restore normal hormone levels, typically monitored through IGF-1 blood tests. The hormone's effects are dose-dependent, with higher doses increasing risks of adverse effects. Synthetic HGH is identical to natural human growth hormone, consisting of 191 amino acids in a specific sequence.

Why It Matters

HGH therapy matters significantly for patients with legitimate medical needs, improving quality of life, bone density, and body composition in adults with GHD, and enabling normal growth in children with deficiencies. However, its off-label use raises important health and ethical concerns. In sports, HGH abuse undermines fair competition and carries health risks including cardiomyopathy and glucose intolerance. The anti-aging industry's promotion of HGH, despite limited evidence and potential cancer risks, highlights regulatory challenges in controlling prescription drug misuse. Economically, HGH represents a major pharmaceutical market, with treatment costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 annually per patient. Ongoing research explores new applications including wound healing and metabolic disorders, while improved testing methods help detect illicit use in sports.