Is HGH a Steroid? (Differences Explained)

The human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland that is necessary for cell development, renewal, and reproduction, according to the Cleveland Clinic [1].

Research in Clinical Medicine Insights shows HGH can speed up injury healing and muscle restoration post-exercise [2]. It boosts metabolism, calorie burning, and muscle building too.

The Mayo Clinic notes that HGH might enhance skin health and slow aging signs, although solid proof is scarce [3].

What's clear is that HGH kick-starts metabolism, triggering the liver to produce an insulin-like substance for cartilage and muscle protein synthesis.

Moreover, a 2008 Endocrine Reviews study confirms HGH's key role in bone density, organ growth, and muscle production [4].

Although HGH occurs naturally, there is also a synthetic human growth hormone that can be consumed as a replacement therapy or a supplement.

First up, using somatropin (HGH) is cool and safe if it's doctor-prescribed. However, from my experience in the competitive fighting world, I can tell you that anabolic steroids are always a bad idea and off-limits.

Second, even though they're all growth hormones, their effects on us differ a lot. With a doctor's proper checks like blood tests and stimulation tests, the risk of bad side effects stays low [5].

In my coaching experience, these tests are critical to determining if someone with low HGH needs treatment. It's all about personalized care in the fitness world.

The Cleveland Clinic points out that HGH therapy can boost sleep, energy, motivation, metabolism, and bone strength, together with a rejuvenation of sexual health and performance [6].

I found that the FDA has approved HGH substitution treatment, and numerous respectable pharmaceutical producers provide high-quality HGH products (somatropin), including:

In my years around gyms, I've seen that steroids, especially those from the black market, are usually dodgy or of poor quality.

WHO research shows that one in ten drugs from developing countries, unlike FDA-approved HGH, are counterfeit or substandard [7].

Regular checks by an endocrinologist are key when using HGH or similar hormones, ensuring patient safety.

While HGH therapy is safely monitored, it's tough to track steroid users' health due to its illegal status.

Harvard Medical School warns that using HGH in healthy adults could cause issues like carpal tunnel, type 2 diabetes, swelling, pain, and even increase the risk of certain cancers [8].