Is HGH Safe?
One of the most common questions found on bodybuilding forums these days is, “Is HGH safe?”. The answer is yes, but only if you use it responsibly. Even substances as mild as aspirin can cause serious health issues if you use too much for too long, so knowing the limits is imperative.
Acceptable Dose Ranges
The right dose depends on the reasons why you want to use it in the first place. For example: For traumatic Injuries and severe burns: Patients in ICU settings due to traumatic injuries or severe burns may receive treatments to stimulate cellular regeneration and facilitate healing.
Doses start at about 8IU daily and climb as high as 16IU daily depending on medical need. Patients are closely monitored around the clock, and no one should use doses this high outside of a doctor’s care.
For medical need:
Physicians may prescribe HGH at doses from 1iu to 4iu per day to treat muscle wasting conditions or childhood pituitary dwarfism. Those who take prescribed for a medical condition should never increase or decrease their doses unless advised to do so by their physicians.
For performance enhancement:
Athletes who use it to boost their overall strength and stamina usually take between 2iu and 4iu of Growth Hormone per day for up to 16 weeks at a time.
For muscle growth:
Bodybuilders who use it in combination with (or in lieu of) anabolic steroids may take anywhere from 4iu to 8iu per day, depending on their steroid stacks.
For post-cycle therapy:
The average dose for PCT is 1iu to 2iu per day, although athletes start taking it four to six weeks before their cycles end and another four to six weeks afterward (around 12 weeks in total).
For anti-aging:
It is incredibly popular for anti-aging, and people around the world take 1iu to 2iu per day indefinitely to support cellular regeneration and overall well-being.
So, is HGH safe? Absolutely, as long as you consider the reasons why you want to use it and plan your dose accordingly. Using too much can cause undesirable side effects, and using too little may not produce the results you want.
Cycle Lengths
The cycle lengths are fairly flexible. As a general rule of thumb, the more you use, the shorter you should keep your cycle. People who regularly use for muscle growth and performance enhancement generally agree that it takes at least 12 weeks for the product to work, however.
Accordingly, if you take 8iu a day to build muscle, keep your cycle length to 12 weeks. However, if you take 1iu a day to promote youthfulness, there are people out there who have used it indefinitely without any harsh side effects whatsoever. For performance enhancement doses between 2iu and 4iu per day, a cycle length of 16 weeks should be sufficient.
Is HGH Safe as PCT?
Yes, but only if you used it prior to your cycle or you continue to use it beyond your PCT. That’s because PCT lasts between four and six weeks, which is not enough time for the hormone to do its job. The following chart demonstrates a sample PCT cycle using Clomid, a popular SERM used to kickstart testosterone production and balance hormones.
| Timeframe | Daily Clomid Dose | Daily HGH Dose |
|---|---|---|
Bear in mind that the fifth and sixth week of PCT are optional for men; most receive all the benefits they need after just four weeks. Users who complete PCT should then continue their dose from week seven and beyond, but for at least twelve weeks, and for up to six months to see the best results.
Versus Steroids
People who ask “is HGH safe?” are commonly those who are petrified of anabolic steroids, but who want some exogenous help in terms of fitness and performance enhancement. A bit different than steroids in that if you take 8iu for 16 weeks and gain 15 pounds of muscle, you are not likely to lose half of that muscle once you stop.
It can be said that the gains made are long-lasting, whereas those made on certain steroids seem to disappear over time.
What about Acromegaly?
One of the most significant side effects associated with using is acromegaly, or a condition in which certain body parts – hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, and even organs, among others – grow much larger than average over time.
This is rare, and there are individuals who have used low-dose for anti-aging and wellness purposes for years who have never experienced any of the effects of acromegaly. In this case, is HGH safe? It should be, as long as you watch closely for physical changes and see your doctor regularly.
When Is Growth Hormone Bad for You?
Although most otherwise healthy people can use without incident, there are some people who should avoid it. If you have any kind of medical condition, ranging from a heart problem to liver disease or even diabetes, you should never use Human Growth Hormone or other supplements like it without first consulting your physician.
What’s more, individuals who are taking daily medications for high cholesterol or high blood pressure should avoid using, as well, since the the hormone can counteract the medications and lead to significant health issues. Should you have any questions, based on your unique medical history, consult your physician.
Legal Standpoint
Last, but most certainly not least, people often feel concerned over the legal status and whether they can face fines or jailtime for possessing it. In most places, including the US, UK, and Australia, Growth Hormone is only legal when it is prescribed by a doctor, and possessing or using it without a prescription is considered a crime.
Is HGH safe? Yes, but only when used responsibly. Like any other medication or supplement you might use, taking too much for too long can have some serious effects on your health. What’s more, it should be noted that H.G.H is only safe for individuals who do not have any underlying medical conditions such as liver disease or heart problems.
