Is HGH Legal in USA? Know Whether It Is Legal Or Illegal To Use

Last Updated on August 1, 2024

HGH or human growth hormone plays a vital role in one’s body composition. The body does not produce HGH at all times but in short intervals, every 3-5 hours. The hypothalamus present in the brain produces 2 other hormones, somatostatin and growth hormone releasing hormone that affects the production of HGH in the body.

Natural growth hormone plays a vital role in children and adolescents. Lack or shortage of HGH can result in condition called GHD or growth hormone deficiency. This can further lead to slow growth and reduced facial bone development too. In the same way, excess of HGH can result in a condition called acromegaly. This results in various signs and symptoms like large feet and hands.

Why legality of HGH is important

It is important to understand what HGH is, its legal status and how to get HGH legally. Understanding the legality of HGH is important so that you do not get trapped by scams and use HGH products that may be harmful for your body. Here in this article we talk about the uses of HGH, its legal uses, how to obtain HGH legally and what penalties can be faced if you take HGH illegally or abuse it.

What is HGH?

Human Growth Hormone or HGH produced by the pituitary gland regulates growth in children and teens. The synthetic form of HGH has been around since 1980s and Food and Drug Administration or FDA has approved its usage to treat children with some growth disorders and adults with certain health conditions.

Since its use in 1950s, HGH has helped children with development problems but at the same time it has stayed under the radar until when Dr Daniel Rudman said in the New England Journal of Medicine that the men taking HGH reduced body fat by about 14.4% while at the same time increasing the lean muscle mass by about 8.8%.

Common medical uses of HGH

A lot of studies also suggest that HGH enhances the lean muscle mass to a great extent and reduces the excessive body fat. As a consequence, it is also abused by the professional athletes and bodybuilders. Its use is also checked by sporting authorities and organizations including the International Olympic Committee.

HGH has been known to enhance physical capacity by stimulating the collagen synthesis in tendons and skeletal muscles, increasing overall muscle strength and thus improving exercise performance. Also, a Lithuanian study suggested the changes in mood, cognitive function after 6 months of treatment with HGH. 18 adults with GH deficiency were a part of the study and GH was administered in 12 international units each week. Mood and cognitive function increased significantly after 6 months of HGH therapy as per the mood scales. This study also suggested that GH therapy can be a good option to improve mood and cognitive function in adults that are hormone deficient.

Administrating HGH has further shown to speed up the bone regeneration process, thus making it an important part of the whole bone healing process. Using growth factors like IGF-1 further stimulates bone metabolism.

Legal Status of HGH

HGH treatment is a type of hormone replacement therapy or HRT just like other hormonal treatments and is not available without a medical prescription. In fact, possessing and buying HGH without a prescription is considered illegal if abused or used in high amounts. Healthy people with no medical indications may abuse HGH with the intention of improving their body composition, physique, fasten the recovery process and more.

In the US, HGH is legal only when taken as prescription medication. HGH available over the counter should not be used without proper medical intervention as it must be monitored closely by an experienced professional.

There are some risks involved with HGH as well. The prescription versions have had some reports of swelling in the feet and hands. The pain is generally very minimal and can be easily cured using the analgesics. Another problem that is linked to HGH is Carpal tunnel syndrome but this takes place when HGH is taken at a very high dose. Some other possible side effects of HGH can be insulin resistance and so the glucose level needs to be monitored along with the thyroid function.

Moving further, HGH is totally legal when it is prescribed by a licensed medical professional for valid medical purposes. In the United States, there are tough guidelines and rules for HGH prescriptions though. In many cases, the doctor will do a blood test. Blood testing is basically performed to determine the deficiency of GH in your body. When the deficiencies are detected and symptoms diagnosed, the doctor may give you a prescription.

FDA Approval

There are some strict FDA approved indications including-

• Adults with GH deficiency
• Short bowel syndrome
• Pediatric patients with disorders like short stature or growth issues
• AIDS/HIV patients with problems of cachexia and wasting

So, you can purchase HGH legally only when you are diagnosed with one of those conditions by a medical professional and have offered you a valid medical prescription.

With HGH being the hormone made and produced in the pituitary gland, the Food and Drug Administration cannot say much about its natural production in the body. But it can surely say about manufactured or synthetic versions of HGH. The level of growth hormone in our body declines rapidly as we advance in age and this can provide adverse effects. In 1950s, doctors used HGH from the cadavers in patients but soon discovered that while it did work, many of HGH batches were actually contaminated with the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease causing agents.

Then by 1985, synthetic versions of HGH were available by prescription. The hormone was to be utilized for treating growth related deficiencies, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner’s syndrome and other chronic renal insufficiencies. A lot of companies also started advertising about HGH helping chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia as well as obesity.

Other important Considerations

With all problems linked with reduced levels of HGH in our body such as thinning of skin, reduced body mass and reduced exercising capacity, it is simple to see why a lot of people are eager to start the HGH routine. People are now starting to believe that growth hormone will counteract aging process. Also, while science seems to be backing this, FDA has not performed many tests on the same. People who look into HGH as the possible athletic enhancer, the idea is that HGH gives similar results to workouts like increased muscle mass etc. without any extra efforts.

There are indeed a lot of HGH products available in the market- both online and offline that claim to boost the HGH level in a natural way. These HGH products do not have any actual HGH in it but contains amino acids, herbs and other ingredients that in turn enhance the natural level of HGH production in the body. They are legal as well as officially permitted and can be taken with a prescription as per the medical condition of the user. So if you are using any HGH prescription, it is vital to know where and how that HGH has been obtained and that you are getting it legally. It is also important to note that improper distribution of growth hormone is a federal offense in the US and it carries high penalties.

HGH for several Medical Conditions

Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults

A child with growth hormone deficiency may have chubby build and young face. Treatment is possible with regular HGH injections. Results are generally seen as soon as 3-4 months after the treatment begins. The treatment lasts years, generally till late puberty when proper growth is done.

Turner syndrome

Early start of GH therapy is usually recommended for children with Turner syndrome when the child has growth failure or may have high chances of developing short stature. GH treatment can be initiated at 45 mcg/kg/day- 50 mcg/kg/day. Most girls who have Turner syndrome should start with HGH and estrogen therapy to start their puberty. Generally, estrogen treatment begins around 11 years of age. Estrogen contributes in promoting breast development as well as improves uterus size.

Chronic kidney insufficiency

Getting normal growth levels is one of the most difficult problems when it comes to managing children with chronic kidney insufficiency. Treatment with GH therapy promotes longitudinal growth as well as enables children to reach their normal adult height.

Prader-Willi syndrome

There is evidence that proves that HGH can be useful for adults with Prader Willi syndrome, with improvement in overall body composition, mental flexibility, mental speed as well as motor performance.

Short bowel syndrome

Low dosage HGH therapy helps to increase the body weight and lean body mass in those who face short bowel syndrome.

Thus, HGH is prescribed for helping with the symptoms that are faced with growth hormone depletion in the body. And such ailments may be faced with weakness, older looking skin, lethargy, emotional instability, bone mineral density loss, weak immunity, apathy and more. There are in fact a lot of symptoms that go along with loss of growth hormone in the body. Due to this, HGH prescriptions are required as the right amounts and quality of HGH product can relieve the symptoms and offer people quality of life.

Requirements for obtaining a legal prescription

To obtain HGH prescription, the healthcare provider must ensure that the therapy will address the medical issue effectively and without providing any side effects. No professional will prescribe HGH treatment without performing an extensive diagnosis and examination of the medical condition. There are some doctors who may prescribe HGH to those who show signs of growth hormone deficiency that often take place as they advance in age.

The symptoms of growth hormone deficiency include loss of muscle mass, increased cholesterol, increased risk of facing osteoporosis and low energy. Accumulation of fat around the abdomen can lead to serious consequences like increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. So, if you face any of such signs and symptoms, your healthcare professional will conduct some diagnostic examinations like measuring the IGF levels and GH stimulation test.

Regulations around HGH prescriptions

HGH is a controlled substance and that means that the US government holds strict measures over who can use this and who cannot. The most important factors taken into consideration when an individual wants to get HGH prescription include-

• A person should be above 30 years of age
• The person should have gone through proper testing like blood tests, medical examination and a medical history
• The doctor must analyze the patient’s medical details and condition and give diagnosis of GH deficiency

To get a legal prescription for HGH treatment, one must obtain it from a certified medical practitioner. Only this way, one can start the required GH treatment.

HGH in Sports and Bodybuilding

The use of HGH in sports is not accepted as it may give unfair advantage to those who use HGH like improved performance and body composition. This is why HGH is also listed by WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) as well as by the International Olympic Committee as performance-enhancing drug.

HGH abuse is in fact a well known problem in sports worldwide, even when we look at the pediatric level. It is surprising to note that 5 percent high school athletes and 24 percent community gym participants report of HGH abuse while 12 percent male weightlifters abuse IGF-1 or HGH. In the year 2007, the results of an investigation into PED use in baseball reported various baseball players to be using HGH.

Over-the-Counter and Online Sales

With proper prescription and medical indications, one can buy HGH online or in person. Buying HGH online is considered to be legal as long as the pharmacy or clinic requires producing a medical prescription and offers FDA approved medications only. Presently, there are various FDA approved HGH brands and products, you just need to check with your doctor which one to use and how depending on your medical condition.

You should not over-use HGH medicines as they will do harm to your body and may interfere with your overall treatment.

HGH Alternatives and Safe Practices

HGH levels increase and fall on a regular basis and people can manage increasing them naturally by:

• Taking care of nutrition
• Doing exercise regularly
• Managing body composition
• Having deep sleep every day

Body fat

It was noted in a 2020 article that obesity can reduce HGH secretion and that weight loss can restore the secretion process. This is also backed by a review done in 2016 that states the increased visceral fat having links with low level of HGH. Another study reports that by reducing the body fat, an individual can increase the natural level of HGH secretion.

Frequent exercise

Exercise serves to be a powerful stimulator of releasing HGH. A study showed that regular exercise helps in increasing HGH secretion to a large extent.

Fasting

A study done in 2021 showed that fasting for 37.5 hours can increase the basal GH concentrations by almost 10 times. This can be due to the role that HGH plays in breaking down fat which the body can use for energy during fasting hours.

Reducing sugar intake

Reducing sugar intake can also result in increase in growth hormone level. The pancreas secretes insulin when the food is consumed and the food breaks down into blood sugar that enters the bloodstream. Research shows that insulin is linked to HGH secretion and a consistent rise in insulin inhibits release of HGH, thus reducing the GH levels in our body. Studies also show that HGH and insulin oppose the action of each other when it comes to fat metabolism and glucose. In case of obese adults, when the insulin level is high and growth hormone is low, hormonal imbalances promote fat buildup, further reducing HGH levels.

This suggests reduction in sugar intake that will further reduce the need for insulin and further help increase the level of HGH.

Vitamin C

Very few people are seen deficient in Vitamin C as it is there in about every fruit or vegetable we eat. A study “The Association of Macro and Micronutrient Intake with Growth Hormone Secretion” found that Vitamin C was uniquely and strongly related with HGH secretion. Thus, when considering your diet, always remember that Vitamin C is not just in the fruits, it is even there in bell peppers, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and other vegetables.

Sleep

Some studies also note that HGH increases during deep sleep because of the influence of melatonin. Regular sleep schedule is important to increase the HGH level in the body in a natural way. Evidence shows that sleep problems mainly deprivation has link with increased risk of obesity, insulin insensitivity and diabetes, further resulting in low levels of HGH.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC recommends that exercising during day time facilitate good sleep at night. As sleep and exercise both may increase the HGH levels naturally, people should include regular exercise in their daily lives to increase the HGH levels in a natural way.

Some FDA Approved Legal HGH Supplements

Supplement Name: GenF20 Plus

Best usage- Anti aging, weight loss

Key ingredients-

• L Arginine
• L Glutamine
• L Glycine
• GABA
• Colostrum
• Astragalus Root Extract
• Deer Antler Velvet
• L Tyrosine
• Mucuna Pruriens
• Moomiyo Extract
• L Valine

FDA approved- Yes

Price- $68/month

Ratings- 9.6/10

GenF20 Plus is the #1 HGH releaser out there that naturally and safely restores your HGH levels. It is a powerful formula that includes oral supplement and spray for easy administration. The supplement is famous for giving you a more youthful look, to improve metabolism and immunity, increase muscle mass, increase energy and libido and a lot more. The combination of pills and Alpha GPC oral spray serves to be a winning formula for the users. 67 days money back guarantee is the risk free offer that you get with GenF20 Plus.

Supplement Name: HyperGH 14X

Best usage- Bodybuilding

Key ingredients-

• L Glutamine
• L Arginine
• L Tyrosine
• L glycine
• L Lysine
• Tribulus Terrestris Extract
• Deer Antler Velvet
• Astragalus Root Extract
• GABA
• Colostrum
• L Valine
• Pituitary powder
• L Ornithine
• GTF Chromium

FDA approved- Yes

Price- $67/month

Ratings- 9.4/10

HyperGH 14X is the effective HGH releaser available for bodybuilding results. Its natural composition helps in stacking more lean and hard muscles, strips away your body fat, intensifies workout and offers massive results from same workouts. Available in capsules and oral spray forms, the HGH releaser is helpful in muscle growth and repair, increasing energy and ensuring quality sleep. Bodybuilders make use of HyperGH 14X for their muscle building results. The product is backed by a money back guarantee too.

Conclusion

There is indeed a lot of useful research and studies out there about HGH and the best part is that while the natural production declines with age, we can keep our levels intact through exercise, proper sleep and eating good.

Also, the only way you can be sure of purchasing legal and safe HGH is to get it from licensed pharmacies with a prescription. To do so, you should take a prescription from the medical professional. Always keep in mind that the doctor will provide you a valid prescription only when you have medical conditions like GHD, short bowel syndrome, wasting because of HIV/AIDS and other medical indications.

If you have growth hormone deficiency, HGH is an effective therapy that the doctor may prescribe to manage your symptoms in a healthy way. This is because HGH is the only scientifically proven way to manage your GHD symptoms.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ways-to-increase-hgh#summary

https://barbend.com/increase-growth-hormone-naturally/

https://www.gilmorehealth.com/when-can-hgh-be-legally-prescribed/