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Growth hormones in sports refers to the use of growth hormones (GH or HGH) for athletic enhancement, as opposed to growth hormone treatment for medical therapy. Human Growth Hormone is a prescription medication in the US, meaning that its distribution and use without a prescription is illegal.[1] There is limited evidence that GH doping improves athletic performance, although the perception that it does is common in the sporting community.[2] Potential side effects of long term GH doping could mirror the symptoms found in sufferers of acromegaly, a disease in which the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone.[2] These symptoms include swelling of the hands and feet, joint pain, fluid retention, and excessive sweating.[3]
- ^ "Human Growth Hormone/Steroids Statutory Overview". US Department of Justice. Archived from the original on 14 May 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ a b Erotokritou-Mulligan I; Holt RI; Sönksen PH (27 July 2011). "Growth hormone doping: a review". Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. 2 (1): 99–111. doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S11626. PMC 3781888. PMID 24198576.
- ^ Saugy, M; Robinson, N; Saudan, C; Baume, N; Avois, L; Mangin, P (July 2006). "Human growth hormone doping in sport". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 40 (Suppl 1): i35–i39. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2006.027573. ISSN 0306-3674. PMC 2657499. PMID 16799101.