From the Guidelines
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is not recommended for women seeking muscle growth due to its potential side effects and lack of proven benefits in this context. The use of HGH for muscle growth in women is not supported by strong evidence, and its administration has been associated with various adverse effects, including joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, and fluid retention 1. Furthermore, HGH may cause masculinizing effects and hormonal imbalances in women, making it an unsuitable choice for those seeking to increase muscle mass for aesthetic or athletic purposes.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of HGH for women's muscle growth include:
- The potential risks associated with HGH use, including long-term complications like heart enlargement and increased cancer risk 1
- The lack of strong evidence supporting the use of HGH for muscle growth in women, with most studies focusing on its use in men or individuals with specific medical conditions 1
- The availability of safer, more effective alternatives for promoting muscle growth, such as progressive resistance training, adequate protein intake, and sufficient calories
- The importance of prioritizing recovery and overall health when seeking to increase muscle mass, including getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night and considering legal supplements like creatine monohydrate
In terms of medical therapy, HGH is only appropriate for diagnosed conditions like growth hormone deficiency, and should only be used under physician supervision with proper dosing and monitoring 1. For women seeking to increase muscle mass, a more effective and safer approach would be to focus on proven methods like progressive resistance training, consuming adequate protein (1.6-2.0g per kg of bodyweight daily), ensuring sufficient calories, prioritizing recovery, and considering legal supplements like creatine monohydrate (3-5g daily) 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Cell Growth It has been shown that the total number of skeletal muscle cells is markedly decreased in children with short stature lacking endogenous GH compared with normal children, and that treatment with somatropin results in an increase in both the number and size of muscle cells.
The FDA drug label does not directly answer the question of using HGH for women's muscle growth. The information provided is related to the effects of somatropin on children with growth hormone deficiency, and there is no specific mention of its use for muscle growth in women. Therefore, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the use of HGH for women's muscle growth based on the provided drug label 2.
From the Research
Effects of HGH on Women's Muscle Growth
- The effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and fiber composition in women are not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that HGH has anabolic properties that may contribute to muscle growth 3, 4, 5.
- In states of GH deficiency, reduced muscle mass and strength are characteristic findings, which can be reversed successfully by the supplementation of GH 3.
- However, the currently available data suggest that GH administration alone or in combination with strength exercise has little, if any, effect on muscle volume, strength, and fiber composition in non-GH-deficient healthy young individuals 3.
HGH Replacement Therapy in Women
- HGH replacement therapy (GHRT) is well tolerated, with a low incidence of side effects, and improves most of the alterations observed in GH deficiency (GHD), including increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass 4, 5.
- GHRT may also improve muscle strength, bone mineral density, and health-related quality of life in women with GHD 4, 5.
Detection of HGH Abuse in Women
- The detection of HGH abuse in athletes, including women, is challenging due to the similarities between recombinant HGH and the naturally occurring hormone 6, 7.
- Two methods have been validated for detecting HGH abuse: the isoform method, which distinguishes between pure recombinant 22-kDa GH and the heterogeneous isoforms secreted from the pituitary, and the marker method, which measures blood levels of GH-responsive proteins, such as IGF-I and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (P-III-NP) 6, 7.