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$Title{Growth Hormones to Improve Athletic Ability}
$Subject{exercise athletics human growth hormones Community social HGH
diabetes mellitus high blood pressure hypertension excess sweating}
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Hormones of the Hypothalamus*0002902.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Growth Hormones to Improve Athletic Ability


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QUESTION:  If steroids are so bad for you, what about using growth hormones to
improve athletic ability?  Don't they work as well?

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ANSWER:  Taking human growth hormones, or HGH, to improve strength for
athletic events isn't too smart either.  The American College of Sports
Medicine strongly advises against such use because it is against the ethic of
competition, and because of the physical problems it can cause an athlete.  It
does, however, support the legitimate use of HGH in treating individuals with
HGH deficiencies and growth problems resulting from such deficiencies.
     HGH is very useful in helping children with growth problems, so they can
grow to normal stature.  It is a powerful substance, and must be administered
with extreme care so that the side effects are minimized.
     Excess HGH can cause growth abnormalities, increased risk of diabetes,
high blood pressure, excess sweating, and problems with the heart, bone and
muscle.  Using it to increase athletic success is not worth the risks, and it
can create severe health problems for the athlete.  However, you are missing
the whole point in this; that competitive athletics are worthless where the
athlete must use artificial means to force the body to perform.  Rigorous
training, diet, and attention to all the general rules of health are the only
ethical ways to achieve athletic ability.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.