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HGH Side Effects

Though most doping for muscle mass involves steroids, human growth hormone (also known as HGH) has been become highly publicized lately because of its recent abuse by professional athletes. HGH is not actually a steroid, but it is used by some athletes to increase muscle mass and enhance athletic performance.

By Jared Rosenthal

Updated 1/31/2025

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HGH is produced naturally by the body. These hormones determine how large cells grow as well as how quickly they divide. The levels of HGH the body produces relies on a few different factors, such as exercise levels and diet. As the body develops, HGH is produced more rapidly. Once an individual reaches adulthood, HGH is produced less frequently.

The most common way to take HGH is by self-injection with a needle.

Steroids Athletes and Drugs

WRITTEN BY

Jared Rosenthal

Jared is the visionary behind Health Street. Raised in central Jersey, he developed an early entrepreneurial spirit, inspired by summers spent helping his family’s business on the Wildwood, NJ boardwalk. After earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, Jared worked in healthcare and marketing, eventually leading large-scale community health initiatives with a focus on accessibility and cultural sensitivity. His journey with Health Street began as he combined his drive for entrepreneurship with a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.