What is human growth hormone used for?

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Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

Human growth hormone (hGH) is a chemical naturally secreted by the pituitary gland and used by the body to stimulate growth and weight gain. A variety of diseases and disorders can cause a person's hGH levels to become deficient. Physicians often prescribe therapeutic drugs to combat the problems associated with these problems in both children and adults.

Function

According to "USA Today," one of the most common uses of hGH is for replacement therapy in those suffering from a growth hormone deficiency. Generally, these patients suffer from hypopituitarism, a condition which limits the secretion of the hormone from the brain.

Significance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved hGH for use in children without illnesses starting in July 2003. Parents can now choose to use hGH on their children to help increase their height.

Renal Failure

According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, people with renal failure often suffer from growth deficiency, especially those younger than 10 years of age. Therapy with hGH can help combat extreme symptoms, such as difficulty gaining weight.

AIDS

Diseases such as AIDS can result in the loss of 10 percent or more of an individual's body weight. According to Somatropin, a company that produces hGH, therapy can help patients recover this lost weight.

Athletics

Athletes, such as Major League Baseball players, have been caught using hGH to help build muscle. An Institute of Sociological research report says many players use the hormone illegally to recover from injuries.