Human Growth Hormone Side Effects

In general, hormones used at natural levels provide beneficial effects with few adverse effects. However, when administered incorrectly, safety concerns increase. HGH therapies at high doses and for extended periods of times can cause acromegaly, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, increased triglyceridemia (increases risk for vascular disease) adverse changes in bone metabolism and can stimulate tumors leading to cancer. Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder resulting from a pituitary tumor which leads to extremely tall stature, a protruding jaw bone, and a range of skeletal and muscular disorders.

Other effects of high level HGH treatments include tissue turgor complex, a sensation that muscles will rupture, musculoskeletal discomfort, pseudotumor cerebri and carpal tunnel syndrome. Intracranial hypertension, visual changes, headache, nausea and vomiting has also been reported in some patients. Tumor growth remains one of the most common adverse side effects.

The short-term adverse effects of GH therapy can be decreased by smaller more frequent dosages.