Human Growth Hormone in Sports, Research Paper Example

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has sparked numerous controversies in recent decades in the world of sports, and continues to be relevant in a modern context. It is important to address the challenges and considerations of HGH and its role in shaping athletics in the modern era. Many advocates of HGH use have argued for its legalization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a variety of uses, and therefore, continues to be an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of HGH and its benefits with human consumption, and how to overcome the differences of opinion in regards to how HGH is viewed by the general public and by medical experts. The following discussion will address the different characteristics of HGH, including arguments both for and against its use, in addition to other factors that are influential in supporting HGH utilization in today’s society.

From a clinical perspective, there are a number of medical advantages to the use of synthetic HGH, including but not limited to a variety of growth conditions (Biotech.gov.ch). In general, “In order to justify the exorbitant costs of an hGH treatment, a treatment that usually lasts several years, the pharmaceutical company must be able to show clear and unambiguous evidence of effectiveness. With regard to safety, there is very little evidence of risks or adverse effects associated with hGH treatments; very few adverse effects have been documented” (Biotech.gov.ch, p. 2). As a result, it is expected that with the utilization of HGH for a variety of conditions, its safety and effectiveness for different population groups must be adequately explored to ensure that it provides more benefits than side effects (Biotech.gov.ch).  It is expected that these benefits will continue to be realized in patients throughout different age groups, and will also demonstrate the true safety of this product throughout the population (Biotech.gov.ch).

The legalization of HGH would likely introduce a variety of issues and controversies to society in different ways, but at the same time, it is important to address this alternative as a feasible solution to improve health and wellbeing for some individuals who face medical challenges without the production of HGH in a natural state. There have been a number of studies that have demonstrated the benefits of HGH in widespread use, but at the same time, precautions must be taken to support an understanding of the risks associated with HGH usage amongst athletes and other groups. According to Emanuelson (2010), “By increasing the levels of HGH in our bodies, we can slow, or even reverse, many of the manifestations of aging.   It must be done carefully, though, and under medical supervision. Ideally, this HGH replacement should begin at about the age of 30 years, but HGH replacement can be beneficial at any age above 30. In fact, for older people, HGH therapy can reverse the manifestations of aging by 5 to 15 years or more.   There is no other single therapy currently available that can have the impact on the aging body that HGH can have.” Therefore, it is important to address the different concerns and expectations that are associated with HGH utilization, but to also recognize that some synthetic versions of the hormone do not offer the same benefits as other versions, and may even cause harmful and potentially irreversible side effects (Emanuelson, 2010). As a result, it becomes necessary to address the different types of HGH, and to consider that which is tested by a reputable laboratory to be most effective in performing to expectations. With these principles in mind, it is important to demonstrate that certain types of HGH are likely to be most effective in achieving the desired purpose, and that others that appear to be of a lower quality should be avoided as much as possible.

In exploring the advantages of HGH even further, it is important to demonstrate that the legalization of these products is likely to be more beneficial than for them to remain illegal, as noted from an athletic perspective: “Performance enhancers of all types are still rampant in modern sports. Only a fool would argue otherwise. Perhaps it is time, therefore, to legalize and regulate them, so that users will not be exposed to tainted products or improper dosages that could kill them” (Watson, 2009). Therefore, it is important to address these findings and their role in shaping athletics in modern society, and how many athletes continue to use HGH, even though they are not legally permitted to do so (Watson, 2009). Therefore, it is necessary to consider the legalization of HGH as a feasible opportunity to provide athletes and other users with HGH in a legal and appropriate manner to prevent further harmful side effects (Watson, 2009).

In evaluating the different impacts of HGH on society, and in particular on athletes, it is important to address the different circumstances that may impact the use of these hormones in the world of sports. For many users, the thrill of victory and the opportunity to be the best in his or her sport is too great to ignore, and this attracts many years to HGH, a performance-enhancing substance. Therefore, it is not surprising that many proponents of HGH recognize that the substance is highly beneficial to athletes, and that by making  these substances legal, the level of quality is likely to increase and to be more effective . However, extreme caution must be exercised when using HGH in any form to ensure that safety is maximized and side effects are minimized. The legalization of HGH will serve as an opportunity to explore the positive impact of this substance, and to determine how to best move forward to convince medical professionals and the general public that HGH is a safe alternative for human consumption. Therefore, it is important to continue to explore these options, and to also consider how the legalization of HGH might impact the population in different ways. It is expected that with the challenges associated with legalization, there must be effective methods in place to promote the positive benefits of HGH for members of society, including but not limited to athletes. Therefore, it is important for advocates of HGH to provide sufficient information and statistics to ensure that its benefits are well defined: “Human growth hormone is commonly used to treat children of pathologically short stature. There is concern that this practice will be extended to treatment of essentially normal children – so called “enhancement therapy” or growth hormone on demand. Similarly, growth hormone has been used by some to enhance athletic performance” (Bowen, 2006). Therefore, it is expected that in producing effective outcomes in the utilization of HGH provides a positive impact for its users (Bowen, 2006).

Nonetheless, there are many challenges associated with the use of HGH on a widespread basis, and additional research is required in these areas: “The role of growth hormone in normal aging remains poorly understood, but some of the cosmetic symptoms of aging appear to be amenable to growth hormone therapy. This is an active area of research, and additional information and recommendations about risks and benefits will undoubtedly surface in the near future” (Bowen, 2006). As a result, it is important to address both the advantages and disadvantages of HGH in supporting the argument that this substance is acceptable for widespread use, and should be legalized by the government and supported in full by the FDA (Bowen, 2006). These elements must demonstrate the overall potential of HGH as a long-term supplement for athletes, and also as an opportunity to explore the different elements of HGH and its benefits to users in different age groups. It is expected that HGH will continue to spark much interest from both sides, and will also demonstrate that additional research is essential to determine whether or not HGH is safe and effective for human consumption over the long term. With the data and research to back up these claims, it is possible to support the creation of new opportunities to utilize HGH on a widespread basis throughout the population for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to improving performance in all types of sports. These efforts will be effective in supporting the growth of this substance across different populations.

References

Biotech.gov.ch. Appendix B – The Synthetic Human Growth Hormone (hGH). Retrieved from http://www.biotechgov.ch/images/uploads/disaggregated/B.pdf

Bowen, R. (2006). Growth Hormone (Somatotropin). Retrieved from http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/hypopit/gh.html

Emanuelsen, J. (2010). Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Retrieved from http://www.futurescience.com/hgh.html

Watson, L. (2009). Steroids: Is it time to legalize and regulate their use? Retrieved from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/135947-steroids-is-it-past-time-to-legalize-and-regulate-their-use-in-sports