Human Growth Hormones stimulate growth, cell reproduction and regeneration. It is used to treat growth disorders and deficiencies. So, what’s the legal status of HGH? Let’s find out.
No, it isn’t. Well, not technically. However, its distribution and usage is strictly regulated. Before we get to the nitty-gritties of illegal-vs-regulated, let’s take a closer look at the whole HGH scenario. Growth hormones have been clinically used to treat growth disorders and deficiencies in children and adults since quite some time. A growth hormone is a 191-amino acid, single chain polypeptide hormone and these hormones are assembled, stored and secreted by the Somatotroph cells that are present in the lateral protrusions of the anterior pituitary gland. Hormone replacement therapies using human growth hormones have come to be considered as extremely effective weapons to counter aging and manage weight. But there is more to HGH than these miracles of medical science – reasons which raise questions over the legality of HGH. So, is human growth hormone illegal? If so, why? The following segments attempt to answer these very questions.
Understanding the 3 Forms of HGH and Their Legal Status
HGH, as we know them, occur in three distinct forms and its legal status is determined by which form of it we are dealing with. The three forms of HGH are biological HGH, synthetic HGH and HGH supplements. As the name suggests, biological HGH is produced naturally by the human body and is, as such, an integral part of the human physiology. It is, therefore, impossible to declare it an illegal or even restricted substance! Synthetic HGH is HGH that is an enzyme that mimics the effects of biological HGH and is artificially created in a laboratory environment by medical experts. This is used to treat development and growth disorders caused by inadequacy or absence of biological HGH. HGH supplement is a misnomer as these supplements do not introduce any additional HGH in the body. Rather, they contain substances that, on entering the body, stimulate the production of HGH inside it. HGH supplements are used in the course of anti-aging therapies and are, mostly, legal or minimally regulated. It is the prescription and use of synthetic HGH that is strictly regulated by law and, in the absence of proper prescription, their administration is deemed illegal.
Legal Status of HGH
As stated above, HGH cannot be called ‘completely illegal’ if we take a close look at the various technical, legal and medical aspects involved. Instead, it would be more correct to say that its use, purchase and distribution is strictly “regulated” rather than calling it outright illegal. Now the question is, why is HGH a regulated substance? The answer is similar to why performance enhancing steroids are banned/regulated – because of the dangers associated with its artificial intake. Due to its miraculous regenerating and recuperating effects, people may take HGH in high doses to recover from injuries and look younger and healthier. Overdosing and long-term exposure can lead to many serious complications by putting tremendous stress on organs like heart and liver. Also, its use in sports and military to enhance body mass and recover from injuries is considered unethical and produces many negative side effects such as extraordinary body mass gain, temperamental instability, and collapse of vital organs due to stress on them.
Is it Illegal to Buy HGH?
Although a prescription drug, the synthetic HGH is not on the federal list of controlled substances. Although not scheduled, distribution and possession of HGH for the use of humans other than for treating recognized medical conditions and accompanied by valid prescriptions was prohibited by 21 USC § 333(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Is HGH Illegal in the US?
As discussed above, although not scheduled on the federal list of controlled substances, 21 USC § 333(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits HGH’s distribution and possession for the use of humans other than for treating recognized medical conditions and accompanied by valid prescriptions. Violation of this law is a criminal offense, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years, if distributed to persons above the age of 18 years, and up to 10 years if distributed to persons below the age of 18 years. However, the jurisdiction is confined to the federal purview. The individual states may (or may not) have their own laws regarding use, possession, distribution and abuse of HGH.
Is HGH Usage Illegal in the Military and Sports?
The answer is yes in both cases. However, the military doesn’t test for HGH unless authorities smell a rat – Beefing up too fast? Sudden temperamental/short-fuse issues? Well, these are just a couple of indicators that can lead to suspicion of HGH abuse. HGH is legal in sports if it is taken under medical supervision to heal serious, degenerative injuries as it helps the body to recover faster. But it is banned in professional sports, especially, if they are taken to enhance physical stamina in case of advancing age or any other natural biological degeneration. HGH gives an unfair advantage to whoever takes it, hence, it is banned in professional sports.
Human Growth Hormone is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies but medical conditions may require its synthetic intake. Human growth hormone therapy is a brilliant scientific breakthrough which counters growth disorders and aging. In many critical cases relating to fitness, human growth hormone may be recommended for weight loss and muscle gain. However, before heading for any of these therapies, one must update oneself on various facts and information surrounding human growth hormone and understand all the associated human growth hormone dangers when taken synthetically. Is HGH illegal? Yes and no – the bottom line here is being clear about what you want, and knowing what you’re doing!
