Human growth hormone (HGH) is a naturally produced hormone in the human body secreted by the pituitary gland. HGH is vitally important to the human body as it stimulates growth, regulates metabolism, and orchestrates cell regeneration. When the human growth hormone is released within normal levels it keeps the body in delicate balance, allowing for overall health. But when there are inadequate levels of the human growth hormone, there can result a number of side effects. In this case, a doctor may suggest supplements to bring the body back into balance. But, as with any chemical, there are human growth hormone dangers associated with its use.

When inadequate human growth hormone levels appear in childhood or adolescence it can result in stunted growth. When production diminishes in adulthood it can result in fatigue, increased fat deposits resulting from lowered metabolism, and overall lack of energy and muscle weakness. In these cases, human growth hormone supplements may be necessary. While there are human growth hormone dangers associated with this use, most medical professionals agree that it is worth the gamble because of the severe repercussions of inadequate hormone levels.

In some cases, people choose to use human growth hormone supplements to slow the signs of aging. While it is true that the secretion of the human growth hormone reduces with age, simply adding a supplement may do little for maintaining a sense of youth. Today's human growth hormone supplements are made synthetically and a cloud of controversy surrounds its use. Some human growth hormone dangers include excess fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The dangers are so serious that the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has warned against the use of human growth hormone supplements as an anti-aging treatment.

Another group of people who have become interested in the use of human growth hormone supplements are athletes and body builders. Because the human growth hormone builds muscle mass, many athletes take supplements to achieve an exceedingly muscular body and enhance their performance. But the human growth hormone dangers in this situation can include everything from the swelling of breast tissue to heart failure.

While The Food and Drug Administration approves the use of human growth hormone supplements in the case of pituitary gland-related deficiency, it stands firm on the unsupervised use of the hormone for anti-aging and athletic reasons. Researchers have found the human growth hormone dangers to be too high a price to pay.