Human growth hormone is the most popular and predominant, currently undetectable drug used in high level sports today. Athletes in every sport, from football to hockey to Olympia track and field are using it. They are only caught when a chink in the supply chain is revealed - when a trainer or dealer or doctor comes forward with client lists. The hormone itself is undetectable in drug tests, even at Olympia level testing. In 2004, the Olympic Committee promised a test for growth hormone (presumably to scare athletes into not using) and no such test were ever administered. In 2008, they are promising to test again, and many suspect the ruse will be the same. The top scientists in the game still admit that the only way to accurately catch dopers is to possess individual records of previous levels of growth hormone in the blood, and to make comparisons. Since no baseline samples have been collected, it goes without saying that most Olympia athletes aren't taking the test too seriously, and the vast majority of them are using human growth hormone for the 2008 Games.



In bodybuilding, its use is third only to testosterone and cheap orals. It is expensive, which makes it unavailable to many gym rats. However, since it can be obtained with a legal prescription from a doctor (the ethics of this transaction being an entire different article), it is now available to regular Joes with health insurance and an open-minded doctor.

HGH can be administered in a few different forms. Injections are the first method. Used by professional bodybuilders, this method costs about $25 per shot. Since most HGH users will take 3 shots per day, this equates to several thousands of dollars per month. HGH oral sprays exist, and are much cheaper. It's long been debated in the scientific community if these work at all. There are also natural HGH supplements available over the counter. This popular and safe method might stimulate the pituitary gland as we sleep, spurning a bit of HGH release, but it's nothing compared to the measurable level of blood growth hormone level that occurs with actual injections.

Until the next generation of non-anabolic steroids arrive, or until a massive competitor database exists to collect blood specimens from every athlete on Earth, the use of human growth hormone will continue to be rampant in all major (and some minor) sports. Understanding the prevalence of use, as well as high costs, allow athletes to make better-informed decisions as to whether or not human growth hormone is right for them.