Posted on February 25th, 2009 | Comments (0)
Many people make the mistake of thinking that steroids and Human Growth Hormone (HGH) are a lot alike. In actuality, there are only two main similarities between the two: they both are found in the human body and they are both hormones needed for growth and development. Actually, the number of differences between steroids and HGH are many and are worth noting.
First, it’s important to note that anabolic steroids are not the same as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are chemical substances commonly used in medicine to treat inflammation and arthritis. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones. Anabolic steroids are taken, often by athletes and often illegally, to build muscle, enhance performance and improve appearance. The effects of the steroid help the body’s retention of protein, which is necessary for the growth of muscles, skin and bones. While the benefits of anabolic steroids are tempting, they are often abused by professional athletes and the side effects can be quite harmful.
With the use of anabolic steroids, especially in excess, the following side effects occur in men: reduced sperm count up to 90% (sometimes this decline is permanent), impotence, development of breasts, shrinking of the testicles, swelling of the testicles (which can lead to a serious infection), and pain or difficulty while urinating. In women, the side effects include: deepened voice, growth of facial hair, breast reduction, and menstrual cycle changes.
Common side effects for both sexes include acne, bloating, rapid weight gain, clotting disorders, liver damage, premature strokes and heart attacks, elevated cholesterol levels, premature balding or hair loss, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, sleep problems, and weakened tendons. Among adolescents, anabolic steroids can stop growth prematurely, cause drastic mood swings and lead to various psychological disorders from extreme irritability to suicidal depression. Not to mention that many abusers of steroids become addicted and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them.
HGH, on the other hand, is very different from steroids in many positive ways. First, HGH has only minor side effects, if any at all – nothing like the rather harsh side effects of steroids. Second, HGH as a supplement is much easier to absorb and is not necessary to inject, as are steroids. This makes HGH much more appealing to most, not only for convenience, but for the decreased risk in HIV infection via shared needles. Third, while steroid injections are expensive, HGH supplements are much more affordable.
HGH is also not addictive like steroids; it doesn’t cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings. And finally, HGH offers many more benefits besides building muscle mass. HGH is said to slow the aging process thereby reducing fat, increasing stamina and strength, decreasing wrinkles and improving overall health.
Because of the significant differences and obvious benefits of HGH, many authorities believe that HGH supplements are a much better alternative. Steroid use can do more harm than good and the side effects can be irreversible. Conversely, many HGH supplements on the market are known to be safe and claim to be free of any side effects.
Whether using HGH in spray, powder, or pill form, it’s worth checking out online product reviews before making your final purchase decision. Read the facts about HGH and make your best informed decision based on what’s right for you.
About the Author
Brian Dolezal is a contributing editor for TopConsumerReviews.com, a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings for hundreds of consumer products. You can find out how top HGH products compare by visiting TopConsumerReviews.com today.
Article Source: Content for Reprint
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