More sportsmen using HGH for fast healing

HGH getting more popular among sportsmen

Anabolic steroids build muscle. HGH has a different effect.

"The anabolic steroids make you bigger and stronger," Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek said. "HGH increases the rate of recovery. The biggest problem with pitchers is they have these micro-injuries and tears from throwing so much.

"HGH helps you recuperate faster."

Doctors prescribe HGH to help patients heal faster from a variety of injuries.

"Healing is enormously important when you're talking about pitchers," Kremchek said.

HGH first was used to stimulate growth in those with pathologically short stature. It is also used to stimulate growth in farm animals.

In 1990, a study of men ages 61 to 81 showed that HGH increased muscle and bone mass and decreased fat mass.

That led to athletes seeking an edge to begin use of HGH. Google HGH and you'll find claims of all the wonderful things it will do.

"No. 1 use on the street for HGH is anti-aging," Kremchek said. "There are a lot of questions about use and abuse. We don't know the long-term effects."

Read the full article