Growth hormone in sports

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Growth hormones in sports refers to the use of growth hormones (GH or HGH) for athletic enhancement, as opposed to growth hormone treatment for medical therapy. Human Growth Hormone is a prescription medication in the US, meaning that its distribution and use without a prescription is illegal.^[1] There is limited evidence that GH doping improves athletic performance, although the perception that it does is common in the sporting community.^[2] Potential side effects of long term GH doping could mirror the symptoms found in sufferers of acromegaly, a disease in which the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone.^[2] These symptoms include swelling of the hands and feet, joint pain, fluid retention, and excessive sweating.^[3]