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Growth Hormone Related Diseases and Therapy pp 389–404Cite as

Growth Hormone in Sports: Is There Evidence of Benefit?

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

Despite being banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, growth hormone (GH) is abused by athletes in sport, reportedly often in combination with anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs). There is evidence for clear benefits of GH treatment for growth hormone deficiency, including normalisation of body composition by increasing lean body mass (LBM) and reducing fat mass due to its lipolytic and anabolic actions, increase in muscle mass but not muscle strength with short-term treatment, and improved aerobic exercise capacity (VO2max). There is only limited evidence available for benefit of GH use in healthy young adults and athletes. GH decreases fat mass and significantly increases LBM in young, healthy physically fit adults. Fluid retention accounts for most of the increase in LBM induced by GH, rather than an increase in the muscle mass. There has been debate as to whether the improved body composition and metabolic changes induced by GH actually translate into improved performance. We have recently demonstrated in a randomised controlled study an increase in anaerobic sprint capacity following treatment with GH for 8 weeks. There is no evidence that GH enhances muscle strength or power, or aerobic exercise capacity in healthy young adults. There is strong evidence of harm from GH abuse. Side effects of GH administration in healthy adults include swelling, arthralgias and paresthesias, fatigue, and changes in cardiac morphology and function. Side effects of GH such as myocardial hypertrophy are likely worsened by co-administration of AASs. The features of acromegaly, including cardiac complications, arthropathy, insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes and malignancy, indicate potential health risks of chronic GH abuse. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that in healthy adults, GH may improve a selective aspect of performance, that of anaerobic exercise capacity; however, muscle strength, power and aerobic exercise capacity are not enhanced by GH administration. Athletes should be aware of the serious health risks from prolonged use of GH.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Anne E. Nelson was supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency and by the Australian Government through the Anti-Doping Research Program and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Dr Vita Birzniece was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pituitary Research Unit, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia

    Anne E. Nelson

  2. Centres for Health Research, Princess Alexandra Hospital and The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Ken Ho

  3. Department of Endocrinology, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia

    Vita Birzniece

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  1. Anne E. Nelson
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  2. Ken Ho
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  3. Vita Birzniece
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Correspondence to Anne E. Nelson .

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  1. Princess Alexandra Hospital &, The University of Queensland, Centres for Health Research, Ipswich Road Woolloongabba 199, Brisbane, 4102, Queensland, Australia

    Ken Ho

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Nelson, A.E., Ho, K., Birzniece, V. (2011). Growth Hormone in Sports: Is There Evidence of Benefit?. In: Ho, K. (eds) Growth Hormone Related Diseases and Therapy. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-317-6_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-317-6_20

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