An introduction to Somatropin

Humans just love pushing limits. There are fewer places where this is more evident than in the athletic and bodybuilding arenas. We are always trying to get as big and lean as possible without compromising strength.

As a result, sports researchers and doctors are always looking into ways to help those looking to achieve that feat. This is what led to not only the development of nutritional supplements but also anabolic steroids as well.

In a little less than three decades ago, another product entered the bodybuilding scene, and we saw the advent of real-life hulks. Somatropin is the name of that compound.

Are you looking to try out somatropin? This article will discuss everything you need to know about this hormone.

What is Somatropin?

Somatropin is the synthetic version of the naturally occurring human growth hormone (HGH). As such, it does everything that HGH does, only that we can manufacture it artificially. Therefore, when we talk about somatropin, we may as well be talking about HGH.

The pituitary gland naturally produces HGH, and as its name suggests, it is the hormone responsible for the growth and regeneration of cells. Moreover, it works to increase muscle mass and bone density, as well as maintaining tissue health.

HGH remains in the bloodstream for only a few moments after it has been produced. In those moments, the liver transforms it into several growth factors. Out of those growth factors, IGF-1 is arguably the most important when it comes to muscle building due to its potent anabolic properties.

Why is Somatropin used in Bodybuilding?

As mentioned earlier, HGH plays a critical role in growth, especially during the adolescence phase, where rapid growth is required. However, can this hormone work on people who are past the age of physical growth? Can you use an HGH supplement such as somatropin to enhance muscle growth?

Yes, you can. In fact, using an HGH supplement such as somatropin is arguably the best way of providing the body with HGH. When you take somatropin, the body immediately embarks on growing tissues that are stressed. Thus, as you work out, your body immediately starts channeling the hormone to the muscles you are working. There, the hormone strengthens your muscle connections and increases their density.

Now that you have a rough idea of how an HGH supplement such as Somatropin helps bodybuilders build muscles rapidly let us now look into how HGH works at a deeper level.

As mentioned, HGH helps you achieve massive amounts of growth by releasing the IGF-1 growth factor. In fact, when bodybuilders use HGH, they are explicitly targeting the release of IGF-1; it is the Holy Grail. Nonetheless, even though our bodies naturally produce this growth factor, it only secretes just enough to facilitate normal growth. By using an HGH supplement such as Somatropin, therefore, you will be triggering the excess secretion of IGF-1.

Obviously, when IGF-1 levels are higher than usual, the growth rate is also accelerated, and that is how pro-bodybuilders can achieve insane amounts of muscle mass.

What are the Other Benefits of Somatropin?

In addition to helping you building crazy amounts of muscle, triggering HGH production through Somatropin also brings forth a whole host of health benefits, so long as you keep the doses low. These include:

• Improved Healing of Fractures

Bone and mineral metabolism, and thus, fracture healing, is regulated by local growth factors, which, in turn, are controlled by HGH. As such, taking supplemental HGH means an increase in those growth factors, hence speeding up the rate of bone regeneration.

Additionally, HGH also plays a crucial role in the healing injuries and wounds as it increases the rate at which the body repairs wear and tear.

• Decreases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Research shows that adults who have Growth Hormone Deficiency are at more risk of getting cardiovascular diseases. In a 1993 clinical study conducted in Sweden, 104 individuals with Growth Hormone Deficiency were taken through tests to evaluate their susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.

When compared to those who didn’t have a deficiency, the GHD patients were found to possess higher triglyceride levels. The study’s findings suggested that Growth Hormone Deficiency can alter the metabolism of lipoproteins, thereby putting the individual at an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Improving Erectile Dysfunction

HGH is also responsible for reproductive functions and sexual maturation in males. As such, low HGH levels directly translate to low libido and poor erectile function. Findings from a German study revealed that using supplemental HGH helps improve erectile dysfunction. The hormone does that by stimulating the human cavernosum smooth muscle, and in so doing, induces a penile erection.

• Improving Mood and Cognitive Function

Research shows that administering HGH to individuals with Growth Hormone Deficiency can help improve their psychological well-being, and thus, their overall quality of life.

In a 2004 Lithuanian study, 18 adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency had 12 IU of recombinant human growth hormone (Somatropin) administered to them on a daily basis for a few weeks. At the end of that period, all the patients displayed significant improvements in their mood, as well as cognitive functions.

• Helps You Get Better Sleep

Your body usually starts secreting HGH immediately after you fall asleep. This is because the body typically repairs itself when you are asleep, and HGH is vital for that process. It continues to release the hormone for a few more hours after you sleep.

This is why sleep-deprived individuals, such as those who work or study late into the night, tend to underperform during the day.

Lack of sleep has been found to have a negative impact on the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, and this can alter the release time of HGH. The University of Chicago’s Department of Medicine conducted a study that found out that perennial sleep deprivation results in drastic decreases in HGH secretion, and this has an even more significant impact on your sleep-wake cycle due to hormonal imbalances.

By supplementing with HGH, therefore, you will be able to restore hormonal balance, thereby achieving an optimal sleep-wake cycle.

Somatropin Dosage and Administration

Even though using an HGH supplement allows you a wide array of benefits, it is a potent hormone, and thus, improper use will put you at risk of some severe side effects, which we shall discuss later. As such, it is imperative that you ensure proper dosage.

For adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency, the appropriate dosage is between 1 and 3 IU per day. If you want to use the hormone for bodybuilding purposes, you will need a higher dosage. Most bodybuilders take between 2 and 6 IU of HGH per day, with 4 IU being the average. Bodybuilders have been known to take the hormone for up to 6 consecutive months.

This is especially when they are preparing for a contest, and the training is intense. This ensures the rapid development of the muscles that they are working in.

However, for best results, it is recommended that you administer the HGH while at rest, as opposed to when you are working out. As such, the best time to administer Somatropin is right before you sleep, so that it can aid your body in the natural process of recovery that it does at night.

Side Effects of Somatropin

Somatropin is just the synthetic version of HGH, and thus, bears all the properties of HGH. As such, your body cannot tell the difference between the two. Therefore, using somatropin excessively can result in a hormonal imbalance inside the body, resulting in problems such as:

 

• Enlargement of your body organs, including the heart which can result in disastrous consequences.
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Liver damage
• Risk of cancerous tumor growth
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Tingling and numbing of the skin
• Joint, nerve, and muscle pain
• Low blood sugar
• Abnormal growth of hands, feet, and facial features (acromegaly)
• Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia)

 

The use of somatropin for bodybuilding purposes can be addictive. This is because, as the individual sees the rapid gains in muscle mass, they may want to use more in order to push the limits.

Unfortunately, the current state of bodybuilding encourages pure mass and size over aesthetics. This is why pro-bodybuilders are working to push the envelope and become freaks of nature. HGH will offer you that, however, you will need to use high amounts, thereby putting you at risk of the above side effects.

Should You Use Somatropin?

At appropriate dosages, somatropin will enhance the quality of your life. You will not only become bigger and stronger but will also enjoy the benefits that come with a well-tuned body. People with Growth Hormone Deficiency can successfully use the hormone to overcome their limitations in life.

However, caution should be taken, especially when using somatropin for bodybuilding purposes. Before you start using supplemental HGH, it is critical that you first seek the advice of a licensed doctor so they can guide you on how to use the supplement properly.