Is HGH a Steroid?
Many people Ask: Is HGH a Steroid? The Short Answer is No. HGH Is not a Steroid. It is a Peptide Protein.
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Is HGH a Steroid?
No, HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is not a steroid. Steroids are a class of organic compounds that have a characteristic structure of four rings of carbon atoms. They include hormones like testosterone and estrogen, as well as synthetic drugs like prednisone and dexamethasone.
HGH, on the other hand, is a protein hormone that is naturally produced in the pituitary gland. It is involved in many bodily processes, including growth and development, metabolism, and immune function. While some people may use HGH as a performance-enhancing drug, it is not classified as a steroid by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) or other anti-doping organizations.
Is HGH a Controlled Substance in the USA?
Yes – HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. In the US, it is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is illegal to use or distribute HGH without a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Additionally, athletes who use HGH without a valid prescription to enhance their performance can face penalties, including suspension from competition.
The Controlled Substance Act
HGH (Human Growth Hormone) was added to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a Schedule III controlled substance in the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990. This amendment was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on November 29, 1990. The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 amended the CSA to add several anabolic steroids and related substances to the list of controlled substances, including HGH. The inclusion of HGH in the CSA was intended to help prevent the abuse and misuse of this substance, and to ensure that it is used only for legitimate medical purposes under the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of certain drugs and substances. HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is included in the CSA as a Schedule III controlled substance.
Under the CSA, Schedule III substances are considered to have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence when compared to drugs listed in Schedule I and II. However, they still have a potential for abuse and misuse, and their distribution and use are regulated to prevent harm to individuals and society.
The inclusion of HGH in the CSA as a Schedule III substance means that it is illegal to possess or distribute HGH without a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. In addition, the CSA imposes criminal penalties for the illegal possession, distribution, or use of HGH. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and other legal consequences.
The regulation of HGH under the CSA is intended to help prevent the abuse and misuse of this substance, and to ensure that it is used only for legitimate medical purposes under the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
HGH Secretion - Physiological Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion
Human Growth Hormone is secreted in pulses.
The half-life of HGH is approximately 14 minutes. In between pulses, serum growth hormone is minimal or undetectable. Generally, growth hormone pulses occur approximately 10 times per day, lasting 90 minutes in length, and are separated by 128-minute intervals.[i]
Although it is typical in the US to suggest and require growth hormone to only be assessed in 24-hour sampling intervals for determining growth hormone deficiency and/or pituitary dysfunction, IGF-1 has been used successfully in various research for many years to assess HGH deficiency and optimization. The benefit of using IGF-1 is two-fold: 1) it is a safer and easier to test it with a blood test, and 2) IGF-1 is directly proportional to HGH production and is more stable, making it a good marker of measurement.
Human growth hormone decline is estimated to be around 50% every seven years in aging adults. This is dependent on a variety of factors. Many unique environmental influences related to one’s lifestyle can determine the quality of one’s human growth hormone secretion. Some of the more common factors are:
- Nutritional factors
- Sex Steroids
- Ghrelin
- GHRH
- Sleep (GH normally reaches its peak within 1-hour of DEEP SLEEP.)
Promoters of Growth Hormone Secretion
Nutritional Factors – HGH Stimulators
- Fasting can increase growth hormone secretion[i]
- High protein meals[ii]
- Intravenously administered amino acids[iii]
Sex Steroids – HGH Stimulators
Growth hormone is needed to control the tempo and progression of puberty in young boys. There is evidence of rising serum androgen concentrations and peak amplitude of human growth hormone in pubertal boys.[iv] Sex hormones can act centrally by regulating HGH secretion and peripherally by regulating HGH responsiveness. Sex hormones modulate HGH secretion directly and indirectly through IGF-1 modulation.[v]
GHRH – HGH Stimulators
The most well-known regulator is growth hormone releasing hormone GHRH. It is a 44 amino acid peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus. The primary function of GHRH is to stimulate the release of human growth hormone in the body. GHRH is released from neurosecretory nerve terminals and is carried through the hypothalamos portal system to the anterior pituitary gland where it stimulates growth hormone secretion. IGF-1 is a down-path hormone produced in the liver and other organs in response to growth hormone activity. IGF-1, along with HGH, work to cause metabolic and growth activities in the body.
Control of GHRH works similarly in the body to a thermostat system on an air-conditioner or furnace for temperature control. Stimulators marked in green in the chart stimulate, while inhibitors marked in “red” work to limit growth hormone secretion. As one side gets lower, the other side gets higher until balance or homeostasis occurs.
In many individuals, levels may not be optimal. This is potentially due to health status and age-related factors. Because of the obesity epidemic (70% overweight/obese) in the United States, growth hormone secretion is very often less than optimal. Other hormones such as testosterone and estrogens are influenced to a much greater degree by environmental and lifestyle factors than once believed. New evidence is showing hormone regulation is disrupted due to these factors. For one such example, see Testosterone Decline in Men – News <Click here>.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is a gastrointestinal peptide hormone which acts as a nutritional positive regulator of human growth hormone. Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach and stimulates human growth hormone production. It has been observed that Ghrelin in obese children is reduced compared to leaner children, hence, this may be similar for adults as well.
Inhibitors of Growth Hormone Secretion
Somatostatin
Somatostatin acts to inhibit human growth hormone release. It is released from the hypothalamus and it binds to five receptor sub-types. Somatostatin is also known as a growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH). Somatostatin also inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion. The release of somatostatin in the pituitary inhibits release of growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and prolactin. Somatostatin is also released in the gastrointestinal system to suppress the release of certain gastrointestinal hormones related to digestion and pancreatic hormones.
IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor-1 mediates many of HGH’s peripheral actions and works to inhibit HGH secretion directly. IGF-1 is secreted in response to the activation of the growth hormone receptor by HGH secretion. IGF-1 is believed to be responsible for bone growth. It is also believed that growth hormone-independent of IGF-1 partially promotes bone growth as well since mice studies show IGF-1 at good levels along with very low levels of growth hormone had shorter bones. Both HGH and IGF-1 seem to have beneficial growth effects for bones, even as levels of IGF-1 are used to regulate growth hormone.
HGH stimulates IGF-1 secretion. It is estimated that approximately 75%-90% of IGF-1 production is done in the liver as HGH metabolizes. Fasting for one week has been shown to reduce IGF-1 by 50%. This seems counter-intuitive as fasting increases growth hormone secretion, yet still, IGF-1 is halved. Yet, under normal circumstances, an increase in growth hormone secretion generally increases IGF-1 when it metabolizes through the liver. It is believed this effect is due to a reduction of growth hormone sensitivity and growth hormone receptors under a fasting state.
When IGF-1 is injected into insulin resistant type-2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity improves. This is one indicator which may be linked to the positive benefits associated with improved body composition. Below are outcomes from those injecting exogenous growth hormone achieving higher IGF-1 levels taken from the Dr. Rudman HGH study shown below.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids. These play a role in metabolism. Wikipedia: The name glucocorticoid (glucose + cortex + steroid) is composed of its role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, synthesis in the adrenal cortex, and its steroidal structure (see the structure to the right). They work as feedback in the immune system to reduce inflammation. Glucocorticoids up-regulates the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins and mutes proinflammatory proteins. Cortisol is the one important glucocorticoid as it regulates metabolic and homeostatic functions.
[i] [Giustina A, Veldhuis JD. Pathophysiology of the neuro-regulation of growth hormone secretion in experimental animals and the human. Endocr Rev 1998; 19:717.]
[ii] [[Jaffe CA, DeMott-Friberg R, Barkan AL. Endogenous growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone is required for GH responses to pharmacological stimuli. J Clin Invest 1996; 97:934.]
[iii] [Jaffe CA, DeMott-Friberg R, Barkan AL. Endogenous growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone is required for GH responses to pharmacological stimuli. J Clin Invest 1996; 97:934.]
[iv] [Gh and Igf-1 Physiology in Childhood, Kavitha S Rozario, Catrin Lloyd, and Fiona Ryan.]
[v] [Pituitary Research Unit, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia. Meinhardt UJ, Ho KK 2006.]
[i] [Toogood AA, Nass RM, Pezzoli SS, et al. Preservation of growth hormone pulsatility despite pituitary pathology, surgery, and irradiation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; 82:2215.]
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FAQ for Is HGH a Steroid
How much does HGH Cost in Costa Rica?
A typical month's supply will cost $550. The same HGH from the same manufacturer in the USA will cost 3 times more.
The leading brand of human growth hormone now in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States is Norditropin.
Norditropin is the only leading pharmaceutical brand of growth hormone that comes premixed and can go without refrigeration.
It can go 14-21 days without refrigeration due to the proprietary preservation technology of Novo Nordisk.
Why is HGH so expensive in the USA?
HGH is three times or more in the United States than in many other countries. The main reasons for this are 1) pharmaceutical middlemen called "Pharmacy Benefit Managers" (PBMs) and the list-pricing strategies set by big-pharma companies.Please see for more information on Pharmacy Benefit Managers work in the USA on our "why is HGH so expensive in the USA?" You can ask Google, Siri, or Alexa and our page will be at the top of the list.
How do I know the medication is not counterfeit?
We only prescribe name-brand "FDA Approved" pharmaceutical HGH from major manufacturers like Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, and Merck.In the modern era with Google search and social media, these black market online internet pharmacies are rapidly exposed.We use real doctors and we promote our doctors. You get to know them and they get to know you. They are professionals and they want you to be healthy so that you tell others about our services.Unfortunately, the United States health care system is broken. It's too expensive for insurance to cover HGH treatments, so they've made it extremely difficult for patients to qualify. Metabolic health related to hormone decline with aging is not yet supported by the U.S. health care system.Insurance companies developed more on serving acute injuries, such as serving the needs of patients suffering from acute injury either by accident or a chronic condition. Insurance companies are less enthusiastic about metabolic wellness related to hormone decline, insulin resistance, and obesity. This leads to accelerated age-related chronic diseases like heart attacks, cancers, diabetes, and strokes. To a large degree, it is the primary reason health care expenditures amount to over 17% of the US GDP.We operate very openly on the internet and through promotional material like print media. We've advertised in Airline Flight Magazines, major Newspapers and on Television. We've been caring and treating medical tourists since 2013 from all over the United States and Canada.We only prescribe the same FDA approved pharmaceutical HGH brands that you find in the United States. The only difference is the USA must pay 2 or 3 times the price. Why? Because of big pharma's global pricing models and the problematic insurance model which exists in the United States. Both Republicans and Democrats have demonized big pharma for its inflated pricing, but nothing ever seems to get resolved. Recently, some states have begun to take action. Utah recently passed "Right to Shop" legislation which allows its public employees to buy legally lower-cost prescription medications in Tijuana Mexico. Click the link. It is widely reported in some of the press. Other states are looking at similar legislation: . Mexico has very good control of their legal prescription drug programs. We work closely with only the leading pharmaceutical companies. The process has a complete and safe chain of custody when it comes to name-brand prescription pharmaceuticals.
Travel & Storage of Norditropin Pens
According to the Norditropin website, all Norditropin products must be refrigerated (36°F to 46°F) prior to first use.
Do not freeze and avoid direct light.
After the first injection, the pens can either be stored outside of the refrigerator (up to 77°F) for use for 21 days.
If stored in the refrigerator after first use the Norditropen HGH pen will last for 4 weeks. The temperature range should be between 36°F and 46°F.
Never place your pens in a freezer.
Is it illegal to use HGH?
No, it is not illegal to use human growth hormone with your doctor's prescription.HGH is an approved medication for certain medical conditions such as an HGH deficiency. It must be prescribed by your doctor.Border patrol, as well as the FDA, require international travelers to carry their doctor's prescription and keep the medication in its original packaging.
How long does it take for HGH to start working?
HGH begins working almost immediately. Most long-term improvements are seen within 3-6 months.Men given HGH from ages 61-81 were given HGH over a 6 month period. At the end of the six months, they had approximately 15% body fat loss, an 8.8% increase in lean muscle mass, and an increase in bone mineral density.
What's a typical adult dose of HGH therapy?
Most adults on our program range between 1-2 IU between 3-5 days per week.Common protocols call for one daily injection each evening 5-days per week. However, some research shows similar benefits may be achieved from a less frequent dosing schedule of only 3 days per week.Most adults on HGH replacement therapy will settle in between 1 and 2 IUs for each injection.HGH is further enhanced by following an intermittent fasting protocol.And for those who may be overweight and have some degree of insulin resistance, metformin may be prescribed. Berberine is also a good over-the-counter substitute.Most individuals on a 3-day injection dose will see a slower degree of fat loss. But when combined with intermittent fasting, metformin, and/or berberine, results on fat loss will accelerate in most individuals.
What does HGH Cost in Costa Rica?
A one month supply of prescription HGH in Costa Rica will cost approximately $550 USD per month for Norditropin Growth Hormone.
What is the price of HGH in the United States?
HGH in the United States generally is three times the amount in Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.Typical price for one month's supply of HGH at a U.S. pharmacy is approximately $1,250 USD.Only name-brand (non-generic) versions of growth hormone are legal. Name-brand prescription medications are generally always 3 times more than in other countries because of the retail price set by large pharmaceutical companies and middle men known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). See our video at the top of this page.
Is it legal to travel with growth hormone?
Yes. As long as you have a prescription. If you are traveling internationally you will want a letter from the doctor. We have all of the legal paperwork from the major manufacturers so if TSA or US Border Patrol is concerned, you can show them the information.Keep in mind, according to the Center for Disease Control, most adults over 40 years of age are on 2 or more prescription medications. International travel would cease to function if you were not afforded the basic human right of crossing borders with your prescribed medications.Always carry your prescription and your letter from the doctor to avoid confusing border professionals and TSA.
Is HGH a real anti-aging drug?
No. HGH is not an anti-aging medication. What HGH does is it supports the growth pathways in support of normal energy metabolism.Growth hormone works closely with the regenerative growth cycle of your body. However, it is now much more understood that this energy state is not ideal 100% of the time.In order for patients to see the best benefits related to anti-aging at the cellular level, they need to understand what the research on longevity and aging shows.The body operates best with it goes through natural anabolism and catabolic states (i.e., feast and famine). This reproduces a growth, cleanse phase at the cellular level.HGH used in combination with metformin, and DHEA, did show an age reversal in epigenetic markers. The research was published in 2019. It is linked to on this web page.However, we think this study can be improved upon by mimicking some of the new research by Dr. Sinclair of Harvard and Dr. Valter Longo of USC. They both promote the benefits of triggering mechanisms that influence AMPK and mTOR. To key elements of the longevity pathways. They do this with time restricted feeding and in some instances metformin.
Will HGH give me Cancer?
Currently nearly 590,000 Americans die each year from some form of cancer. What doesn't give you cancer?Probably one of the most associated element we would guess is related to cancer is poor energy metabolism.One of the major reasons HGH is criticized for potentially promoting cancer in adults is that it increases IGF-1. Elevated IGF-1 is often associated with those with cancer. It's an insulin like growth factor, so for a tumor, it is simply assumed its going to feed growth.To some extent, we agree. In an overfed, processed-food rich lifestyle, with poor glucose regulation, we think it is a reasonable fear people should have. But with that said, if you follow the recent works of researchers into aging and longevity like Dr. David Sinclair and Dr. Valter Longo, you learn that we need to be attentive to the AMPK/mTOR pathway.If you go to our Metfomin Blog page, you can learn a little about this pathway as well as how metformin is being studied as an anti-aging drug because of its ability to regulate this pathway for those eating and living the standard American lifestyle.Our goal is to help you understand as best you can what modern science is saying about this and its role in cancer. We are no longer living in the 1990s and this information is much better understood than ever before.With that said, we recognize there is much more research required to draw any conclusions. What we can say is that cancer is a big problem in the world, especially the United States. Those who are in better shape, have a better body composition, and have excellent blood markers are less likely to get cancer. Our role as a medical treatment center is to help you achieve this goal. We want to see your risk factors for all these age-related metabolic diseases decline.
Anti-Aging and Wellness Center by Age Metrics Medical S. A.
The Anti-Aging & Weight Loss Center by Age Metrics Medical is part of the original Anti-Aging and Wellness Medical Clinic (Est. 2013). The clinic is one of the longest-running most successful anti-aging centers in all of Latin America for Weight Loss and Anti-Aging and Wellness therapies. Our doctors are US board-certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine by the A4M.
Board-Certified Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine A4M
Providing evidence-based Anti-Aging, Weight Loss, and Regenerative therapies. All of our treatment programs are supervised medically by Dr. Jeff Ugalde, MD. He has been part of the Anti-Aging and Wellness team since 2014 serving as its Medical Director. He is the most experienced doctor in Anti-Aging Medicine in Costa Rica. He has over 20 years of experience as a physician and is US board certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.
Medical Experience & Certifications
- More than 20 years expereince as a physician.
- U.S. Board-certified in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine.
- Dual U.S. Costa Rican Citizen.
- PREMED University of Utah / MD Costa Rica.
- Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
- Wegovy / Ozempic / Semaglutide Weight Loss.
- Saxenda / Liraglutide Weight Loss.
- Phentermine Oral Weight Loss.
- Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy.
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Norditropin Out of Stock – HGH Shortages
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Attention all internet shoppers looking got HGH therapy! Are you searching for the best HGH doctors online? Beware of fraudulent marketers who use outdated bait and switch sales tactics when promoting human growth hormone benefits.
Many doctors and clinics claiming to be the best HGH doctors do not provide genuine human growth hormone therapy, but in reality, they prescribe lower-cost and less-effective “off-label” peptides.
HGH Costa Rica Medical Tourism & Clinical Therapy Expertise
Since 2013, our Anti-Aging and Weight Loss Center in Costa Rica has established itself as a leader in providing expertise in Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy. With a strong commitment to patient well-being and cutting-edge medical advancements, we have successfully helped numerous individuals achieve optimal health and vitality.
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