special subjects
Other Commonly Abused Substances
Growth Hormone
Growth hormone is produced by the Overview of the Pituitary Gland to help the body control how proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are used to stimulate growth. Growth hormone is also manufactured as a medication and is sometimes given to children of small stature when their body is unable to make enough growth hormone. Some athletes abuse growth hormone because they believe it can increase muscle growth and strength while decreasing body fat. Use of growth hormone without medical need over a long period can cause an increase in fat levels in the blood, diabetes, and an increase in heart size, which may result in Heart Failure (HF) . Laboratory tests to identify growth hormone not made by the person’s own body are not routinely available. 