Features of GH abuse in athletes:
(1) The dose may be much higher than the doses used to treat growth hormone deficiency.
(2) The athlete may also be abusing anabolic steroids, IGF-I and other compounds.
Risk factors for adverse effects associated with GH:
(1) high doses
(2) prolonged administration
(3) products derived from human pituitary
(4) illicit products of uncertain origin
Adverse effects linked to GH abuse:
(1) carpal tunnel syndrome
(2) arthralgias and myalgias
(3) sodium retention by the kidneys, which leads to water retention and edema
(4) insulin resistance which may progress to diabetes
(5) cardiomyopathy
(6) skeletal changes of acromegaly
(7) headache
(8) paresthesias
