Injectable growth hormones were considered more expensive compared to anabolic steroids. They were also believed to be an effective doping agent way back the 80s. Its ability to cause an effect on muscle mass is very controversial.

In a study conducted by Christer Ehrnborg of Sahlgrenska Academy at Gotterborg University in Sweden, the hormones were found to improve neither muscle mass nor physical performance.

The study involved 30 well-trained people in Sweden. Twenty were injected with growth hormone while the remaining ten only received placebo injections. They were tested using an exercise cycle. Based on their physical performance, those who were receiving growth hormones did not perform better than those on placebo.

Body measurements were also taken as well as body composition. Results showed a decrease in fat level but an increase in the amount of water in the body.

Users of growth hormones usually notice a difference in their body, and they must have assumed that it is due to an increase in muscle mass. However, the study did not show any improvements on performance when using growth hormones. A new doping test is already in the process of being launched based partially on this study’s results.

From The Medical News:

Anyone who injects growth hormone with the intention of gaining muscle mass and improving performance should think again.

The hormone improves neither muscle mass nor physical performance. This is shown in a new dissertation from the Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University in Sweden.