Human Growth Hormone Became a Popular Doping Substance in the 2000s

Human growth hormone, or HGH, is a naturally occurring substance produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. When synthetic HGH became available as a medical treatment, athletes quickly recognized its potential for building muscle, reducing body fat, and speeding recovery from injuries. Unlike anabolic steroids, HGH was virtually undetectable in standard urine tests for many years, making it extremely attractive to athletes looking to evade detection. The substance became particularly popular in professional sports during the 2000s. It was not until 2004 that a reliable blood test for HGH was developed and approved for use in sports. Even today, HGH remains difficult to detect because it has a short half-life in the body and is chemically identical to the natural hormone produced by the body.