Human Growth Hormone
In this eye-opening episode of the Decoding Health podcast, Dr. Urban Kiernan dives deep into Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and its role in biohacking, longevity, and performance. He unpacks what HGH actually is—somatotropin, how it's produced by the pituitary gland, and how it influences growth through insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2). The conversation breaks down the various forms of HGH (injectable, topical, oral), clarifying the science behind what works, what’s a waste of money, and what’s legally prescribed. Dr. Kiernan also explores the growing use—and misuse—of HGH in wellness, sports, and anti-aging, the hidden risks of overuse (like diabetes and cancer proliferation), and the unintended hormonal disruptions caused by trendy weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and semaglutide, especially their impact on teenagers. Listeners get a full-spectrum view of HGH’s therapeutic potential and the biochemical consequences of manipulating the body’s natural hormone systems.