Hi, I'm Jeff, and this is my site! As an older guy, I'm always looking for ways to stay looking and feeling youthful. I recently discovered the supplement known as IGF-1. I created this site to help spread the word about it to other people like me.
What Are the Potential IGF-1 Side Effects?
Insulin-like Growth Factor, known in the fast expanding human growth hormone development industry as IGF-1, is rapidly becoming known as one of the most widely sought after growth hormone products, not only by professional athletes and body builders, but by members of the general public who are concerned about the effects of muscle and tissue loss which come as a byproduct of the natural aging process. Given this product’s relatively recent arrival upon the international scene, there have, at present, been no major scientific studies concerning the verification of its claims, or the possibility of long term IGF-1 side effects that may accrue following long term use (or abuse).
MaxLife, the human growth hormone manufacturer which developed and distributes IGF-1, states that over two decade’s worth of research and clinical testing has gone into the perfection of this product. IGF-1 is partly developed from concentrated, cold processed deer antler velvet, primarily harvested in New Zealand. This deer antler velvet concentrate is then combined with an under the tongue spray, which, it is claimed, gives the product maximum ability to permeate all the tissues of the body, including the blood brain barrier. This is particularly good news for those who are feeling the adverse effects of the aging process. Indeed, MaxLife proudly advertises IGF-1 as a “new miracle molecule of the 21st century”. Perhaps it should come as no great surprise that no mention is given on the company’s official website as to the possibility of long (or short) term IGF-1 side effects.
The effects of this deer antler spray for the athlete would be twofold, namely, a faster buildup to “peak” performance level, as well as a greatly shortened recovery period following intense training workouts or an on-the-field injury. Because of its alleged beneficial effects on DNA and RNA, it is claimed that regular use of IGF-1 promotes a much faster, more efficient rate of production of essential proteins, particularly enzymes which work to normalize the body’s metabolism.
Leaving aside the major attractions of this deer antler spray concoction for athletes and body builders, one of the central claims MaxLife makes for its IGF-1 product may have a particular appeal for those whose family genetics include the frequent occurrence of symptoms an issues associated with diabetes. This is especially true for those who are dealing with, or fear that may soon develop, an insulin deficiency disorder.
MaxLife claims that one of the most important services rendered to the human body by its product is a marked enhancement in the utilization of blood sugar (glucose). IGF-1 is said to improve the sensitivity of insulin receptors, ensuring that insulin more easily transports glucose into the cells, where it is used for the production of energy that the body requires. MaxLife further claims that IGF-1 may improve resultant glucose levels in individuals who are suffering from abnormally high blood sugar levels.
Interestingly enough, however, there is a counter claim which has come from sources in the medical profession who oppose the increasingly widespread dissemination and use of human growth hormones and other much trumpeted “performance enhancement” substances, such as deer antler spray, or other similar products derived from deer antler velvet. For these individuals, the harm which may accrue from possible IGF-1 side effects is aggravated due to the very fact that the chemical structure of this product is purposely designed to be similar to (and perhaps, in some cases, to mimic or potentially replace the functions of) insulin.
In some very extreme cases, people have also reported experiencing severe pain, or even short term paralysis, in the nerves of their face, rendering speech and swallowing difficult. A few individuals have claimed to have experienced irregularities involving palpitations of the heart. Perhaps the very least of these harmful IGF-1 side effects has been the claim of many people to have experienced severe, irregularly occurring, migraine headaches. On the upside, however, it should be noted that almost all medications and supplements are bound to have some sort of side effects for some people, and that one person may or may not experience the same side effects as someone else.
Another, perhaps even more sinister (because less conducive to an early detection), and potentially fatal IGF-1 side effect has been alleged as well. It has been claimed by some health care professionals that this deer antler spray can aggravated previously existing tumors which are present inside the body of the person making current use of this product. It is, therefore, the opinion of some medical providers that those who have a history of cancer in their family or in their personal life should stay well away from this and other similarly derived deer antler velvet products.
A temporary personality disorder which quite often develops over time following regular use of steroids has been alleged to occur as one of the IGF-1 side effects as well. This is a pronounced increase in verbal and physical aggressiveness, popularly known as “roid rage”. The phenomenon of steroid-enhanced rages, fits of tantrum, and loss of control over one’s emotional responses in general, has been shown to be linked to the elevated testosterone levels which are present in the body after prolonged use of human growth hormone products.
This phenomenon is not to be dismissed lightly as “part of the package”. Steroid-fueled rages can lead to violent, psychotic episodes, similar in nature and harmful effect to more commonly observed outbursts of anger among drunks, or individuals suffering from bipolar or other major depressive syndromes when they do not take their prescribed medication. Episodes of “roid rage” and its accompanying syndrome, depression or temporary psychosis, can lead to tragic events such as that which involved the murder-suicide of wrestler Chris Benoit and his wife.
Granted, it is, of course, very important to acknowledge that the specific personality traits of the person using this product, and thus experiencing these potential IGF-1 side effects, plays a major role in whether these symptoms of “roid rage” persist, or ever appear in the first place. However, if the person using this deer antler spray has already been shown in the past to be prone to spells of aggression and violent behavior, accompanied by spirals into depression and utter despair, it does not bode well for them to continue doing so. The very “alpha male” dominant personality that enables them to compete at such a high level will also be the major factor in contributing to them experiencing such spells of irrationality and potential violence. Close friends and wives of such individuals are advised to steer well clear when such episodes occur.
Gynocomastia, a medical term describing the steroid-induced feminization of the breast tissue in males, resulting quite literally in enlargement of the breasts, is another potential outcome to be considered among the previously listed IGF-1 side effects. Since this and other forms of deer antler spray come solidly under the heading of human growth hormone products, it is natural that some risk of this unfortunate phenomenon be observable among its users.
Not only do human growth hormone enhances raise the level of testosterone in the body, but it is a (rarely advertised) fact that they also raise estrogen (female hormone) levels as well. This is done in order the balance out the levels of hormones being ingested, in order to stave off the increased risk of disorders and diseases that occur with raised levels of testosterone in the body (ranging from male pattern baldness to testicular or prostate cancer).
In individuals who use anabolic steroid products such as IGF 1, this excess of female hormone sometimes finds itself being dumped off into their breast area, binding to the tissue that was previously there, thus increasing the amount of fatty tissue in the area, and enlarging the user’s breasts as the ultimate outcome. Coupled with this excessive and unwelcome swelling of the breasts is a reddish, itchy, sometimes quite painful, swelling of the nipples.
This last side effect (hormonal imbalance and subsequent gynocomastia) can actually be avoided by running a PCT (post cycle therapy) after your IGF-1 cycle or by simply tapering off the cycle itself. Taking any kind of growth hormone for a period of time then abruptly stopping is sure to produce complications, but “weening” yourself off is much safer and less likely to produce any ill effects.
Are IGF 1 Side Effects Really Something to Be Concerned About?
The above mentioned symptoms, as well as others that have not been listed, are commonly reported IGF-1 side effects, many of which can be expected to be present when using other forms of deer antler spray and related human growth hormone products. Should any of these or other symptoms or conditions ensue after using IGF-1, it is strongly recommended that individual immediately discontinue use of this product, and seek professional medical attention.
