Steroids vs. HGH: What's the difference?

Steroids have been a popular, albeit illegal, option for decades. And understandably so, they can help gym-goers build mass, strengthen, and grow muscle.

This option is particularly compelling for people who struggle to increase their body weight, put on muscle or develop a muscular body. You will no doubt sympathize with this predicament if you have a slim build and high metabolism.

What's more, steroids dangle the tantalizing possibility of rapid progress. When you have been working hard in the gym for months or years with little to show for it, the prospect of a transformation in a matter of weeks becomes highly desirable.

Many different types and varieties of steroids - legal and illegal - work in specific and unique ways to provide subtle differences and benefits.

For example, some steroids can be more beneficial for bulking, some are best suited to help people lose fat, and others are best for people who want to boost a reduction of naturally occurring hormones and chemicals.

One of the most popular illegal steroids is HGH. Used to promote growth, this steroid and its legal alternatives are different from the rest.

In this article, we’re exploring steroids vs. HGH to see the difference between them.

What are steroids?

First things first, what are steroids?

Anabolic steroids are the most popular illegal steroids. They have been illegal since 1990 when they were outlawed at the federal and state levels.

This is partly because these steroids have a lot of risks and side effects that harm the people using them, including reproductive, physical and mental health issues.

As a result, anabolic steroids are illegal in the US, and the only way to legally take them is if they’ve been prescribed by a physician.

Thankfully, help is at hand in the form of legal steroids, also known as steroid alternatives. Legal steroid is a catch-all term to describe natural workout supplements, and they usually have a lot of different ingredients to help people build mass and get the most out of their workouts in a safe way that won't get them in trouble with the law.

You'll likely find tailored natural steroid alternatives for each specific illegal option.

Related content: 5 side effects of testosterone injections you’ll want to avoid

What is HGH?

HGH (also known as the human growth hormone) style="font-weight: 400;"> is responsible for teen growth spurts and an influx in muscle mass.

It has other effects, making it a desirable synthetic substance for people. HGH can also help regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, metabolism, and potentially even heart function.

As you age, your body will naturally produce less HGH, beginning in your 20s and 30s - and slowly declining from there. The result is that your physique can start to deteriorate, and you can become less toned and bulky. People take HGH to reverse these effects and top up on the substance their body is no longer producing.

Just like anabolic steroids, HGH is illegal to use unless prescribed to you by a doctor. The substance treats many issues for both children and adults, with its primary function being to help people who have problems growing.

Related content: 10 benefits of human growth hormone (HGH) and the surprising side effects

What are the differences between steroids and HGH?

Although both substances are being illegally used to help people build mass and achieve their ideal physique, there are massive differences between them.

In addition to their being very different compounds in terms of their biology, they also have other differences ranging from how you use them, the side effects they carry, and the punishment if caught with them.

What are they made of (and how do you take them)?

The most significant difference is that HGH is a naturally produced chemical in your body - being created within your brain from the pituitary gland.

On the other hand, steroids are entirely synthetic and have no natural counterpart. Instead, they artificially mimic testosterone, the male hormone, and similar illicit effects to the natural hormone.

You can take anabolic steroids by swallowing a pill, which is the same as when taking HGH. However, you can also take steroids by injecting them into your muscles with a hypodermic needle, which you can't do with HGH.

In addition, you can also apply steroids as a cream that's absorbed through the skin, meaning that there are many more options for taking steroids.

What are the side effects?

Both steroids and HGH have many side effects. They are both capable of causing severe health issues and even death if misused and abused.

The common side effects of steroid misuse include:

• Kidney and liver issues and failure
• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure
• Infertility and erectile dysfunction
• Hair loss and acne
• Development of male breasts

The side effects when taking HGH are:

• Increased risk of diabetes
• Nerve, muscle or joint pain
• Swelling due to excess fluid in the tissues
• Carpal tunnel
• Numbness of the skin
• High cholesterol

Are they illegal?

Furthermore, you could face jail time and a fine if the authorities find you possessing either of these drugs without a prescription.

Even possessing a tiny amount of anabolic steroids will result in up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. However, if you have a considerable amount where it can be deemed you intend to supply, you can get six years in prison and a massive $250,000 fine.

The fines and punishment are similar for those using HGH, meaning both are treated with severe penalties.

Related content: Are steroids legal in the US?

Does HGH have legal alternatives?

As discussed, anabolic steroids have legal alternatives that naturally mimic the effects of the drugs.

Thankfully, HGH has an alternative that is much safer and legal all over the US.

The alternatives you'll find for HGH are commonly known as HGH releasers. Instead of taking pills that artificially give your body more of the chemical, what an HGH releaser does is that it makes your pituitary gland release more natural HGH.

This is because certain amino acids encourage this gland to make more HGH. These HGH alternatives contain these amino acids, allowing your body to produce more natural HGH safely and in a controlled manner.

Steroids vs. HGH: The verdict…

In the same way, people turn to steroids to help them get bigger and attain a more attractive, youthful appearance - HGH is another option people can be tempted to if they want to retain youthful looks and reserve aging.

However, despite the differences in how they work and what they target, both steroids and HGH are illegal and can have harmful side-effects. They can't be used or distributed unless you've been given a prescription from a doctor to help combat a medical issue.

Taking these substances is never worth the risk. Risking hefty fines, jail time and significant (and lasting) damage to your mental and physical health is too heavy a price to pay for quick boosts to your physique.

Thankfully, there are alternative, legal and natural options.

If you want more human growth hormone in your body, you can look for legal options such as our HGH-X2 product. This is an HGH releaser and stimulates your pituitary gland to release more HGH naturally, helping you retain muscle mass and improve your physique.

It'll be irresponsible to say that steroids are better than HGH or vice versa. Instead, it's best to turn to legal alternatives if you are looking for practical support in your fitness goals. The legal options are safer and will help you achieve your dream physique naturally.