human growth hormone

noun

: the naturally occurring growth hormone of humans or a genetically engineered form that is used to treat children with growth hormone deficiencies and has been used especially by athletes to increase muscle mass

Examples of human growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some voters might be bothered that Pettitte admitted to using human growth hormone in 2002 and 2004 after his name surfaced in the Mitchell Report, a 409-page document Major League Baseball issued in December 2007 about players’ use of PEDs. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

During childhood, hormones—including thyroid hormones, human growth hormone (HGH), and insulin-like growth factor 1—play a major role in healthy growth and development. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

Growth hormone treatment is a safe and effective therapy that’s often used to treat children and adults with a deficiency in human growth hormone (also known as HGH or somatropin). —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

Andy Pettitte admitted in 2007 to using human growth hormone. —Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

human growth hormone

noun

: the naturally occurring growth hormone of humans or a recombinant version that is used to treat children with growth hormone deficiencies and has been used especially by athletes to increase muscle mass

—abbreviation HGH see somatropin