Why the jury is still out on human growth hormone for athletes, and the rest of us

Human growth hormone (HGH). Everything about the name sounds wonderful. Human compounds are empirically humane. ‘Growth’ conjures warm images of our childhoods and suggests attaining athletic vigour through the most organic means. Advocates point out that as we age, HGH naturally declines and hence its marketed as an injectable mini-fountain of youth. Yet, negative media coverage abounds. Who …