title: Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Communal online folk pharmacology fuels the drive for short cuts in attaining muscle enhancement, fat loss, and youthful skin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study used "netnography" to explore female use of CJC-1295, a synthetic growth hormone analogue from the perspectives contained in Internet forum activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic Internet search was conducted using variation of the term "CJC-1295"; and combined with "forum." Ninety-six hits related to bodybuilding websites where CJC-1295 was mentioned. Following application of exclusion criteria to confine to female use and evidence of forum activity, 9 sites remained. These were searched internally for reference to CJC-1295. Twenty-three discussion threads relating to female use of CJC-1295 formed the end data set, and analyzed using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forum users appeared well versed and experienced in the poly use of performance and image drug supplementation. Choice to use CJC-1295 centered on weight loss, muscle enhancement, youthful skin, improved sleep, and injury healing. Concerns were described relating to female consequences of use given gender variations in growth hormone pulses affecting estimation of dosage, cycling, and long-term consequences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Public health interventions should consider female self-medicating use of synthetic growth hormone within a repertoire of product supplementation, and related adverse health consequences.
authors.affiliation: a Waterford Institute of Technology , Health, Sport and Exercise Science , Waterford , Ireland.
authors.forename: Marie Claire
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Van Hout
authors.affiliation: b Liverpool John Moore's University , Liverpool , United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hearne
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: C502076:CJC 1295; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
keywords: CJC-1295; growth hormone; netnography