What are synthetic hormones used for?

Synthetic human growth hormone, also called HGH, is used to treat Turner's syndrome, a condition that halts the development of girls, states WebMD. HGH is also used to treat Prader-Willi syndrome, which causes low muscle tone, low sex drive and constant hunger.

Some other uses for synthetic HGH include a deficiency in the natural HGH the body produces, and chronic kidney insufficiency, notes WebMD. Muscle-wasting diseases associated with HIV and AIDS are also treated with synthetic HGH. Children who are born too small for gestational age receive HGH.

Although not approved by the FDA, people use HGH to improve their athletic performance, according to WebMD. Some claim that the hormone works as an anti-aging drug that reverses the deterioration of the body. Farm animals receive synthetic hormones, including trenbolone acetate and zeranol, to increase their growth rates, notes the FDA.