Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Growth is a very complex process, and requires the coordinated action of several hormones. Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein hormone of about 190 amino acids that is synthesized and secreted by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary that promotes growth during childhood and adolescence. It is a major participant in control of several complex physiologic processes, including growth and metabolism.
Physiologic Effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
A critical concept in understanding human growth hormone (HGH) activity is that it has two distinct types of effects:
- Direct effects are the result of growth hormone binding its receptor on target cells.
- Indirect effects are mediated primarily by a insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a hormone that is secreted from the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone.
Symptoms of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Deficiency
It is estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 children in the United States have growth failure due to human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency. Symptoms of human growth hormone (HGH) reduction include increased body fat, increased anxiety, social isolation, poor general health, and lack of positive well being. HGH has been the supplement of choice for many professional athletes over the years.
Causes of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Deficiency
Human growth hormone (HGH)is a protein that is produced by the pituitary gland and is vital for normal growth. Human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency exists when this hormone is absent or produced in inadequate amounts. If other pituitary hormones are lacking, the condition is called hypopituitarism. When all the pituitary hormones are missing, the child has panhypopituitarism.
Sometimes no cause for hypopituitarism can be identified, or if a cause is suspected, it may be difficult to prove. Researchers are trying to learn more about the causes of human growth hormone deficiency and hypopituitadsm.
Treatment of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Deficiency
Human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency is treated with injections of growth hormone. Some children receive three of four injections a week, while other receive daily injections. The treatment of human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency usually is carried out over several years, until the child achieves an acceptable adult height or maximum growth potential is reached. It is important to remember that growth is a slow process that is measured over months; children who expect to grow overnight when they start treatment will be disappointed.
If testing disclose other hormone deficiencies, medications are available to replace them; thyroid hormone, cortisol and sex hormones can be administered easily when found to be lacking. It is important that these hormones are taken as directed, because normal growth can occur only when all hormones are present in the proper amounts. Good nutrition and adequate rest are important for normal growth in all children.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Supplementation Benefits
Some of the benefits associated with Human growth hormone (HGH) supplementation include the reversal of common diseases associated with aging, improved brain activity and function, it strengthens connective tissue which reduces the probability of injury, incredible weight loss without any loss in lean mass, reduces wrinkles by rejuvenating the skin, it raises energy levels and brightens mood, promotes muscle growth, improves libido, improves functions of the lungs which increases the level of oxygen in the blood stream, provides immune system support and Thymus function, and probably the most impressive characteristic is, its ability to produce more muscle cells, something no steroid can do.
Human growth hormone (HGH) replacement in adults may have a beneficial effect on lipids. In a recent study, it was reported that short courses of Human growth hormone (HGH) reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol while it improved exercise capacity and cardiac function. Human growth hormone supplement given to children who suffer with abnormally slow bone growth to enable them to grow taller.