The following article is meant to provide comprehensive information on human growth hormone. What is it, how it works, why you should know about it and what relevant steps to take.
What do you mean by Hormone?
Hormones are chemical substances that are produced by specific cells of the body and act on nearby cells, including the same cells from which they are produced. These hormones are responsible for regulating the activity of various organs, tissues and cells in the body and can cause changes in structure and function. They are produced in ductless glands and are carried through the blood to the areas of the body where they exert their effects. Hormones play an important role in controlling and coordinating many of the body’s functions, such as metabolism, growth and development, and reproductive processes.
Introduction to HGH- Human Growth Hormone
Human Growth Hormone, also known as HGH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the human body. It was first discovered about 50 years ago, but it was not until the 1970s that scientists fully understood its function. Despite being identified in the human body, HGH remained a mysterious substance for many years.
As humans get older, the hormone Human Growth Hormone (HGH) that is produced by the pituitary gland decreases. During adolescence, HGH is produced at higher levels to promote the growth of tissues. However, after reaching maturity, HGH levels gradually decrease.
Research has shown that the 24-hour secretion rate of HGH is reduced by half when a person reaches 60 years old. Studies have also revealed that the amount of HGH released in the body decreases by 14% for every 10 years after the age of 21-31.
For example, a 20 year old produces 500 micrograms of HGH a day, 40 year olds produce 200 micrograms and 80 year olds produce 25 micrograms.
What is the function of human growth hormone (hGH)?
The purpose of human growth hormone (hGH) is two-fold, it stimulates growth, primarily in children, and it influences metabolism, meaning the way the body converts food into energy. Latest research reveals that HGH can also have more comprehensive benefits on various aspects.
What are your growth hormone levels ?
If you wish to determine the amount of growth hormones in your body, the best way to do so is to measure the plasma IGF-1 level. IGF-1 is the hormone responsible for most of the effects associated with hgh. It is currently being studied as a distinct medication for some of the same symptoms of growth hormone, and may even become the hormone of choice.
When the plasma IGF-1 level is lower than 350 IU, it is an indication of growth hormone deficiency. Studies have revealed that in healthy individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, less than 5% have a plasma IGF-1 level of less than 350 IU/litre. As people age, the percentage of those with lower levels of IGF-1 increases; by the time they reach 65 years old, around 50% of the healthiest individuals may be partially or completely lacking in growth hormone.
As we age, our bodies often become less firm and more wrinkled, with bulges and sags appearing in the mirror. This is a result of a decrease in the level of growth hormone (GH) in the body. It is believed that genetics and regular exercise can help to maintain higher GH levels, while men who are aging more quickly may be experiencing a form of “male menopause” or “somatopause”. Similar processes also occur in women.
GH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland which helps to regulate a variety of bodily functions and processes, including cell growth, metabolism, and muscle and bone development. When the body’s GH levels decrease, these processes are affected, leading to a decrease in muscle mass, an increase in body fat, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
It is important to note that although GH levels decrease naturally as we age, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular exercise can help to slow the process. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can also help to keep the body’s GH levels at a healthy level and ensure a more gradual aging process.
Why you need to know about hgh ?
As humans reach their early twenties, the pituitary gland naturally begins to reduce the amount of human growth hormone (HGH) released into their bloodstream. Although the growth process is complete at this point, HGH still plays a vital role in many body processes and metabolic functions.
For those in their 40s, the desire to reverse the signs of aging is often a top priority. Research has shown that increasing HGH levels can help to slow the aging process, and may even be the key to longevity. With this in mind, many people in this age group are looking into anti-aging products, such as HGH secretagogues or releasers, NAD, acai berry, antioxidants, multivitamin supplements etc. as a way to boost their HGH levels and keep themselves looking and feeling younger.
HGH is “The Master Hormone” in your body
As we age, many health problems can arise due to the decrease in human growth hormone (HGH) production. HGH is the hormone released by the pituitary gland which is responsible for controlling the aging process. It is considered the master hormone that initiates and maintains the balance of other hormones in the body, such as sex hormones.
From the moment we are born until around the age of 25, our bodies produce a healthy amount of growth hormones, which helps us stay young and slows down the aging process. During our early twenties, we have a lot of energy, and can stay up late to study or party. We have a high level of sexual performance, and we heal quickly from injuries.
But as we get older, the amount of growth hormones our bodies produce decreases by 10-15% each decade, starting around our mid twenties. This decrease in hormones leads to the signs of aging, and makes us more vulnerable to serious health conditions which become more common as we age.
So, in essence, Growth hormone has a profound effect on the human body, influencing it in numerous ways. It is especially beneficial to young children, as it helps to increase the size of their bones, as well as the number of tissues and organs. Furthermore, research has revealed that growth hormone can help regenerate brain tissues that have been damaged.
This suggests that it is capable of influencing even the most complex organ in the body. Not only does it have a beneficial impact on physical growth, but it can also be used to help repair the brain and restore its proper functioning.
In order to counteract the effects of aging, experts across various anti aging clinics recommend Sermorelin peptide therapy to increase HGH levels, besides certain “hgh releasers” that can be taken in conjunction with antioxidants and multi-vitamins. These substances work together to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to keep it functioning optimally and promote youthfulness.
Adult growth hormone deficiency (GH-deficiency)
Patients with untreated growth hormone deficiency (GH-deficiency) can experience a variety of serious health complications. These include:-
- An increased risk of cardiovascular mortality
- reduced muscle strength
- difficulty with exercise
- abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF)
- defective sweat glands
- inconsistency with thermoregulation
- a reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure
- abnormal metabolism of thyroid hormone
- diminished myocardial function
- signs of premature atherosclerosis.
In terms of composition, GH-deficient people can have an increased fat mass, decreased lean body mass, visceral obesity (belly fat), a decrease in the muscle-to-fat ratio, a reduction in extracellular fluid (ECF) volume, and a decrease in bone mineral content (BMC). Furthermore, two separate groups of researchers have observed impaired psychological health in those with lower GH levels.
When the amount of insulin in the body decreases rapidly, it can lead to a dangerous condition known as insulin shock, which can be devastating. Similarly, when growth hormone levels start to decline in people over the age of 30, it can cause the body to age more quickly. This can have serious consequences if it is not identified and treated promptly.
However, the effects of growth hormone injections tend to be less dramatic and immediate compared to other hormones in the human body.
HGH and aging
People often unknowingly contribute to their own aging process through their dietary and lifestyle choices. Eating fast food multiple times a week, taking medications, avoiding exercise, smoking, and not eating organic foods can all have a detrimental effect on the body and decrease the amount of growth hormone produced. All of these things can accelerate the aging process, reducing both the quantity and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand the potential benefits of growth hormone and how it could be used to potentially extend life.
Why and How our bodies produce growth hormone?
The human growth hormone is essential for a person’s health and vitality, and it is important to understand how and why it is produced in the body. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is responsible for producing the hormone. This gland is connected to the hypothalamus, also known as the brain’s command center, through a network of small capillaries.
The hypothalamus receives signals from the nervous system and sends instructions to the pituitary gland, stimulating the release of growth hormones. The hypothalamus is only the size of four peas combined, yet it is responsible for controlling the production of muscles, growth of the body, function of the thyroid gland, mammary glands, sleep center, appetite, emotions, heat production, and thermoregulation.
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
The Hypothalamic-pituitary axis is an important system in the body, as it controls the release of hormones from various glands such as the growth hormone, thyroid, sex glands and adrenal glands. It is also responsible for regulating the body’s stress response.
The pituitary gland, located in the brain, is responsible for the production of a wide variety of hormones, with human growth hormone being the most abundant. Half of the cells in the pituitary are somatotrophes, which are responsible for the production of somatotrophin, more commonly known as growth hormone. This hormone is released in short bursts, known as pulses, during the early hours of deep sleep, making the saying “you grow while you sleep” more than just an idiom. This hormone is essential for proper growth and development, and is particularly important during the adolescent years.
The hypothalamus, located above the pituitary gland, is the main control center for this system. It releases a hormone called growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) which helps to regulate the production of Human Growth Hormone from the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces a variety of hormones, including prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and adrenal corticotropic hormone, which are released into the bloodstream.
HGH, after release from pituitary has a very short lifespan, usually lasting no longer than thirty minutes. The liver then plays a crucial role in transforming the initial growth hormone that it has received through the blood into another hormone known as insulin-like growth factor one (IGF-l). This hormone is the active metabolite of human growth hormone and works on major endocrine organs, such as the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the gonads in both male and female bodies.
Additionally, The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis helps to mobilize fat stored in the body and promotes protein synthesis. When mature patients receive the injectable form of the Master Hormone (Human Growth Hormone) in HGH replacement therapy, they often experience weight loss and an increase in muscle mass, even when the treatment period is short.
Somatostatin- the hormone that suppresses HGH
The hypothalamus is responsible for controlling the body’s growth, healing and youthful characteristics. It does this by generating somatostatin, a hormone that suppresses the production of HGH. However, the hypothalamus can also send signals to the pituitary to produce bursts of active growth hormone into the body.
The nervous system is responsible for controlling the hypothalamus, which in turn is responsible for regulating the release of growth hormone from the pituitary somatotrophe cells. This regulation is done through two regulatory systems – GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) and somatostatin. GHRH stimulates GH release while somatostatin inhibits it.
Emotional excitement, exercise, stress and dieting can all increase the amount of GH released, while obesity and free fatty acids act as inhibitors. The combined effect of all of these factors results in a pulsatile pattern of release.
These surges of growth hormone are mostly released during our deepest sleep, during the period of REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep, when we have our most vivid dreams. During these times, the body is able to take full advantage of the growth hormone’s effects. Basal levels of growth hormone in the blood are usually low, but they increase significantly during deep sleep in children and young adults.
IGF-1 :- How the Master Hormone Human Growth Hormone Works Its ‘Magic’ ?
IGF-1, which is produced in the liver, after HGH reaches the liver, is essential for the growth of organs, muscles and bones, as well as helping the body to heal from wounds and keeping the skin and muscles firm and healthy. When the pituitary gland detects that enough growth hormone is present in the bloodstream, it stops producing the hormone and signals the hypothalamus to do the same to GHRH.
HGH vs Steroids
The injectable form of human growth hormone is regarded by some experts as naturally identical to the one produced by the body, even though it is produced synthetically in pharmaceutical laboratories through genetic engineering. Occasionally, some physicians refer to such produced human growth hormone as rGH, the first letter designating “recombinant.” It is important to note that although human growth hormone is not a steroid, it can be potentially damaging when injected without proper medical supervision.
The health benefits of increasing your HGH levels
There is an abundance of evidence that suggests that Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has a plethora of health benefits. HGH production is at its highest during youth, and as we age, our levels of hgh decline, resulting in a decrease in energy and vitality.
Studies have shown that the use of HGH can help to-
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve skin health and hydration
- Boost energy levels
- Rejuvenate the bone marrow
- Promote cardiovascular health
- Extend the life span of cells
- Reduce the signs of aging
- Promote weight loss & increased muscle mass
- Improve sexual performance
The New England Journal of Medicine published a study by Daniel Rudman (MD) which examined the anti-aging effects of HGH. The findings were remarkable, and over the past 30 years, further studies and clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of HGH. Those who have been administered with intramuscular injections of HGH have seen an increase in muscle mass, a decrease in body fat, improved sexual performance, a decrease in wrinkles and cellulite, and an increase in immune function.
HGH is the main hormone that is responsible for hormone balance in a human body. Produced by the pituitary gland, HGH is a crucial part of maintaining health and wellbeing, and is essential for a long and healthy life.
How is hGH used as medication?
The US Food and Drug Administration have given approval to the use of synthetic human growth hormone (hGH) for treating certain medical conditions. Real HGH is only available via prescription and is administered through injections.
In children, healthcare professionals may prescribe hGH to address growth hormone deficiency and conditions that cause short stature, such as chronic kidney disease, Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. Adults may also be prescribed hGH to treat growth hormone deficiency, muscle tissue loss due to HIV, and short bowel syndrome.
It is important for people to only take synthetic hGH if it has been prescribed to them by a healthcare professional.
Human growth hormone and anti-aging treatments
A team of researchers conducted a systematic review of 31 high-quality studies involving 220 subjects who received growth hormone (GH) treatment and 227 control subjects who did not. The average age of the participants was 69, and two-thirds of them were male. The majority of the volunteers were overweight but not obese.
The dosage of GH and the duration of treatment varied among studies, but the hormone was successful in increasing the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by 88%. Compared to the control group, the GH recipients gained an average of 4.6 pounds of lean body mass and lost an equal amount of body fat. There were no significant changes in other health parameters such as LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, triglycerides, aerobic capacity, bone density, fasting blood sugar, and insulin levels.
However, GH recipients also experienced a high rate of side effects, including fluid retention, joint pain, breast enlargement, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The studies were too short to detect any changes in the risk of cancer, but other research does suggest an increased risk of cancer in general and prostate cancer in particular.
How to take HGH without side effects?
Sermorelin peptide therapy and natural HGH releasers are side-effects free methods to get the anti-aging benefits of HGH. These therapies are much safer than conventional HGH injections therapy.
If directly taking HGH injections for treatment of Adult GHD, Dr. Chein and Terry recommended a protocol which has minimum chances of side effects. They recommend high-frequency, low-dose (HF-LD) strategy of administering HGH injections that mimics natural HGH production.
They used one-quarter to one-half of Dr. Rudman’s weekly dosage, 4 to 8 IU a week, or .3 to .7 IU twice daily. And they taught their patients to administer HGH subcutaneously before sleep and upon arising six out of seven days a week. The seventh day without HGH is to stop the negative feedback on the pituitary itself so that it continues producing that hgh which it is already producing.