Human Growth Hormone

What’s covered?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a substance produced by the pituitary gland, which is located in the base of the brain. HGH is also known as somatotropin and it promotes cell growth, regeneration of tissue and muscle development in general throughout the body. HGH is produced in the pituitary gland, which lies behind and below the nose. The anterior part of that gland consists of the Somatotrophs, which produce and secrete HGH into the bloodstream. For more information on blood tests, you can read our comprehensive guide.

HGH has many functions: it stimulates growth and cell reproduction during childhood; it helps maintain tissue and muscle mass as well as bone strength during adulthood; it plays a role in metabolism; it promotes an adequate immune system function; and it also acts as a hormone to stimulate kidney sugar production. Although HGH is not essential for life, its absence will lead to some type of human dwarfism.

The amount of human growth hormone present in our body declines with age, so this substance can be used therapeutically to prevent aging. However, this usage is controversial because HGH has a high potential for abuse, especially among elite athletes and body builders who believe that it can increase physical performance and muscle mass significantly.

Because of its functions, use of HGH by adults, in particular older adults, may have several benefits. Some people with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) also have low levels of human growth hormone and might benefit from treatment with human growth hormone injections. HGH therapy has been shown to improve exercise capacity in some patients when used alone or in combination with testosterone. It increases lean muscle mass, reduces fat tissue and improves the quality of life for individuals who are deficient in growth hormone due to disease or injury.[4] In addition, people with growth hormone deficiency are usually advised to exercise, which can be difficult as it may cause joint pain. HGH replacement therapy may help reduce this discomfort to enable patients to do more and get stronger over time.[5]

Some of the common side effects associated with human growth hormone treatment include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, nerve compression in the knees or hips and joint pain/stiffness. However, as with other medications that treat hormonal imbalances (like estrogen), human growth hormone replacement may actually increase a woman’s risk for developing certain cancers. To avoid these side effects from occurring, one must carefully monitor blood sugar levels when starting treatment and evaluate the benefits vs. risks before beginning a regimen of daily administration.

Despite its popularity, human growth hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone. For example, it may worsen the symptoms of people with diabetes or those who have had a stroke and cannot lie flat in order to inject themselves.[6] In addition, there are several possible complications associated with the use of HGH which must be considered before starting treatment. These include carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve compression in the knees or hips, muscle pain/stiffness and joint pain/swelling.

Overall, while human growth hormone replacement therapy can provide significant benefits for individuals with growth hormones deficiencies, these patients should be monitored closely in order to avoid potential side effects that might occur from taking this medication.[7]

References:

1. “Human Growth Hormone (HGH)”. MayoClinic.com. Accessed September 28th, 2016

2. “What is Human Growth Hormone?” National Institute of Health. February 2013. Accessed September 28th, 2016

3. Ibid 1

4. “Benefits of hgh replacement therapy for adults – WebMD Answers” accessed October 3rd, 2016 <http://answersandreviews-webmd-com1).htm&gt

5. Ibid 4:30 PM Sept 30th, 2016 “hgh study benefits arthritis carpal tunnel syndrome diabetes health and fitness human growth hormone weight lifting aging anti aging childhood body builder exercise height muscle pain performance placebo review therapy workout.htm>”

6. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Accessed September 28th, 2016 <http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/human-growth-hormone&gt ; “Benefits of hgh replacement therapy for adults – WebMD Answers” accessed October 3rd, 2016 <http://answersandreviews-webmd-com1).htm&gt7. Ibid 4:30 PM Sept 30th, 2016 “hgh study benefits arthritis carpal tunnel syndrome diabetes health and fitness human growth hormone weight lifting aging anti aging childhood body builder exercise height muscle pain performance placebo review therapy workout.htm>”

8. Ibid, 1 “Benefits of hgh replacement therapy for adults – WebMD Answers” accessed October 3rd, 2016 <http://answersandreviews-webmd-com1).htm&gt&gt

9. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Accessed September 28th, 2016 <http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/human-growth-hormone&gt ; “Benefits of hgh replacement therapy for adults – WebMD Answers” accessed October 3rd, 2016 <http://ans effective reallyausangle of hit tape all about &amp