Human growth hormone (HGH), also called somatotropin, is a hormone that the pituitary gland, which is pea-sized and found at the base of your brain, makes and releases. The pituitary gland has two lobes — a front (anterior) and a back (posterior) lobe. The back lobe produces HGH.
There are two types of HGH: the one your body makes naturally and a synthetic version.
The Role of HGH
Human growth hormone does two main things: It helps children grow and it affects how your body uses food for energy. Natural levels of growth hormone fluctuate during the day, which appears to be affected by physical activity.
Human Growth hormone levels enhance during childhood and peak during puberty. In this stage of development, growth hormone promotes the growth of bone and cartilage.
For growth, HGH tells certain cells in your bones and cartilage to multiply, especially during puberty, making you grow taller. For metabolism, HGH increases a hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which acts like insulin to control your blood sugar levels.
Triggers for Human Growth Hormone
Your pituitary gland normally releases HGH in short bursts (pulses) throughout the day. The release of HGH is controlled mainly by two hormones released by your hypothalamus: growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates hGH release, and somatostatin, which inhibits (inhibits) HGH release.
Several other endocrine hormones also regulate HGH, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a major suppressor of GH production, while thyroxine, glucocorticoids, and ghrelin stimulate HGH release.
IGF-1, released by your liver, is one of the most potent effectors of HGH activity. IGF-1 plays a key role in inhibiting (blocking) the release of HGH through a negative feedback loop by stimulating somatostatin and inhibiting GHRH release. However, HGH and IGF-1 secretion are regulated by one another, where HGH triggers IGF-1 release and IGF-1 inhibits HGH release in a feedback loop. In healthy people, HGH release is inhibited by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and stimulated by sleep, stress, exercise, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and amino acids.
Benefits of HGH Treatment
In children, HGH shots treat short stature of unknown cause as well as poor growth due to several medical reasons, including:
Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects a girl’s growth
Chronic kidney disease
HGH deficiency or insufficiency
Babies born small for gestational age
HGH for adults with growth hormone deficiency
In adults, approved uses of HGH include:
Short bowel syndrome, is a condition in which nutrients are not absorbed properly due to severe bowel disease or the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine
HGH deficiency is caused by rare pituitary tumors or their treatment
A muscle-wasting disease that comes with HIV or AIDS
Can HGH increase your height After age 21?
Human growth hormone only makes children taller. Once the growth plates in a child’s bones have fused, HGH stops working that way.
Human Growth Hormone Abuse
Some people get HGH shots from doctors who prescribe them for off-label purposes (uses for which the FDA hasn’t approved them) and through Internet pharmacies, anti-aging clinics, and websites.
HGH in elite sports
Some people use the hormone in conjunction with other performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, to build muscle and improve athletic performance. Yet the effect of HGH on athletic performance is unknown.
HGH for Aging
Since the body’s HGH levels naturally decline with age, some so-called anti-aging experts have claimed that HGH products can reverse the body’s age-related decline. But these claims are also unproven. The use of HGH for anti-aging is not approved by the FDA.
HGH for Sexual Performance
Studies suggest that synthetic human growth hormones may enhance sexual performance. It may help men with things like getting an erection, and may also enhance women’s sexual function, but it is not approved by the FDA for this use.
HGH Side Effects
Possible side effects of HGH use include:
Nerve, muscle, or joint pain
Swelling (edema) due to fluid in body tissues
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Numbness and tingling of the skin
High cholesterol levels
HGH may also increase the risk of diabetes and may contribute to the development of cancerous tumors.
And if you take the drug illegally, you may not know what you’re getting. Because of the high cost, HGH medications are counterfeit. If you’re not getting HGH from your doctor, you may be getting an unapproved product.
You should talk to our HGHMeds Team before considering any form of HGH.