What is human growth hormone (HGH)?
Human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the hormones that is produced by the anterior pituitary gland (which itself is controlled by the hypothalamus gland).
HGH secretion is released under the influence of a number of factors:
- Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)
- high levels of amino acids and low levels of fatty acids in the blood stream
- Low levels of HGH
- Stress
- Blood levels of a number of hormones
Secretion of HGH is inhibited by a number of factors:
- Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH)
- Low levels of amino acids and high levels of fatty acids in the blood stream
- Obesity
- High levels of HGH
Important human growth hormone (HGH) facts
- There is little evidence to suggest HGH can reverse ageing
- Studies show that people taking HGH injections increase their lean muscle tissue and reduce body fat
- In the USA, HGH is illegal to use without a doctor’s prescription
- HGH can cause undesirable several side effects (similar to steroids)
- Some doctors prescribe HGH as an anti-ageing remedy
Why human growth hormone (HGH) is important
The body makes HGH to promote growth during childhood. HGH also maintains tissues and organs in a healthy state throughout life.
From around the age of 40, the pituitary gland reduces the amount of HGH that it produces, which could be one reason why cells and tissues age and slowly stop working as effectively as they did during childhood and younger years.
Human growth hormone therapy is currently approved for:
- Children with Turner’s syndrome
- Children with kidney failure
- Children with short stature
- Children with Prader-Willi syndrome
- Muscle wasting associated with AIDS / HIV