As its name implies, scientists originally found HGH to be responsible for growth regulation during childhood.
Some research even suggests that it may play a role in how the heart functions.
Production
Human growth hormone consists of a single chain of 191 amino acids.
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It is made in the brain but secreted in the bloodstream.
The pituitary puts out HGH in pulsatile bursts that vary hourly.
Higher daily hGH levels are seen after exercise, trauma, and sleep.
Peak highest levels are reached at night.
Function
HGH is mainly involved in two processesgrowth and metabolism.
HGH stimulates bone and cartilage growth, especially during periods of rapid growth during childhood.
This is the anabolic state.
HGH also mitigates insulins ability to take up glucose in the muscles and peripheral tissues.
This causes more glucose to remain in the blood and an increased rate of gluconeogenesis by the liver.
Growth Hormone Disorders
Growth hormone disorders result from either too much or too little HGH.
Hypersecretion of HGH from the pituitary leads to gigantism or acromegaly.
HGH deficiency leads to short stature in children or GH deficiency syndrome in adults.
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is most commonly due to a brain tumoran HGH secretingpituitary adenoma.
Facial features include deep nasolabial furrows, prominent supraorbital ridges and enlargement of the nose and lips.
If the mass gets large enough it can cause reproductive disorders and oraffect ones vision.
Since epiphyseal closure occurs before adulthood, this is typically an illness with an onset seen in children.
The organ and metabolic impacts are similar to acromegaly.
HGH Deficiency
In children, idiopathic HGH deficiency is most common.
If HGH deficiency appears during adulthood it typically presents alongside a constellation of other hypopituitary deficiencies.
Adults can have decreased skeletal muscle, increased belly fat, and early-onset osteoporosis.
Use and Benefits
HGH induces growth in nearly every tissue and organ in the body.
Therefore, hGH is most often used to treat poor growth in children and adults.
HGH has also been highly touted anecdotally for itsanti-aging effectsbut these claims have not been supported by research.
Taking rhGH not only increases muscle mass, but it also enhances recovery.
The drug has been found in swimmers and also in players taking part in major sports events.
Sports leagues including Major League Baseball and the National Football League have also banned its use.
HGH Safety
As previously mentioned, HGH can have many adverse side effects.
Also, HGH is injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously so there may be injury at the injection site.
HGH should only be taken under the watchful eye of a healthcare professional.
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