Key Takeaways
There is approximately 15% decline in the secretion of growth hormone for every decade of adult life.
- What is HGH
- Growth Hormone and Aging
- How Does HGH Therapy Work
- Benefits of HGH Therapy
What is HGH?
HGH or human growth hormone is one of the natural hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland (also known as adenohypophysis). The anterior pituitary gland normally releases human growth hormone in short bursts and growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin control the release of HGH.Functions of Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone plays multiple roles throughout life. The natural levels of HGH fluctuate during the day. It is found that physical activity influences the levels of growth hormone. HGH levels rise when you exercise.Childhood & Adolescent Growth
- Bones need growth hormone to lengthen to adult proportions
- Growth hormone triggers liver to produce insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) which is involved in human growth
Metabolism
Growth hormone supports metabolism by regulating the way your body uses fat and sugar.Muscle Mass
It promotes muscle mass growth and helps repair muscle tissues.Bone Density
Growth hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining bone mass in adults.Cell Repair
GH also plays a crucial role in tissue healing and regeneration.Normal Levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) | Picomoles per liter (pmol/L) | |
Adult Males | 0.4 to 10 | 18 to 44 |
Adult Females | 1 to 14 | 44 to 616 |
Children | 10 to 50 | 440 to 2200 |
Growth Hormone and Ageing
There is a progressive decline in growth hormone secretion after the third decade of your life. |
Somatopause
Somatopause is an age related decline in growth hormone production. It typically begins in the 30s. By the age of 60 years, many adults produce only around 20-25% of the growth hormone they produced in their 20s.Effects of GH Decline
Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength
As growth hormone levels decline, muscles become weak and begin to shrink. It becomes harder to manage daily activities.Increase in Body Fat
GH influences the way your body stores and uses fat. Fat storage shifts towards the abdomen as GH levels decline.Decreased Bone Density
Bones become thinner and more brittle.Changes in Skin Thickness & Elasticity
As GH supports collagen production, less growth hormone makes skin thinner and less elastic.Reduced Exercise Capacity & Energy Levels
Growth hormone-influenced changes in muscle and metabolism leads to lower energy and stamina.How Does HGH Therapy Work?
In HGH therapy, synthetic human growth hormone is administered via injection under the skin. HGH injections contain the bioidentical form of the growth hormone naturally produced by the anterior pituitary gland.- Why HGH Injections? The human body cannot effectively absorb synthetic HGH through pills or oral sprays as stomach acids break down the hormone and it does not enter the bloodstream in adequate amounts.
HGH and Liver Activation
As blood containing HGH molecules reaches the liver, the HGH molecules bind to growth hormone receptors in liver cells. This binding triggers the liver to produce and release Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) functions as the major mediator of growth hormone (GH) and plays a crucial role in promoting cell growth. In simple words, HGH acts as the main signal and IGF-1 acts as the primary messenger carrying out the instructions in the tissues.Benefits of HGH Therapy
The following are the proven benefits of HGH therapy:Increased Lean Muscle Mass
Human growth hormone treatment helps stimulate protein synthesis and increase muscle fiber size, promoting the growth, repair, and maintenance of muscle tissue.Reduced Body Fat (Especially Visceral Fat)
This therapy promotes the breakdown of stored fat (especially visceral fat located around the abdomen) which is then used for energy.Increased Bone Density
HGH and IGF-1 stimulate osteoblasts activity. Osteoblasts are cells responsible for building new bone which increases bone mineral density and strength.Cartilage & Connective Tissue Production
HGH and IGF-1 support production of collagen and other components vital for skin elasticity and health and integrity of cartilage.
Enhanced Exercise Capacity
HGH treatment can increase stamina and aerobic capacity in adults, improving cardiac output and muscle strength.Improved Metabolism
HGH helps regulate how your body burns fat, processes sugar, and builds muscle. It supports:- Fat breakdown
- Protein growth
- Balanced Blood sugar levels