Growth Hormone: Benefit or Harm

Growth hormone has always been associated mainly with children, who need this substance for proper development, and bodybuilders, for whom it helps to build muscle mass. But not so long ago, interest in this substance went far beyond these categories. Now many seek by all possible methods to increase the concentration of this hormone in their body. They do this because it supposedly slows down the aging process. How much truth is in this theory and will taking a synthetic analogue of growth hormone harm your health? To understand this, first you need to figure out what growth hormone is for a person, what is its benefit and harm to the body.

What is growth hormone

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein compound produced by the part of the brain known as the pituitary gland. The production of this substance depends on other hormones produced in the hypothalamus, as well as in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. After the pituitary gland releases another portion of hGH, this substance remains active in the bloodstream for only a few minutes. But this time is enough for the liver to convert it into growth factors, the most important of which is insulin-like growth factor-1, which, in fact, endows various cells with the ability to grow.

The pituitary gland releases HGH under certain conditions. For example, after intense physical activity, after an injury, and also during sleep. In a healthy person, growth hormone is produced more intensively at night. The activity of this process also changes at different ages. In children, for example, the production of the hormone is quite intense, reaching its peak during puberty, so that children grow and develop rapidly. But already in middle age, the activity of the pituitary gland slows down, and the amount of HGH produced decreases.

As this substance decreases in the body, changes occur in muscle and bone tissue, which are associated with natural aging. But in the organisms of some people, regardless of age, the amount of hGH can be critically low, which is why various diseases develop. This fact prompted scientists to develop a synthetic analogue of human growth hormone. The first synthetic HGH appeared in the 80s of the last century. By the way, today this substance is presented exclusively in the form of a solution for injection. However, in online stores you can sometimes see growth hormone in tablets or capsules. So, this is nothing but a fake. Human growth hormone tablets do not exist. At least, the substance in tablet form is not used for medical purposes. In the form of capsules or tablets, substances that stimulate the production of the hormone can be sold, but by no means the hormone itself.

The main functions of HGH

Based on the name of this hormone, it becomes obvious that it is necessary for the proper growth of a person, that is, children experience the main need for this substance. And what about adults? Do adult mature organisms need HGH?

The state of various tissues in the human body depends on growth hormone. For example, in children and adolescents, hGH stimulates the growth of bones and cartilage. In adults, it increases protein production, promotes the utilization of excess fat, maintains blood sugar levels and increases the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1. The hormone is necessary for a person to regenerate cells, grow and maintain the health of tissues, including the brain and other vital organs.

Separately, we should talk about growth hormone and the female body. Few people know, but in the body of women, the amount of HGH begins to decline much earlier than in men – already after the age of 20, while in men, the indicators begin to decline only after 35 years. Signs of a hormone decrease in women include dry skin, wrinkles, thinning hair, and increased belly fat.

growth hormone deficiency

A synthetic analogue of growth hormone was originally developed for medical use. There are conditions and diseases caused by a deficiency of this substance. An effective way to defeat the disease is to take a synthetic substitute.

It is possible to suspect a hormone deficiency in a child if his growth lags significantly behind the norms of his peers. It is realistic to determine the lack of HGH in adults only with the help of special tests. Routine blood tests to determine hormone deficiency are useless at best, misleading at worst.

Lack of HGH can occur for various reasons. For example, in the presence of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma), after surgical treatment of the adenoma or the use of radiation therapy.

For people who are deficient in the hormone, the introduction of a synthetic substance helps:

• easier to endure physical activity;
• strengthen bone density and reduce the risk of fractures;
• increase muscle mass;
• reduce the percentage of body fat;
• reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

Signs of HGH deficiency in children:

• the child is much shorter than his peers;
• grows less than 5 cm per year;
• facial features look younger than it actually is;
• there is a delay in puberty;
• slow development of teeth;
• fat deposits accumulate in the abdomen and face;
• underdeveloped bridge of nose;
• hair grows very slowly.

Signs of HGH deficiency in adults:

• tendency to depression and / or increased anxiety;
• hair loss;
• decreased libido;
• decreased muscle mass and strength;
• memory impairment and difficulty concentrating;
• thin and dry skin;
• elevated triglyceride levels;
• fatigue;
• elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol;
• insulin resistance;
• brittle bones, a tendency to osteoporosis;
• increased sensitivity to temperature changes;
• weight gain, accumulation of fat mainly in the waist area.

Benefits of HGH for the Body

1. Accelerates muscle growth

It is known that human growth hormone increases efficiency, stimulates collagen synthesis in skeletal muscles and tendons, thereby increasing muscle strength and endurance. In one of the issues of the International Journal of Endocrinology, the results of studies were published in which 14 healthy men aged 50 to 70 took part. They received growth hormone for 6 months. Six months later, their muscle strength increased markedly. In adults with HGH deficiency after long-term hormonal therapy, the researchers noted the normalization of muscle strength, endurance and improved thermoregulation.

2. Strengthens bones

This hormone is also responsible for mineral metabolism and bone health. Studies show that the introduction of HGH accelerates bone regeneration after fractures. In addition, it may be beneficial for the elderly, whose bones are less strong and more susceptible to fracture. Also, experts noted the positive effect of hGH on the wound healing process, in particular in the elderly.

3. Promotes weight loss

HGH accelerates the process of splitting fats. This was confirmed by the results of a study in which 24 obese people took part. For 12 weeks, half of them followed a low-calorie diet and took growth hormone, the rest only limited the calorie intake of their daily diet. According to the results of the experiment, it turned out that weight loss in those who took HGH was 1,6 times faster. At the same time, most of the weight lost came from visceral fat, which was not observed in people from the control group. Another difference between the groups: those who did not take hormones during weight loss lost not only fat, but also muscle mass. In people on hormone therapy, muscle mass, on the contrary, increased.

4. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease

Adults with growth hormone deficiency have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This conclusion was made by Swedish scientists after studying the health status of over a hundred patients. Against the background of a lack of the hormone, they had increased body weight, as well as excessively high cholesterol levels, which worsened the work of the cardiological system.

5. Increases libido

Scientific studies have proven that human growth hormone is also responsible for reproductive function and sexual desire in men. HGH deficiency can cause decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. The truth of this theory was confirmed in the course of an experiment in which 45 men with erectile dysfunction took part. After taking a course of hormone therapy, 90% of them improved the functioning of the reproductive system.

6. Improves Mood and Cognitive Performance

Lithuanian experts have found evidence that taking growth hormone can improve a person’s mood and cognitive abilities, his concentration. At least, this is the result that scientists noticed in patients who took hGH for 6 months.

Side effects and risks of taking HGH

Nowadays, many believe that growth hormone slows down aging. Meanwhile, experts admit that a synthetic analogue should by no means be perceived as an elixir of eternal youth, and even more so it cannot be used uncontrollably in the fight against age-related changes.

If growth hormone is part of drug therapy and the treatment program is designed by a specialist, the risk of side effects is lower. But if the substance is taken by an absolutely healthy person, then the likelihood of unwanted side effects is quite high (it happens in almost 30% of HGH users).

Uncontrolled intake of growth hormone can cause:

• carpal tunnel syndrome (arm pain and numbness);
• increased insulin resistance;
• swelling in the arms and legs;
• muscle and joint pain;
• an increase in breast tissue in men (gynecomastia).

In addition, growth hormone may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, heart problems and increase the risk of certain types of cancer. The abuse of HGH leads to an increase in the fingers and toes, changes in the skeleton, an increase in the eye sockets, and a lengthening of the jaw. Internal organs may also increase. And cardiomegaly (heart enlargement) is one of the most common causes of death due to growth hormone abuse. Improper use of hGH increases protein synthesis, which often causes skin problems: it thickens and coarsens. A combination of various side effects, especially cardiomegaly, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, are factors leading to a reduction in life expectancy. Some studies show that side effects from taking HGH are more likely in older people than in younger people.

For muscles

If there is not enough growth hormone in the body of an adult, his muscles will never become embossed, like those of athletes. But many perfectly healthy men and women, in pursuit of pumped up muscles, begin to take HGH courses. But is it really that effective?

Researchers from the University of California conducted an experiment with the participation of 440 volunteers. The average age of the participants in the experiment is 27 years old, 85% of them are men, the average body mass index is 24, and all are physically healthy. During the 20 days of the experiment, 303 people received an injection of hGH, the rest – a placebo. After a course of injections, the muscle mass of the participants in the experiment increased by an average of 2 kg. On the one hand, it looked like a win. But as it turned out later, the growth of muscle mass did not lead to an increase in strength and endurance during physical exertion. As a result, the researchers concluded that the muscles of people who took injections were more likely to accumulate fluid in themselves, while in the control group, excess moisture did not linger in the tissues, and therefore there was no increase in muscle mass.

Anti aging

To evaluate how growth hormone affects the health of older people, scientists conducted a series of studies involving 220 people. Two-thirds of the subjects were male, with a mean age of 69, and most of the volunteers were overweight but not obese. The dosage of growth hormone for different people varied, and the duration of therapy in different cases ranged from 2 to 52 weeks. As a result, people who regularly took HGH gained about 2 kg of muscle mass and lost about the same amount of fat. But such parameters as the amount of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, bone density, aerobic capacity at the end of the experiment remained virtually unchanged. However, most users of HGH experienced quite a few side effects, including fluid retention in the tissues, joint pain, and in men, slightly enlarged breasts. The results of the experiment forced many to change their minds about HGH as a panacea for old age.

How to Boost HGH Naturally

If there is no medical indication for hormone therapy, but for some reason a person wants to increase the amount of growth hormone in his body, safer methods can be used than hGH injections.

Intense physical activity

Multiple studies confirm that intense physical activity promotes increased secretion of HGH. The best workouts for this purpose are intense endurance and strength exercises. In addition, the duration and frequency of training are determining factors in the regulation of HGH production. The minimum session duration should be 10 minutes.

L-glutamine

Supplements containing L-glutamine are well known to athletes. They are designed to increase the effectiveness of training, maintain the acid-base balance of the body, and also increase the amount of glycogen in the muscles. During the experiment, scientists found that it is enough to take a supplement and perform strength exercises at least three times a week to increase the level of HGH, and with it the amount of testosterone and muscle strength.

L-arginine

Research confirms that with oral intake of L-arginine, the level of growth hormone in the body can increase by 100%. If the intake of the supplement is combined with training, then this figure can reach 300-500%.

A-GPC

In 2008, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition confirmed that taking A-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) also caused an increase in HGH levels. Participants in the experiment took 600 mg of A-GPC 2 hours before strength training. After exercising, the amount of the hormone in their body exceeded the levels after training without supplementation.

Laughter

Yes, laughter is the cheapest and most affordable way to increase growth hormone in the body. This was discovered by California scientists. After watching humorous videos, the participants in the experiment had an average of 87% increase in endorphins and about 27% increase in HGH levels.

Cleansing the liver

Remember what was discussed at the beginning of this article? After the release of growth hormone, the liver converts it into insulin-like growth factor-1, and it already stimulates an increase in muscle mass, energy and strength. Therefore, if the liver is not working properly, a person will not be able to experience the benefits of growth hormone. Before you start increasing your HGH levels, you need to cleanse the liver of toxins and restore its functionality.

Vitamin C

Studies have shown a relationship between vitamin C deficiency and reduced secretion of growth hormone, obesity and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. That is, before looking for options on how to increase the level of HGH in the body, it is desirable to increase the reserves of vitamin C.

Remember the saying of Jonathan Swift: everyone wants to live long, but no one wants to grow old? Therefore, mankind in all ages has tried to find ways to delay aging. In the modern world, few people believe in “living water”, “rejuvenating apples” and “elixir of eternal youth.” But many rely on the power of youth injections, including the use of growth hormone. However, experts urge not to get carried away with newfangled trends in hormone therapy, which has many health-threatening consequences. And in order to maintain vigor and beauty for a longer time, it is more useful not to forget to drink plenty of clean water, lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports, and eat healthy food. This is the main guarantee of longevity and preservation of youth.