Human Growth Hormone /HGH

Human Growth Hormone is a substance created by the pituitary gland in children and adolescent youth that stimulates the production of growth and cell reproduction, primarily in height growth.

Human Growth Hormone primarily stimulates division and multiplication of cartilage and chondrocytes (cells in the growing ends of children’s long bones (legs, arms, fingers and toes). HGH also acts on the liver to stimulate the production of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I). IGF-I also promotes bone growth. The level of HGH and IGF-I tends to decrease with age.

Problems associated with HGH are like many other hormones in the human body. You can have too much, or you can have to little. If there is too much HGH in the blood, it is called Excessive Growth Hormone, also known as acromegaly or pituitary gigantism. This disease is essentially a benign adenomas or tumor that grows on the cells of the anterior pituitary.

As it grows, it produces more and more Growth Hormone. Symptoms will manifest as the tumor becomes large enough to cause headaches or impairs one’s vision due to pressure on the optic nerve. If untreated, Excessive Growth Hormone will cause thickening of the bones, particularly the jawbone, fingers, and toes.

The treatment for Excessive Growth Hormone due to secreting tumor is the removal of the tumor. In some cases, a treatment of focused radiation is used to shrink the tumor.

Too little HGH is called Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). A deficiency in HGH creates different health problems depending on the age of the individual. Children can suffer from growth failure or height growth can cease. In adults, the effects are much more discrete and may produce symptoms of reduced energy and strength and a loss of bone mass.

The popularity of HGH supplements and prescriptions has risen for some obvious reasons. By the age of 30, HGH levels in the body begin to decline at an astounding rate of 14% every 10 years of age. With age also comes the common signs of increased body fat, loss of elasticity in skin, wrinkles, decline in mental function, decreased energy, diminished immune system, just to name a few.

The perceived relationship of declining HGH levels and aging has made supplemental HGH intake popular. There are several studies and other testimonials that claim that by increasing the HGH levels in the body can delay these symptoms of aging. With the often cited 1990 report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Rudman claimed that in a double blind study

Several products are available without a prescription that claim to have high doses of HGH. Buyers beware; if you are considering purchasing supplements without a prescription, understand that it is a violation of Federal Law to sell any product that contains HGH without a prescription. Other products brag they can increase the natural production of HGH. Like any health related issue, consult a physician to ensure that all of your options are considered.