Human Growth Hormones: An Introduction

Human growth hormone is a naturally occurring complex peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Human growth hormones are considered key hormones as they are responsible for many basic processes of the human body such as organ function, cell generation and many other vital functions.

In children, HGH are responsible for growth and development and in adults they are also critical for tissue repair and healing, cell regeneration, enzyme function, muscle growth, brain function, bone strength, energy and metabolism.

As we age the body produces less human growth hormones until we reach 30 when it starts to significantly drop off and so begins all of the symptoms that we associate with ageing such as, decreased muscle mass, slowing metabolism, decreased energy levels, loss of skin elasticity, decreased libido and more difficulty to lose weight.

Fortunately it's possible to slow down and even 'reverse' this ageing process by naturally stimulating the body's production and release of HGH. The best way to achieve this is through a healthy diet, exercise and nutritional supplements.

Benefits of Increased Growth Hormone

There haven't been many clinical studies that show the effects of increased HGH carried out on healthy adults but those people who have taken HGH supplements have suggested a general increase in well-being and a reverse of some of the side effects of ageing.

Here are some of the reported benefits that people have experienced:

- An increase in energy

- Increased muscle tone and development

- Stronger immune system

- More youthful looking skin

- Boosted metabolism

- Increased sex drive

- Increased ability to quickly lose weight

HGH Supplements

Hormone injections - These are synthetic laboratory produced hormones which are directly injected into the body to increase HGH levels. These have mostly been associated in the past with high performance athletes and people who wish to dramatically increase their muscle mass.

Human growth hormone releasers - Natural herbal supplements designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release more naturally occurring HGH.

Side Effects of Synthetic HGH

According to the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com) synthetic Human growth hormones may cause a number of negative side effects in healthy adults including:

- Joint and muscle pain

- Male gynecomastia (enlargement of the breast tissue)

- Swelling in the arms and legs

And it has even been suggested that synthetic HGH injections may contribute to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.