What Are Human Growth Hormones?

Since the beginning of time, people looked for ways in order to extend life in years, overturn the aging process and perhaps live forever. Until now, nothing proved to be importantly viable for the purpose.

The Somatotropin or the human growth hormone may increase the levels of our insulin hormone called IGF-1. There is a connection between the age and hormonal level in our body. According to scientists, if the IGF-1 hormone is kept during the first levels of formative years, then the aging process would slow down or stopped. This theory sparked controversy among doctors.

It is also a question that actually spawned much controversy in the ranks of physicians, especially with several leading doctors treading on both sides of the issue. The new hormone's discovery resulted in private traders' trying to gain profit from the sale of various product forms. Administering of this human growth hormone is via the syringe or injection by licensed physicians who give the hormones to patients.

There are also some manufacturers that offer the hormone in the form of a pill, homeopathic and spray. Although the prices of growth hormones on these forms are cheaper, its effectiveness is rather questionable. The injection form of this hormone is expensive but much effective compared to cheaper versions. In addition, human growth hormones have side effects but its benefits are clearly real and it is up to the person as to whether the benefits offset the side effects.

A growth hormone stimulates cell reproduction and growth both in humans and in some animals. In addition, it is a "peptide hormone" as well as a 191 amino acid and single-chained stored polypeptide, secreted and synthesized by cells called somatotroph found within the wings of the pituitary gland. On the other hand, somatotrophin is a growth hormone created in animals while somatropin is a growth hormone created by recombinant DNA technology. The abbreviation of the hormone in humans is "rhGH."

Effects of Growth Hormones

Medicinal studies are so advanced right now, couple with the latest technologies. The breakthrough in research about growth hormones had never before made as big an impact as now.

The human growth hormone is clinically used in order to treat growth disorders on children and also growth hormone deficiency on adults. There have been replacement therapies concerning growth hormones becoming very popular nowadays. Furthermore, there is a wide outspread of belief that the hormone can really defy aging.

Some of the reported effects of this hormone include improved muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved energy levels, improved bone density, enhanced immune system, enhanced skin texture and tone. Human growth hormone or HGH is still a complex hormone until now. Also, its functions some of its functions are still unknown to us.

HGH is also an anabolic agent so the usage among sports competitors became popular worldwide since the early 1970s. The hormone is banned by the NCAA and IOC due to the addicting and wrong usage. A urine analysis could not detect if the person is using the hormone so the HGH ban was not enforceable until the year 2000 when blood tests could now distinguish artificial and natural HGH.

The hormone is secreted and synthesized from the pituitary gland in a pulsate manner. All through the day, the surges of secretion occur in a 3 to 5-hour interval. The GH plasma concentration during the interval range is from 5 to 45 ng/mL.