Everything you need to know about HGH therapy
HGH (human growth hormone) is a peptide hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It is synthesized and released by the cells of the anterior pituitary gland, called somatotrophs. HGH therapy is an essential hormone during childhood and adulthood, as it plays a role in the body’s growth and metabolism. Its levels in the body rise progressively throughout childhood and peak at puberty.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH) FUNCTIONS IN THE HUMAN BODY HGH
(human growth hormone) has the following functions in your body:
HGH FOR GROWTH
Your body’s overall health, depending on your diet and lifestyle, primarily promotes growth. Hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and luteinizing hormone also contribute to growth. All these hormones indirectly affect the body’s growth, with the growth hormone being the primary growth regulator.
During childhood, the primary role of HGH therapy (human growth hormone) is to stimulate bone and tissue growth. It activates the epiphyseal plates in bones which allow bone elongation. It also triggers an insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) protein, which helps in building muscle and the growth of other body tissues
HGH FOR METABOLISM
Besides its role in bone growth, the HGH therapy (human growth hormone) also maintains the body’s metabolism throughout life. The body’s metabolism converts food into energy, tissue, or waste products. The growth hormone assists metabolism by transporting nutrients, protein building, cell reproduction, and fat breakdown. Growth hormone also contributes to proper heart functioning, cell regeneration, and cholesterol levels.
WHAT ARE NORMAL LEVELS OF HGH Therapy?
Generally, a normal range for HGH (human growth hormone) levels is:
- For adult males: 0.4 to 10 nanograms per milliliter or 18-44 picomoles per liter.
- For adult females: 1 to 14 nanograms per milliliter or 44-616 picomoles per liter.
- For children: 10-50 nanograms per milliliter or 440-2200 picomoles per liter.
- Keep in mind that these ranges may differ from lab to lab.
POTENTIAL DANGERS OF LOW HGH LEVELS
Low levels of HGH (human growth hormone) are often due to a deficiency in production. Usually, the deficiency results from hypopituitarism, a condition in which the pituitary gland produces less growth hormone.
SIGNS OF HGH DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN
A HGH (human growth hormone) deficiency in children can result in poor growth. Poor height increase after three years of age is a significant indication of HGH deficiency.
Other signs of deficiency in children include:
- Short stature
- Delayed puberty
- Impaired hair growth
- Younger in appearance than other children of similar age
SIGNS OF HGH DEFICIENCY IN ADULTS
In adults, HGH (human growth hormone) deficiency can cause the following effects:
- Increased anxiety
- Increased body fat
- Greater risk of heart diseases
- Fragile bones, heart and muscle weakness
- Increased risk of osteoporosis
- Higher chances of diabetes
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF LOW HGH LEVELS
Possible medical causes for low HGH (human growth hormone) levels include:
