Health Glossary H - Human Growth Hormone (HgH)

Human growth hormone (HGH)
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What is human growth hormone (HGH)?
Important human growth hormone (HGH) facts
Why human growth hormone (HGH) is important

What is human growth hormone (HGH)?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is one of the hormones that is produced by the anterior pituitary gland (which itself is controlled by the hypothalamus gland).

HGH secretion is released under the influence of a number of factors:

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)
high levels of amino acids and low levels of fatty acids in the blood stream
Low levels of HGH
Stress
Blood levels of a number of hormones

Secretion of HGH is inhibited by a number of factors:

Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH)
Low levels of amino acids and high levels of fatty acids in the blood stream
Obesity
High levels of HGH

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Important human growth hormone (HGH) facts

There is little evidence to suggest HGH can reverse ageing
Studies show that people taking HGH injections increase their lean muscle tissue and reduce body fat
In the USA, HGH is illegal to use without a doctor's prescription
HGH can cause undesirable several side effects (similar to steroids)
Some doctors prescribe HGH as an anti-ageing remedy

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Why human growth hormone (HGH) is important

The body makes HGH to promote growth during childhood. HGH also maintains tissues and organs in a healthy state throughout life.

From around the age of 40, the pituitary gland reduces the amount of HGH that it produces, which could be one reason why cells and tissues age and slowly stop working as effectively as they did during childhood and younger years.

Human growth hormone therapy is currently approved for:

Children with Turner's syndrome
Children with kidney failure
Children with short stature
Children with Prader-Willi syndrome
Muscle wasting associated with AIDS / HIV

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Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007

Amino acids (glossary)
Hormones (glossary)
Stress (glossary)

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references

Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing

More information

To learn more, go to the following web sites:

Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority
National Drug Strategy - hGH (Australia)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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