You may have heard of human Growth Hormone in passing at some point in your life. Maybe you were watching your favorite doctor show or a pop up to buy a product containing it appeared on your computer screen. Whatever the reason, you are probably wondering what hGH is and for what it’s used. Here, I have laid out the basics that you need to know about human Growth Hormone and where it can be applied.
What is Human Growth Hormone?
At the based of your brain is a pea-sized area, which is called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a part of the endocrine system and it makes hormones that are vital to to many bodily functions. One of those hormones is called the Growth Hormone and it has more importance than just helping children to grow up and mature.
Role of Growth Hormone in Psychological Well-Being
There are many neuropsychiatric-cognitive effects that are related to hGH.
The role of this hormone seems to cover many of our cognitive functions, making it an extremely important part of our mental well-being. In fact, treatments that use hGH have shown to significantly improve and even repair cognition later in life.
Role of Growth Hormone in Physical Well-Being
It all begins as children. This hormone governs our height, bone length and muscle growth. If there is an insufficient amount within our bodies as children we will not grow to the height we are supposed to be.
As adults there are many things which hGH affect. Our metabolism is one of them. Without it we will grow more around the belly and less in muscle mass.
hGH helps in aiding bone density as well. This is a great factor when considering what happens as we age. Bone abnormalities and conditions also benefit from a normal amount of hGH or suffer from a lack of it.
Synthetic Human Growth Hormone
Somatropin and somatrem are two forms of synthetic human growth hormone that were developed using recombinant DNA technology. Somatropin is identical to the naturally occurring HGH, whereas Somatrem has an extra amino acid attached to it. Somatrem is a more anabolic potent form with more side effects and lower cost than somatropin.
Therapeutic Uses of Synthetic Human Growth Hormone
Many of the outcomes of aging can be halted or even reversed by increasing the levels of hGH in our bodies. Before the age of 30, we have quite a bit of this hormone naturally flowing through our systems, so unless there is a condition for which we would need it, it is not until after this age we can benefit from replacement therapy. Of course, this should only begin under the supervision of a doctor.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Wrinkle reduction.
- Decrease in body fat, especially belly fat.
- Increase in muscle mass and physical strength.
- Increase bone density.
- Reversing of cognitive decline.
- Certain internal organs that have atrophied will regrow.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Slows the progression of cardiovascular disease.
In Athletic Performance
Synthetic hGH has been on the list of forbidden substances in sports competitions since it’s availability. It is very difficult to detect, though, and it’s use is believed to be wide spread among athletes and body builders. There is such a high demand for it because of it’s benefits of increasing muscle mass and speeding up the recover of muscle fatigue and soreness.
There is one way to get an extra dose of hGH legally. When we exercise it is released into our systems as long as there is no underlying condition, which would prevent that from happening. Studies show that synthetic hGH is less effective in athletic performance than testosterone. This was of course in studies where the subjects were given a smaller amount that athletes were reported to have been taking illegally. Many swear by it’s effects on athletic performance and continue to obtain it by way of black market trade.
In Treating Diseases and Injuries
Research has found that hGH can speed up the healing process and help several different disorders, diseases and ailments. Herpes, Chron’s Disease, heart disease, infection, the list goes on. Though it is well documented that hGH can help in the fight against many diseases and injuries, it is only approved by the Federal Drug Administration for a short list of conditions. Here are some of those conditions of approved use:
Poor Growth In Children Due To
- Turner’s Syndrome
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- and Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Wasting Syndrome In Adults Due To
- AIDS
- and hGH Deficiency
It was outlawed in 1990 by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 for uses outside of those prescribed by a doctor. Many people have decided to head out of the country to get their hands on it as a treatment for their issues. I do not recommend this, however, because if you get caught without a prescription for hGH you could land yourself in prison for up to 5 years. It has been quite controversial and there are other forms of it which are available for sale. The “legal” versions are not quite the same and come with a long list of side effects that could really cause some damage.
In Aging
As I have already mentioned, hGH increases muscle mass and decreases body fat. Of course this is great for sports and body building, but it is also a great aid in the fight against aging. It’s cognitive boosting power can also help in that fight. Many doctors offer this as an injection in their offices, though it is not approved by the FDA to be used for anything other than in the treatment of disease or other illnesses. “According to one estimate, 20,000 to 30,000 Americans used GH as “anti-aging” therapy in 2004 alone; according to another, 100,000 people received GH without a valid prescription in 2002.”
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In conclusion, hGH is a hormone in the body vital to psychological and physical processes. That is why scientists have been trying so hard to synthesize it and test its preventive and treatment value. Although it is still controversial in sports and other areas, there seems to be a lot of scientists who are trying to push hGH into mainstream acceptance. I hope this article will provide you with a basic understanding of what the hormone is and what it does.
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