Human Growth Hormone
What Is Human Growth Hormone?
Human Growth Hormone or ‘HGH’ is a chemical compound secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain, which amongst many other processes; causes growth throughout childhood and adolescence. It is used as both a treatment for the chronic illnesses associated with growth problems and as a popular anti-ageing supplement.
The hormone, also referred to as ‘somatotrophin’, is responsible for the release of energy and muscle protein production from broken down fats. Because it causes the release of energy and the build up of muscle, it is no wonder that as we age and levels of HGH drop, our bodies lose stamina and weaken. HGH is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is essentially responsible for the start of anabolic growth, i.e. the build up of cells. Anabolic processes stimulated by HGH include increased muscle mass and bone density (calcification), growth of organs, improved immune response and prevention of glucose uptake in the liver. Growth hormone is also active in developing young brain tissue and sexual organs.
Although HGH is regulated by the hypothalamus (a gland involved in the nervous system), there are a number of processes that stimulate HGH secretion. These include exercise, protein in the diet, sleep and low blood sugar levels. If one or more of these stimulators fails to produce HGH efficiently then growth problems may occur.
How Can HGH Be Taken?
Before the 1990’s HGH was only available in the form of an injection obtained on a medical prescription. HGH injections provide the hormone itself rather than a ‘releaser’ amino acid compound found in sprays and pills. After this time, pharmacists began producing HGH pills and sprays as a treatment for the negative effects of ageing. These supplements were termed ‘HGH releasers’ as they cause the release of human growth hormone within the body.
Why Take HGH?
There is little or no reason for a young, healthy person to start taking Human Growth Hormone supplements or injections. Their bodies are already creating a healthy amount of the hormone and they are in the prime of life. But when a person ages their levels of human growth hormone drop and there is a direct correlation between this hormone change and wrinkled skin, weak immune response, reduced sexual ability, memory loss, muscle loss and gaining weight. Therefore, replacing the loss of natural HGH in the body with supplements will help to reduce the signs and problems associated with the ageing process.
How Exactly Does HGH Benefit the Body?
Research shows that poor diet and high levels of stress can exacerbate the signs of ageing (breaking of muscle tissue, poor sleep routines) and by the time these effects are taking place, it is too late to reverse them. Therefore, someone who is suffering from the ageing process as a result of stress and poor nutrition will benefit greatly from taking HGH alongside a healthy lifestyle (eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, little stress). Supplementing HGH is shown to have a range of complimentary effects on an ageing body and this article serves to explain how.
One of the most common causes of death and short life expectancy in modern life is obesity. Those who are taking HGH often see an average decrease of 12% body fat with a 9% increase in muscle within months. Effectively, HGH is transforming fat into muscle by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. An increase in metabolic rate causes less of the carbohydrates consumed to be made into glucose, and increase the level of calories turning into muscle, thus meaning that the consumer need not make any changes to their diet in order to lose weight. The advantages of weight loss for obese people are almost endless. Amongst them is improved cardiac function, sexual ability, mood and life expectancy.
Wrinkles are probably the most noticeable sign of ageing and are an indication of poor skin health. The reason that our skin suffers wrinkling only as we age is because there is less growth hormone to protect the skin cells from damage from environmental stresses such as UV rays and smoke particles. Reintroducing HGH into the body when wrinkles appear means that regeneration of skin cells can start once again to increase skin elasticity and firmness.
We’ve all walked into a room and completely forgotten why we went in there, of even spent half an hour looking for our glasses and discovered we’re wearing them. These kinds of memory problems are mildly frustrating and a little amusing, yet when your memory starts to fail you in other areas of your life it becomes a problem. HGH levels and memory performance are directly linked as HGH stimulates protein production in the brain. Proteins help us to retain and access memories, therefore when levels of HGH drop and our brain cells die, they are unable to be restored by these proteins. HGH supplements and injections allow brain cells that have already died to be rejuvenated and repaired where their numbers would have simply dropped.
Osteoporosis is a disease where the levels of minerals in the bone decrease and there is an increased risk of fracture. It is most common in post-menopausal women, elderly men and those with a hormone imbalance. One of the functions of growth hormone in the human body is to moderate mineral levels in the bone, so it is no wonder that with growth hormone therapy, bone health in the elderly can be restored.
Another negative effect of ageing that the older person may experience is a decrease in their immune response. The immune response is a complicated system, and it needs to be to combat the ever-evolving bugs that our bodies face on a daily basis. Human Growth Hormone has shown to protect, strengthen and produce T-Cells, red blood cells, antibodies and improved macrophages. To explain, T cells are a type of lymphocyte that release cytokines that help the immune system fight certain germs and bacteria. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to muscle tissue (therefore repairing damage). Antibodies neutralise detrimental bacteria within the body so it is no longer harmful, and macrophages are the cells that remove debris from cells that have been neutralised. When HGH is introduced into the body and improves the immune system so thoroughly, the bugs that can be so devastating to the body of an older person are no longer a threat.
Finally, Human Growth Hormone injections and supplements improve cardiac activity and cholesterol levels. Much like the reduction of fat and increase in muscle mass, HGH reduces LDL cholesterol. LDL is the primary cause of blocked arteries and can greatly reduce life expectancy. HGH also increases HDL, which helps to prevent blockages.
Is HGH Safe and What Are the Side Effects?
There has been a large amount of medical research carried out on HGH injections, but little on the other forms (spray and pill). Since the 1950’s there has been around 20,000 medical experiments carried out on the hormone supplement showing that it is in fact very safe. The only possible side effects confirmed by medical professionals and research are water retention, high blood sugar and painful joints. Not all people who take HGH experience such side effects and if they were to then the effects would cease once they stopped taking the doses. It is worth mentioning that there is a multitude of reported side effects that have little or no medical grounding. These include diabetes, increased blood pressure, hypoglycaemia, carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension. People who take HGH may also experience an allergic reaction, early indicators of which are itchy rashes, chest pain and a tight throat. If you are taking HGH and experience any of these symptoms then seek medical help as soon as possible.
Where Can I Find Safe HGH?
There are also controversies surrounding Human Growth Hormone and this would put off a lot of buyers for fear that they aren’t safe. These controversies however are simply regarding the fact that many companies exaggerate the benefits of HGH and are producing weaker, contaminated forms of the hormone for profit. In many cases, the benefits of HGH greatly outweigh the possibility of side effects, considering there are possible side effects for any pharmaceutical drug. After all, because HGH reduces the effects of ageing, and company selling the product effectively has ‘the fountain of youth’. Such a popular and powerful product will sell at almost any price if it gives encouraging information. Some companies quote testimonials and medical research based on the prescription HGH injection and use it to sell lower dosage pills and sprays which just aren’t as effective, so be vigilant.
If you are considering taking human growth hormone, it is recommended that you consult your general practitioner about possible side effects first and gain reliable information there. If you wish to purchase the hormone in spray or pill form then you will need to find a reputable supplier first. Be aware that there are sellers of HGH that dilute the strength of their product for commercial gain and that you should shop around to find one that is made in an FDA and DEA certified environment. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) list all of the licensed pharmacies in the USA, and you can search these pharmacies at http://www.nabp.net/indexroster.asp. The pill is the most likely form of HGH product which will ‘rip you off’ as pill capsules are so easily diluted and cut with other products. Check the pharmaceutical company you are buying from provides a guarantee for the product, and how long they have been in business. If they do provide a guarantee and have been running for a long time then chances are they’re safe, as they haven’t been shut down for fraud. Five years and over is a good indicator. Also, look up reviews of the company and see what other people’s experiences have been like. If you are still unsure as to whether the site you are buying from is legitimate then ask your doctor.
Should I Choose the Injection, Pill or Spray Form of HGH?
So you’ve decided to go ahead and start taking Human Growth Hormone. But which form of it do you use? You can choose from an injection obtained from a doctor on prescription, or you can buy supplements in the form of pills or sprays. The HGH injection is only available on a doctor’s prescription and although it can be very expensive, it is the most effective way to provide your body with human growth hormone. The injections contain pure HGH, which is used by the body directly as opposed to pills, and sprays that serve as ‘releasers’ and stimulate the pituitary gland to produce the hormone.
Alternative methods of obtaining HGH (sprays and oral pills) were developed in the 1990’s and are a cheaper form of the hormone. HGH sprays and pill supplements however, do not contain the pure compound that injections do. The term ‘releaser’ or ‘secretagogues’ are compounds that stimulate the secretion of another substance. HGH pills, sprays and injections are as safe as each other, but it is often argued that the injection is the most effective form. In this case, the sprays and pills stimulate the release of HGH rather than providing a direct source. Pills do of course have the added bonus that they have no aftertaste (unlike the spray) and they are pain free (unlike the injection), but there are plenty of companies out there just to make a fast buck. If you have found a reliable source of Human Growth Hormone then it is worth mentioning here that sprays and pills are best taken before going to bed as the pituitary gland is most active during sleep. This advice is, of course subject to the directions on the bottle!
For How Long Should I Take HGH?
As HGH is a supplement, you can start and stop taking it whenever you choose. It is recommended however that you take it initially for up to six months, then stop when your growth hormone levels are at a desirable level. This break should last for a year during which the benefits will be felt, and levels will decrease very slowly. After this break you may begin taking the supplements again for a further six months.
Do take into consideration that each different supplier of Human Growth Hormone makes a slightly different product so read the directions and information on the packet and ask your doctor if you are concerned.
Is Human Growth Hormone Only Suitable for Adults?
Most people would like to know at what age it is best to start taking Human Growth Hormone supplements or injections. Unless a child or adolescent has a legitimate medical condition where their body needs elevated levels of Human Growth Hormone in order to thrive, then it is definitely not a good idea for them to take it. In any circumstance, youngsters with medical conditions should only take drugs or hormones that are prescribed to them by their general practitioner or qualified therapist.
There are reports that taking anabolic steroids together with HGH is becoming popular amongst young athletes and teenagers who want to get ahead in competitive sport. Not only is doing this have negative health implications, but it doesn’t improve athletic performance either! The effects of taking anabolic steroids before a person is fully-grown can be devastating, closing the areas of cartilage where bones grow during teenage years and effectively prevent growth. When anabolic steroids are used in conjunction with HGH, an unnecessary assault on the muscles and growth plates begins. Therefore, it is recommended that those suffering the negative effects of ageing or those who have a hormonal deficiency or disease only take HGH.
So….
Although HGH is readily available from a number of sources, it is still a pharmaceutical drug containing powerful hormones and is not to be taken lightly! Anyone considering taking hormone injections will have to consult a medical professional beforehand, and it is a good idea to do so with supplements too. In general, the positive effects that Human Growth Hormone can have against the negative effects of ageing greatly outweigh any possible side effects that may be experienced. HGH is a product that can not only dramatically improve the lives of children suffering from stunted growth, but can enhance quality of life for those that want to enjoy the later stages of life too.