Human Growth HORMONE
- Secreted by cells called somatrophs, it acts on the liver and almost every other tissue in the body. It stimulates IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) production, which ultimately yields growth-promoting effects. Exercise, stress, emotional excitement, diet and aging all affect the quantity of hGH production.
- In youth, hGH is critical to bone, organ and all aspects of development. Having too little causes dwarfism; occasionally, a tumor in the pituitary gland produces excess growth, which can result in gigantism.
- Both growth hormone and its metabolite IGF-1 begin decreasing between 15 and 20 years old, continuing to decline rapidly from that point. Although growth hormone is no longer needed for growth in adulthood, it remains essential for other vital functions.
- Also known as somatotrophin, hGH aids growth, healing, immune system function, muscle mass and strength, body fat reduction, cholesterol level control, bone strength and energy maintenance – including sexual energy and performance.
