| The Facts about Human Growth Hormone Therapy
Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone most commonly used to treat growth problems in children and adults. Also known as somatotropin, this hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and functions primarily for the growth of tissues.
Somatotropin is known for the treatment of HGH deficiencies in adults and children. Prior to 1985, pituitary-derived growth hormone was the staple form of this hormones available for therapeutic use. After 1985, biosynthetic human growth hormone became its replacement in the US and other countries.
Somatotropin is secreted at its highest levels in children undergoing puberty, which is the reason why children at this age experience a growth spurt. The natural secretion of this hormone starts to decrease once an individual reaches his or her thirties and declines gradually from then on.
How the human growth hormone affects the body
Somatotropin plays an important role in growth by stimulating the liver into producing insulin-like growth factor also known as IGH-1. Specific effects of both hormones include the following:
• Stimulates the development of the chondrocytes or young cartilage cells
• Increases calcium retention of bones
• Stimulates overall cell growth
• Stimulates protein synthesis and prevents protein breakdown
• Enhances immune system
• Promotes destruction of fat cells
• Enhances transport of glucose to cells |
