Growth hormones are produced naturally inside the human body and can be taken artificially in the form of supplements or injections. But the question is, how does growth hormone work? Keep reading if you want to find out.
Growth hormone (GH) is one of the most important hormones in humans as it, among many of its other functions, induces physical growth, regenerates and reproduces cells, and regulates the metabolisms of carbohydrate, protein, and fat.
GH secretion by the anterior pituitary gland is regulated by the hypothalamus. GH is released in a pulsatile manner, generally 8 – 10 pulses in 24 hours.
Human growth hormones are already produced when a baby is still in fetus mode. The human growth hormones work to develop the tissues, cells, and organs of the fetus.
According to research findings reported by Intech Open, during fetal growth and development in the womb, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) plays a crucial role in ensuring that all body parts and systems progress in a harmonious and balanced manner. After birth, HGH production persists throughout childhood and adolescence, fostering additional growth and development.
And as such, human growth hormones continue to be produced by the human body until a person dies.
GH works both directly and indirectly, with the former by binding the cells with its receptors to, for instance, regulating body fat, and with the latter by being assisted by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a 7.5 kD peptide which is synthesized and released by GH from the liver and helps regulate blood circulation throughout the body.
The two primary hormones which control GH secretion by either stimulating or inhibiting it are GH releasing hormone (GHRH), a peptide in the hypothalamus which plays an important role in GH synthesis and release, and ghrelin, a peptide in the stomach which helps GH secrete IGF-1 and regulate food intake.
There is a bit of a misconception which people think human growth hormones stop being produced after reaching a certain age. But in reality, human growth hormones are still produced just in very low doses.
According to research findings presented by Britannica, it is a natural phenomenon for HGH production within the body to decrease as age advances. In childhood and adolescence, when growth and development occur at a rapid pace, the body generates larger quantities of HGH. However, as individuals transition into adulthood, this production naturally diminishes.
When human growth hormones are significantly at a low level, a person’s health can be affected quite negatively. That’s what really happens.
Also, growth hormone plays a significant role in brain function and cognitive abilities. It promotes the growth and development of neurons in the brain, which helps to improve memory, attention, and concentration.
Growth hormone also helps to protect the brain from age-related decline and cognitive impairment.
During a person’s development stage, the production of human growth hormones can be increased by physical activities during the day. This will benefit the brain and other organs a lot.
As outlined in the report from You and Your Hormones, engaging in physical activities, particularly those encompassing resistance training and high-intensity exercises, has the capacity to prompt the release of HGH from the pituitary gland. This, in turn, activates the generation of HGH, a vital hormone supporting numerous growth and reparative functions within the body.
Consuming coconut oil once in the morning and also once before bed can also help with boosting the natural production of human growth hormones.
No matter what your age is now, if you do not wish to suffer from dementia and other brain-related health issues in your old age, trying this method may do you good.
More than most people are aware of, human growth hormones are essential to human health.
Besides, growth hormone stimulates the production and activity of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases.
It also helps to reduce inflammation and improve the body’s response to infection.
Growth hormone stimulates the production of collagen and other proteins that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. It also helps to increase blood flow to the wound, which promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infection.
Besides, growth hormone promotes the growth and development of heart cells, which helps to increase the heart’s pumping capacity and improve cardiac output.
This increased output allows for better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body’s tissues, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Growth hormone also plays a critical role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It helps to promote deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for physical and mental health.
Growth hormone levels are highest during deep sleep, and this is when the body repairs and regenerates tissues.
Also, GH and IGF-1 promote bone growth and remodeling by stimulating the proliferation of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts and inhibiting the activity of bone-resorbing cells called osteoclasts.
In muscle tissue, GH and IGF-1 promote protein synthesis and muscle growth by increasing the number and size of muscle fibers.
In addition to that, GH also plays a role in regulating metabolism by promoting the breakdown of fat for energy and reducing glucose uptake in the liver.
GH stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides in adipose tissue, which releases fatty acids into the bloodstream to be used as fuel by other tissues. GH also reduces glucose uptake in the liver, which helps to maintain blood glucose levels.
Emanuela Arvat et al. (2019) intended to learn how exactly ghrelin interacts with GHRH and hexarelin (a synthetic hexapeptide used to help release GH), so they asked 7 male participants, all of whom were in perfectly fit physical conditions and the mean of their ages was 28.6 years old, to participate in their randomized, single-blind study. 2 ml of isotonic saline iv was administered to the participants as the placebo as the first test session, followed by 1.0 µg/kg iv ghrelin, 1.0 µg/kg iv hexarelin, and 1.0 µg/kg iv GHRH-29 for every 3 days at least.
They fasted the night prior to each test session. 6 of the participants received the combined treatments of ghrelin and hexarelin or ghrelin and GHRH.
Their blood was sampled every 15 minutes, and their GH levels, PRL, ACTH, cortisol, and aldosterone were assayed. The study materials were 100 µg lyophilized ghrelin, 100 µg lyophilized hexarelin, and 50 µg GHRH-29, all of which were contained in vials.
From the tests, it was found that the GH levels, PRL, ACTH, cortisol, and aldosterone did not change at all even after the administration of ghrelin, hexarelin, and GHRH-29.
However, the researchers did conclude that ghrelin and GHRH work synergistically in releasing GH and that hexarelin has a similar role to ghrelin, albeit to a lesser extent, and its interaction with ghrelin is unclear.
However, GH secretion is believed to be regulated by a complex feedback system involving the hypothalamus and other hormones. GHRH stimulates GH secretion, while GHIH inhibits it.
Additionally, insulin and cortisol also play a role in regulating GH secretion. Some studies have shown that insulin can increase GH secretion in response to low blood glucose levels, while cortisol can inhibit GH secretion in response to stress.
Nevertheless, further research is necessary to establish these findings with certainty.
GH deficiency can result in a condition called growth hormone deficiency (GHD), which can cause stunted growth and other health problems.
In adults, GH deficiency can lead to decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density. On the other hand, excess GH production can lead to acromegaly, a condition characterized by excessive growth of bones and tissues.
This can result in a range of symptoms, including enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, and joint pain.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Happens When Growth Hormone Increases?
Growth hormone (GH) is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that promotes growth and development in the body. It is essential for normal growth and development in humans, and it is involved in a wide range of physiological processes. As such, when growth hormone increases, it can have a variety of effects on the body.
The most noticeable effect of increased GH is an increase in height. GH stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which is responsible for promoting bone growth. As a result, when GH levels increase, it leads to increased bone growth and subsequently an increase in height.
In addition to increased height, increased GH can also cause an increase in lean body mass. GH promotes protein synthesis and the breakdown of fat cells, leading to an increase in muscle mass. This increase in muscle mass can help improve physical performance, as well as contribute to a healthier body composition.
Increased GH can also lead to an increase in strength. GH stimulates the production of IGF, which is responsible for promoting muscle growth and development. As a result, increased levels of GH can lead to increased muscle strength. This can be beneficial for athletes, as increased strength can lead to improved performance.
Increased GH can also lead to increased energy levels. GH stimulates the production of IGF, which is responsible for promoting energy production in the body. As a result, increased levels of GH can lead to increased energy levels. This can be beneficial for people who need more energy to perform activities such as exercise or work.
Lastly, increased GH can also lead to improved mood and mental health. GH has been linked to increased serotonin and dopamine levels, which are important neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating mood. As a result, increased levels of GH can lead to improved mood and mental health.
In conclusion, increased levels of GH can have a variety of effects on the body, including increased height, increased lean body mass, increased strength, increased energy levels, and improved mood and mental health. As such, it is important to ensure that GH levels are maintained at a healthy level, as too much or too little GH can lead to adverse effects on the body.
