Hormones are chemical substances secreted by specific glands in the body that creates a result in a bodily system or area. These substances have a direct effect on bodily functions like growth, fertility, and immunity. Human growth hormone or HGH refers to the chemical substance from the anterior pituitary, a pea-sized gland that facilitates cellular repair and regeneration, children and adolescent height development, and other reported positive results. Aside from these well-known functions, HGH also affects calcium retention, immunity, and tissue development. Its growth function also extends to the development of muscle mass in the body.
Naturally-occurring human growth hormone in the anterior pituitary gland diminishes over time, usually when the individual reaches middle age. Other factors that diminish the normal output of HGH include stress and decrease in physical activity. However, in severe cases, lessening of HGH production may be caused by an underlying condition that requires medical diagnosis and monitored treatment.
HGH Application
The development of biosynthetic human growth hormone made it possible for individuals needing treatment to acquire the effects of naturally-occurring HGH in the body. Before the discovery of biosynthetic HGH , hormones were derived from cadavers and primates, which caused adverse effects in patients. The development of biosynthetic HGH introduced a safer method of treating hormone deficiency in both adults and children. Typical administration of biosynthetic HGH involves injection of the hormone into the bloodstream.
Human growth hormone is used in a variety of medical and non-medical applications. In terms of medical treatments prescribed by an endocrinologist, external administration of HGH is essential for individuals with severe hormone deficiency. This may occur in children, whose lowered HGH has severely affected normal growth and development causing conditions such as dwarfism.
The treatment and effects of HGH deficiency is different for adults. Safe administration of the hormone produces improvements in muscle mass and bone density but does not impact on height development. However, administration is strictly monitored to prevent onset of health risks that occurs with higher or inadequate dosages.
In terms of non-medical applications, HGH is used to enhance performance in sports due to its reported effects. Products that support the release of natural HGH are now being promoted as supplements. These supplements are said to contain ingredients that promote the release of naturally-occurring HGH in the body in order to effectively breakdown carbohydrates and fat in the system and promote the development of lean muscle mass.
Effects of HGH Usage
The right levels of human growth hormone in the system produce other beneficial effects in addition to tissue and muscle repair and growth. Children undergoing HGH treatment experience a different set of benefits compared to adults on HGH replacement therapy. For adults, the results may include reduction in fat tissue and enhanced vitality and strength. In addition, HGH is reported to have anti-aging properties and facilitate weight loss.
Just like any substance, excessive administration of the hormone also produces unpleasant consequences in some individuals. Rare effects of excessive HGH administration reported by users include pain and swelling in the joints, and even diabetes.
