Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein produced by the pituitary gland in the brain that is important not only during childhood but also throughout adulthood. It is known as the "master gland" because it secretes many hormones that control the actions of other glands. HGH stimulates bone and tissue growth by triggering the release of the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) protein, which stimulates the growth of bone, muscle, and other tissues in response to HGH. Although GH is not the only hormone involved in the growth process, it is the major growth regulator in the body.
HGH is produced naturally by the body, but synthetic HGH is also available and is used to treat certain health conditions, including growth hormone deficiency. However, synthetic HGH is not FDA-approved for anti-aging or athletic performance enhancement purposes. Some people use HGH, along with other performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids, to build muscle and improve athletic performance, but the effect of HGH on athletic performance is unknown.
In healthy people, HGH release is inhibited by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and stimulated by sleep, stress, exercise, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and amino acids. HGH has two main functions: stimulating growth (mainly in children) and impacting metabolism (how your body turns the food you eat into energy) . HGH triggers growth in nearly every tissue and organ in your body, but it is most well-known for its growth-promoting effect on cartilage and bone, especially in the adolescent years during puberty.
In summary, HGH is a protein produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates bone and tissue growth and impacts metabolism. It is important during childhood and throughout adulthood. While synthetic HGH is available and used to treat certain health conditions, it is not FDA-approved for anti-aging or athletic performance enhancement purposes.
