Growth Hormone Deficiency
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Growth hormone (GH) deficiency exists when this hormone is absent or produced
in inadequate amounts. The growth hormone, also known as somatotropin is a
protein
that is synthesized and secreted by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior
pituitary. It is
a
major participant in control of several complex physiologic processes, including
growth and metabolism.
The pituitary gland releases growth hormone in quick
spurts into the bloodstream at various times throughout the day. Once released
into the bloodstream it remains active for only a few minutes, but long enough
to stimulate its uptake into the liver. The liver must then convert the GH
into
growth factors.
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The growth hormone maintains youth, body
tone, vitality and mind function for both men and women. Growth Hormone
modulates cellular
metabolism and delays onset of degenerative diseases.
Direct Effects are the result of growth hormone binding its
receptor on target cells. For example, the growth hormone stimulates the fat
cells to break down triglyceride and suppresses their ability to accumulate
circulating lipids.
Indirect Effects are mediated primarily by a insulin-like
growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which is secreted from the liver and other tissues
in response to growth hormone. A majority of the growth promoting effects of
growth hormone are actually due to the action of IGF-1 on its target cells.
Growth |
The major role of GH is to stimulate the liver
and other tissues to secrete IGF-1. IGF-1 stimulates proliferation of chondrocytes
(cartilage cells), resulting in bone growth. GH seems to have a direct
effect on bone growth in stimulating differentiation of cartilage cells
(chondrocytes). IGF-1 also appears to be the key player in muscle growth.
It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells
(myoblasts). It also stimulates
protein synthesis in muscle and other tissues. |
Metabolism |
Growth hormone has important effects on protein, lipid and carbohydrate
metabolism. In some cases, a direct effect of growth hormone has been clearly
demonstrated. In others, IGF-1 is thought to be the critical mediator and
in some instances it appears that both direct and indirect effects are
at play at the same time. |
Mood
&
Emotions |
GH is a powerful brain hormone that is believed to stimulate
and control areas of the brain that regulate moods and emotions. Certain
chemicals
in the
brain, called neurotransmitters
are dependent on the effects of GH to help them carry their messages between
brain centers. Deficiency of GH hampers the appropriate psychological
functioning of the
brain
and the result
can be manifested in the form of anxiety, depression and
worry for no apparent reason. |
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Production of growth hormone is modulated by many factors, including stress,
exercise, nutrition, sleep and existing growth hormone levels. However, its
primary controllers are:
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) which is secreted by
the hypothalamus and stimulates both the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone.
Somatostatin (SS) which is produced by several tissues in the
body, including the hypothalamus. Somatostatin inhibits growth hormone release
in response to GHRH and to other stimulatory factors such as low blood glucose
concentration
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Idiopathic |
Growth Hormone Deficiency occurs in some children for no apparent reason |
Familial |
In some children it may be inherited or run in families (familial). |
Congenital |
Hypopituitarism may be congenital, resulting
from abnormal formation of the pituitary or hypothalamus before the
child is born, |
Acquired |
Damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus during birth,
pituitary tumor (craniopharyngioma), severe head injury or serious illness
like
meningitis or encephalitis. |
Aging |
The age-related decline
in GH secretion involves a number of changes in the GH axis, including
decreased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and decreased
secretion of growth hormone-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. The
cause of the age-related decrease in GH secretion is thought to result,
in part, from increased secretion of somatostatin which is the GH-inhibiting
hormone. |
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- Aging skin with wrinkling and pigmentation
- Gray hair
- Poor vision
- Restlessness
- Memory Loss
- Increased colds and illnesses due to weakened immune system
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue, overall malaise and feeling of being unwell
- Increased levels of bad to good cholesterol
- Decreased energy and stamina
- Decreased sexual arousal and pleasure
- Increased body fat, shrinking muscle mass and loss of strength
- Increased cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis, diminished bone density and strength
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Lack of deep sleep
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Low or absent growth hormone (GH)
secretion levels may result in a a number of different physical
and emotional symptoms. Feeling tired, listless, easily fatigued and having
a
lack of motivation
are often reported by people who have a deficiency of this vital hormone.
Some individuals may also report feeling anxious, irritable, losing interest
in sex
and a
sense of
gloom
and pessimism
about their lives. Because of these effects, persons with GHD may tend to avoid
contact with others, show signs of stress in their marriage and experience
a gradual decrease in their productivity at work. Quality of life begins to
decline and the affected individual often suffers in silence. Negative and
sad feeling may dominate your mood, and positive or joyful feelings can be
dampened. An affected individual could feel unable to enjoy life and lack the
motivation to make changes in their circumstances.
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Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy (GHRT)
The Latest Anti-Aging Research states that growth factors hold the key to
reversing and delaying the aging process!
GH replacement can be self administered daily via. a subcutaneous injection
(injection under the skin with a very small insulin type needle). Symptoms
occurring
at initiation of therapy include muscle or joint pain, headaches and blurred
vision. These typically resolve with time and can be minimized by starting
with
low doses and slowly working up to therapeutic levels. By contrast, symptoms
of GH excess include musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, and carpal tunnel
syndrome. These symptoms can be largely alleviated by lowering GH dose.
Growth Hormone replacement therapy must be done under the care of a licensed
physician who can monitor growth hormone levels regularly. NEVER take up
a growth
hormone replacement therapy without the advice of a qualified physician
GH
Replacement Therapy is used to Treat:
- Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome (GHDS)
- Dwarfism
- Hypopituirism
- Pituitary Tumor
- Normal effects of Aging
Benefits of Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy
Increases energy |
Ehances mood and
memory |
Gives a sense of well being |
Restores bone and muscle mass |
Improves skin texture and elasticity |
Reduces wrinkles |
Restores youthful hair color |
Helps reduce body fat and weight |
Helps restore libido and sexual performance |
Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol |
Growth Hormone Releasers are inexpensive but do not offer
the same benefits as hGH products. Releasers provide the building blocks for
human growth hormone. While these are components of true GH, they are several
chemical conversion steps away from actually being GH. Releasers are not the
same as true human growth hormone. It has been shown that GH release is stimulated
by B vitamins, niacin, choline, pentothenic acid and the amino acids like
L-arginine,
L-lysine, L-glutamine, L-ornithine and glycine.
Secretogogues are hGH supplements.
Secretagogues contain minute amounts of human growth hormone substance.
Absorbing small amounts of a synthetic hormone can
cause the pituitary gland to secrete more of its own natural human growth
hormone into the bloodstream.
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