What does pituitary growth hormone do

Growth is a very complex process, and requires the coordinated action of several hormones. The major role of growth hormone in stimulating body growth is to stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete IGF-I. IGF-I stimulates proliferation of chondrocytes cartilage cells , resulting in bone growth. Growth hormone does seem to have a direct effect on bone growth in stimulating differentiation of chondrocytes. IGF-I also appears to be the key player in muscle growth.

It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of myoblasts. It also stimulates amino acid uptake and protein synthesis in muscle and other tissues. 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-I is thought to be the critical mediator, and some cases it appears that both direct and indirect effects are at play.

Production of growth hormone is modulated by many factors, including stress, exercise, nutrition, sleep and growth hormone itself. However, its primary controllers are two hypothalamic hormones and one hormone from the stomach:. Growth hormone secretion is also part of a negative feedback loop involving IGF-I. Anyone taking HGH will undergo regular monitoring to assess the safety and effectiveness of the hormone. The goal of growth hormone treatments in adults and children is to restore energy, metabolism, and enhance body development or shape.

It can help to reduce total body fat, especially around the belly. HGH injections can also help to improve strength and exercise tolerance and reduce the risk of heart disease in those who lack growth hormone. Many people experience an increase in overall quality of life. Most people tolerate HGH injection treatments well with few problems. Those who experience these symptoms or other problems should talk to their doctor. They can change the dose if necessary to help remedy the symptoms.

HGH injections are not recommended for people who have:. HGH can affect insulin usage in the body, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully. Surgery or radiation may be necessary to treat a tumor in the pituitary.

Pituitary hormones may also have to be taken to correct a gland that is not working properly. If the levels of HGH are too high in adults, they may experience:.

Long-term use of HGH injections can cause a condition called acromegaly. Adults cannot grow taller by using the synthetic growth hormone.

People with acromegaly will experience an overgrowth of bones, particularly in the hands, feet, and face. The skin area can also be affected and may turn thick, coarse, and hairy. The excess HGH levels can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. HGH injections have also become popular for nonmedical usage. Bodybuildersgro and athletes sometimes use them in an effort to get larger muscles, more energy, and increased stamina.

Many people aim to help increase their energy as well as fight the decrease in muscle and bone mass that happens with aging. The Endocrine Society do not recommend HGH injections for adults or children unless they have a growth hormone deficiency. Not enough evidence is available to prove that HGH injections can slow down the aging process, and studies show it does not improve athletic performance.

Adverse effects often occur, especially fluid retention. HGH injections are designed for adults or children who have a lack of growth hormone and should only be prescribed by a doctor. There's no pill form of human growth hormone available.

Some dietary supplements that claim to boost levels of HGH come in pill form, but research doesn't show a benefit. Using HGH for a condition that isn't approved, such as building muscle or as an anti-aging treatment in older adults, is illegal.

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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Intermittent fasting can help optimize HGH levels in two main ways. First, it can help you drop body fat, which directly affects HGH production 24 , 25 , 26 , Research suggests that insulin spikes can disrupt your natural growth hormone production 28 , One study observed large differences in HGH levels on the fasting day compared with the eating day Shorter 12—hour fasts likely help as well, though more research is needed to compare their effects with full-day fasts.

When taken alone, arginine may boost HGH. Though most people tend to use amino acids like arginine alongside exercise, several studies show little or no increase in HGH levels 31 , 32 , However, studies have observed that taking arginine on its own — without any exercise —significantly increases levels of this hormone 32 , One study examined the effects of taking either 45 or mg of arginine per pound or mg per kg of body weight, or around 6—10 or 15—20 grams per day, respectively.

Refined carbs and sugar raise insulin levels the most, so reducing your intake may help optimize growth hormone levels 24 , One study found that healthy people had 3—4 times higher HGH levels than those with diabetes, as well as impaired carb tolerance and insulin function Along with directly affecting insulin levels, excess sugar intake is a key factor in weight gain and obesity, which also affect HGH levels.

Aim to achieve a balanced diet, as what you eat has a profound effect on your health, hormones, and body composition. Your body naturally releases significant amounts of HGH, especially at night 36 , Given that most meals cause a rise in insulin levels, some experts suggest avoiding food before bedtime In particular, a high-carb or high-protein meal may spike your insulin and potentially block some of the HGH released at night Nevertheless, insulin levels normally decrease 2—3 hours after eating, so you may wish to avoid carb- or protein-based meals 2—3 hours before bedtime.

Gamma aminobutyric acid GABA is a non-protein amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter, sending signals around your brain. Interestingly, it may also help increase your HGH levels GABA may also increase HGH levels by improving your sleep, since your nighttime growth hormone release is linked to sleep quality and depth 41 , High-intensity exercise increases HGH the most, but all forms of exercise are beneficial 43 , You can perform repeated sprints, interval training, weight training, or circuit training to spike your HGH levels and maximize fat loss 46 , 50 , Nevertheless, over the long term, exercise may optimize your hormone function and decrease body fat, both of which will benefit your HGH levels.

In one study, taking 4.