Human growth hormone is an important hormone in the human body. It is secreted by the pituitary gland that is located in the brain. The growth hormone is a major product of the pituitary gland and is specifically produced by somatotrophs in the anterior part. The growth hormone is often referred to as somatotrophin and is responsible for controlling growth and has effects in metabolism processes.

Somatotrophin is specific to every species which means that different species have different growth hormone. It is a peptide consisting of 191 amino acids. It is secreted in explosions and not secreted throughout the day. The secretion of growth hormone increases before sleeping. The amount of secretion of somatotrophin, together with thyroid and sex hormones, affect the height of the individual. Aside from affecting growth, somatotrophin also plays a role in controlling metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Growth hormone is very important in every individual’s maintenance of body composition.

The production of growth hormone is increased and decreased by certain factors. These factors include stress, nutrition, exercise and sleep. However, the primary regulators of HGH are growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin and Ghrelin. GHRH stimulates the synthesis and production of the growth hormone. Somatostatin is a peptide produce by hypothalamus and stops growth hormone release in response to GHRH and other motivating factors. Ghrelin powerfully stimulates production of growth hormone through binding with somatotrophs.

Growth hormone has two distinct types of effects in the body. These effects are;

1.) Direct effects
2.) Indirect effects

Direct effects are the results of binding between growth hormone receptors and target cells. One example of this is the effect of growth hormone binding with fat cells which results in the breaking down of triglyceride in fat cells and prevents them from taking and circulating lipids. On the other hand, indirect effects are brought about by Insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I). This hormone is secreted as a response to growth hormone. It is also one of the primary aides of growth hormone in affecting growth.

HGH together with IGF-I have significant roles in different processes in the body. Examples of these processes are:

1.) Growth of all tissues including repair
2.) Turning body fat into muscle
3.) Energy level improvement
4.) Bone strength
5.) Brain function

The body actively produces growth hormones during childhood and puberty years. This active production results to height increase in individuals. However, at the end of puberty years, secretion of growth hormone decreases. It continuously decreases as people grow older. The decrease in the production of growth hormone contributes to weakness of bones in older people and their loss of strength. In some cases, children are born with growth hormone abnormalities. Growth hormone deficiency results in low stature of an individual. Excessive growth hormones result in having too much height.

Human growth hormone is very important in as much that is has become the subject of research. Researchers are continuously finding ways to use growth hormones in reversing aging and increasing muscle mass. Several researchers and companies have produced HGH products. These products are mainly used in treating HGH diseases. They are available in injections, pills and oral sprays. These HGH products and supplements are also being used in combating age.

HGH products are induced into the body to increase the HGH secretion therefore making the user feel young again. However, the fact remains that age can not be defeated and the aging process is inevitable for every human. 

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