Growth hormone (HGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and is taken into the liver and converted into a protein called somatomedin C or IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-one). It is IGF-1 that is partially responsible for the growth hormone functions in the body. Growth hormone contributes to ongoing tissue repair, healing. Cell rejuvenation; bone strength, brain function, enzyme production, and the integrity of hair, nails and skin.

What are the signs of Defficiency?

The signs of growth hormone deficiency are the same as the signs of aging. Body composition shifts with an increase in fat and body weight and a decrease in muscle mass and energy. There is a decrease in bone mineralization, vitality ebbs, and there is increased cardiovascular disease and mortality. There are also psychosocial deficits and impaired physical performance, poor sleep and decreased social interaction... ugh, not a real good situation. 

The Good News:

Research indicates that supplementation of growth hormone and testosterone may reverse symptoms of the aging process and restore a more youthful physiology and condition. There is a consistent improvement in muscle/fat ratio. (Most studies show a 10 to 20% decrease in fat with a 10% increase in muscle). Even more with testosterone.

There is also increased lipolysis or breakdown of fat with the concomitant decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides. There is an increase in exercise capacity, bone density, muscle mass and strength and there is an increase in cardiac output, skin rejuvenation with an increase in collagen and elastin, and a significant improvement in immunity. This results in growth hormone's anticancer and longevity effect sounds pretty good huh? View VitaSunn's HGH Section  

Growth Hormone (GH) is a master hormone because it is released by the master gland, the anterior pituitary gland. While GH is not necessary or critical to one's survival it seems to play an important evolutionary role in human development. During puberty the GH levels dictate a person's height and bone size. After puberty GH continues to help regulate the body's metabolism.  

What does Growth Hormone do in the body? Metabolically speaking in part, GH is responsible for the regulation of insulin (glucose metabolism), protein synthesis, transportation of amino acids across cell membranes, regulation of IGF-a (insulin-like growth factor-1, a metabolic liver hormone) and IGF-2 production - known to be one of the primary hormones responsible for cognitive development and IQ in children. IGF-2 is the growth factor that stimulates brain cell growth and development.   

Between the ages of 20 and 25, GH production begins a steady decline, and research associates this with the phenomena called aging. Somatopause (Soma = GH) is the term used to describe this condition. The human brain shrinks in size by so much as 30% by the time we die as do other vital organs. In theory much of this is due to the dramatic drop in the production of somatomedins (growth factors with age which in turn are regulated by GH. When the psychological domain levels drop mood levels become less stable and the feeling of youthful resilience (the ability to "bounce back") diminishes.  

What About Growth Hormone Injections?  

GH is one of the most extensively researched hormones in the body. Anti-aging specialists focus on its ability to regenerate kidney, lung, heart and liver tissue. The majority of GH research has focused on its clinical application at injectable dosage levels (from 1 to 2 I.U.s). However, new research is now available that demonstrates the positive effects of micro-dilution supplementation on quality of life. 

Oral Spray HGH?

Until 1996, GH was cost-prohibitive for the average American, available in injectable form only. In 1996 athletes were presented with another option; oral spray micro-dilution supplementation.

When assessing a GH supplement it is important to remember that GH cannot be absorbed orally (sublingually) without an advanced delivery system capable of delivering large molecular proteins (GH is amongst the largest). An oral spray GH supplement without a perfected delivery system is in effect worthless.   

Transdermal HGH Breakthrough! 

Recently a breakthrough delivery method was pioneered by Phase 4 Labs in the United States.
This 'transdermal' method allows the HGH molecule to pass through the layers of the skin and into the blood supply directly. Phase 4 developed a time-released "seal" that can be placed on an inconspicuous area of the user's skin and delivers a steady stream of HGH throuhout the day.
This has quickly become a very popular product because it allows the user the assurance that they are receiving the proper amount of HGH thoughout the day without the possibility of missing a mid-day or nighttime dose.