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Human Growth Hormone
Note: Human Growth Hormone can be purchased by prescription only and should be used carefullly under competent medical supervision. One
brand, Genotropin manufactured by Upjohn Pharmacia can be purchased from any
drug store at a current cost of approximately US $14.00 per
international unit (IU). Some doctors prescribe one IU per day for six days a week
bringing the weekly cost to US $84.00. I personally buy Genotropin (an HGH with a
preservative that has a shelf life of 21 days after reconstitution) for $210.00 for 15
IU.
This amounts to $14.00 per IU. I buy it from my neighborhood pharmacy.
Human growth hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland which is
located in the center of the brain, peaks during adolescence when growth is most rapid. It
is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining physical and mental health through
tissue repair, healing, cell replacement, bone strength, brain function, enzyme
production, integrity of the hair, nails and skin. By the age of 60 it is not uncommon to
see declines in the order of 75% from more youthful levels.
Modern biotechnology has given us
the ability to totally synthesize this remarkable hormone. The technique of production
varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is a complex protein molecule of 190
amino acids in length. Because of its size, complexity and stereoscopic configuration it
cannot be taken orally, it must be injected under the skin with an insulin syringe. Forty
years ago GH, from cadavers, was being used to stimulate growth in youngsters who's
growth was stunted.
Today's sources are pharmaceutically
pure and completely safe. And, the doses used today are very small .
Endocrinology
In order to understand the rationale
of human growth hormone replacement-vs-Secretagogue augmentation, refer to figure 1 below:
Figure 1
The hypothalamus is the primitive
site of the brain that sends either stimulating or inhibiting hormones to the pituitary.
Growth hormone stimulating hormone (GHRH) tells the pituitary gland to
secrete more growth hormone (GH). On the other side, Growth Hormone
Inhibiting Hormone (GHIH = Somatostatin) tells the pituitary gland to
stop producing more GH.
Once the pituitary receives the
positive stimulating signal it then secretes GH which in turn stimulates the liver to
produce IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) . This is the substance that
is most commonly measured as a surrogate marker for GH output. Low IGF-1 = low
GH. Somatomedin-C
is just another name for IGF-1. When requesting a lab test for IGF-1, be sure to ask for a
Somatomedin-C test and be sure to remind the person taking the blood sample to freeze it
immediately. If not frozen you will receive worthless results. If using a
saliva test kit just follow directions.
IGF-1 is also a more stable compound
unlike true GH which is produced in spurts throughout the day - the largest being
just before sleep. If we were to measure GH directly it might show as too low or too high
just because of the timing. Measuring IGF-1 circumvents this problem because of its more
constant blood levels. Interestingly, both have distinct biochemical properties.
Once the IGF-1 levels are high
enough, a feedback message is sent back to the pituitary and the hypothalamus to modulate
further GH secretion. This is accomplished by secreting more Somatostatin which then slows
down GH production.
You can see the intricate play
between GHRH and Somatostatin as a "servo" mechanism in the brain to regulate
just the right amount of GH release. This is the model for virtually all brain mediated
hormonal control - the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes.
Critical
concept: As we age, GH output begins to fall off, whether
by sluggishness of pituitary secretion or because of true GH decline. The outcome is the
same: declining levels of GH which gives rise to a multitude of symptoms which we know
know are the telltale signs of aging:
 | Loss of elasticity -
thinning, sagging and wrinkled skin
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| Loss of bone strength -
osteoporosis
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| Loss of Muscle strength -
frailty and weakness
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| Increased adipose tissue -
accumulation of fat
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| Loss of heart muscle
contractility - heart failure
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| Less favorable lipid
profile - increased cholesterol and decreased HDL
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| Loss of vigor and stamina
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| Loss of sexual powers and
libido
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Clinical Studies
It all started with the seminal
Rudman Study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM; 323:1-6 1990).
This pilot study divided 21 men 61-81 years old with plasma IGF-1 levels less than 350 iu
per liter into two groups: 12 test subjects and 9 controls subjects. A six month base
period period of data collection preceded the six month test (GH injection) period.
The study showed an increase in lean
muscle mass, a decrease in adipose fat tissue, and an increase in vertebral bone height.
All test subjects had measurable increases in their IGF-1 blood values. The control group
showed none of the above benefits.
To quote: "The effects of six
months of human growth hormone on body mass and adipose-tissue mass were equivalent in
magnitude to the changes incurred during the 10 to 20 years of aging." In other
words, regression of aging by 10-20 years.
Later Chien and Terry's large group
of over 1000 clinically treated individuals showed that lower dose, higher frequency
administration (twice daily) is associated with virtually no side effects and substantial
benefits:
| Increased muscle strength,
exercise, and body fat
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| Increase in skin
elasticity, texture and tightness
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| Increased healing,
flexibility and resistance
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| Increased sexual potency
and frequency
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| Increased energy,
emotional stability and memory
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These results were part of a total
hormonal replacement program and grading was based on each individuals own subjective
response and evaluation. Uniformly, the responses showed improved scores in all categories
based on the 212 participants' own ratings.
Other studies since then have shown
additional benefits:
| Improved lipid picture -
elevates HDL and lowers LDL
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| Effects on bone strength
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| Improved cardiovascular
strength
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| Improved lung, kidney,
liver, and spleen function
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| Improved sleep
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| Improved mental
functioning and memory
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Available forms
Human growth hormone is available
from the following companies:
Eli Lilly: Humatrope (Very
expensive) Also available in Mexico. (Less expensive)
Novo Nordisk: Nordotropin
Upjohn Pharmacia: Genotropin (Less
expensive)
Secretagogues
Growth Hormone Stimulators
Although recombinant hGH is
the gold standard because it is controllable, powerful and able to confer the greatest
rewards, it is, on the other hand, not for everyone.
It is injectable and, therefore,
cumbersome for some.
It is expensive and, therefore,
limited to those can afford to pay. It is generally not reimbursable on insurance plans
except in rare circumstances..
It is not recommended for travel
across international borders because of refrigeration problems and because of increased
scrutiny you will face from border agents, although with a prescription there will be less
problems.
There is an alternative or, in some
cases, an adjunct: Secretagogues...
These simulate the GHRH hormone as
seen in figure 1 above. They are now available and more affordable.
Conclusion
Human growth hormone is the most
powerful anti-aging tool we now have at our command. It makes possible, the ability to
regress human aging. It is truly a rejuvenating agent, especially when combined with a
full program of natural hormonal replacement and augmentation, proper nutrition, adequate
supplementation and exercise. It should only be prescribed and controlled by a
qualified health care provider.
It is truly the SUPER HORMONE!
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