How Does Human Growth Hormone Work?

Introduction

Our bodies naturally produce a human growth hormone that helps regulate the manner in which our bodies' muscles, bones and tissues grow and strengthen. This human growth hormone is supplied by the pituitary gland. As we age the pituitary gland slowly starts to cut down how much of this hormone it produces. This is especially the case after our bodies reach the age of 40.

Uses

In today's health market, synthetic human growth hormones are used mostly in children's medicine. It is most commonly used to combat the ailments causing kidney failure in children, as well as to fight Prader-Willi syndrome and Turner's syndrome. It is approved in adults for limited use in patients whose pituitary glands are not producing enough of the natural human growth hormone. However, use has increased to include decreasing body fat, increasing muscle mass, increasing bone density and even as a mood stabilizer.

Process

Natural human growth hormone works by stimulating the growth and reproduction of cells in the body. It stimulates muscles to grow, bones to strengthen and even the growth of internal organs. Synthetic human growth hormone is a prescription injection that is shot directly into the muscle. The synthetic medication mimics the actions of the natural growth hormone by stimulating the body's cells to grow and reproduce.

Side Effects

Taking human growth hormone, especially if you do not have a need to do so, can lead to mild to serious side effects. These side effects can include headaches, muscle swelling (especially in the arms and legs), carpal tunnel, headaches, diabetes, muscle pain, abnormal growth (including bone, tissue and muscle), high blood pressure and other heart problems such as hardening of the arteries.

Abuse

Because of the side effect of abnormal muscle growth, human growth hormone has the potential to become an abused substance. However, there is little research associated with synthetic human growth hormone being able to increase a person's overall physical performance. In fact, one study showed that though there was increased muscle mass in those taking human growth hormones, the muscle mass came without any additional strength capacity (Mayo Clinic).

Resources

• Mayo Clinic Information on Human Growth Hormone