What is Human Growth Hormone?

Hormones can be thought of as "messengers" that are produced by the endocrine glands and then sent all over the body to stimulate specified activities. For example, growth, digestion, reproduction, and sexual functions are triggered by hormones.

As its name suggests, human growth hormone (HGH) is an endocrine hormone that makes humans grow. HGH is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids linked in a specific sequence. It is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland. These pulses vary between 10 and 30 per day and can be strengthened by exercise. For years, doctors have prescribed HGH for children who needed a growth boost. Human growth hormone is critical for tissue repair, healing, muscle growth, bone strength, brain function, physical and mental health, energy, and metabolism.

Somatropin is a man-made version of human growth hormone. Each manufacturer of somatropin assigns its own brand name, such as Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Saizen, and Serostim. It is available only by prescription and by injection.

Human growth hormone is produced at a rate that peaks during adolescence --- at time when normal growth is accelerated. Human growth hormone production decreases with age. As seen in the chart below, humans normally produce about 500 micrograms of human growth hormone daily at age 20. By age 80, the daily production falls to 60 (or less) micrograms.

Once secreted by the pituitary gland, circulating levels of HGH stimulate production of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from the liver. You can think of HGH as the hormone that gets the ball rolling, but IGF-1 does most of the work. The amount of IGF-1 or Somatomedin-C tends to mirror the amount of HGH that is produced by humans. Because blood levels of IGF-1 are more stable, labs often test for HGH levels by testing for IGF-1 levels.

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What does HGH Do?

Simply put, human growth hormone (HGH) keeps humans young. For most people the pituitary gland produces sufficient HGH to retain a youthful appearance until age 40 or so. Then, somewhere between age 40 and 50, the body's ability to produce human growth hormone declines to the point where the signs of aging begin to show.

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Effects of HGH Therapy

• SKIN: Increased skin elasticity, texture, and tightness.

• ENERGY: Increased energy and emotional stability

• BONE: Improved bone strength.

• SEXUAL POWER: Increased sexual potency and frequency.

• MUSCLE: Increased muscle strength and mass.

• FAT: Decreased fat tissue.

• MEMORY: Improved mental functioning and strength.

• HEART: Improved cardiovascular strength and lower blood pressure.

• KIDNEY: Improved kidney function.

• IMMUNE SYSTEM: Improved immunity and healing.

• HAIR: Improved hair texture.

• CHOLESTEROL: Elevated HDL and lowered LDL.

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How do I know if my HGH level is too low?

To verify your HGH status, the physicians of the Longevity Centre of Houston recommend the following tests: IGF-1, IGF BP-3 or undergoing an Arginine/Geref HGH Stimulation Test. Patients who show a HGH deficiency with the Arginine/Geref HGH Stimulation Test may be entitled to drug benefits covered under their insurance plans. Feel free to contact our office for more details.

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Human Growth Hormone Questionnaire

1.	Are you Short Statured?	Yes	No
2.	Do you have Increased Fat around the waist?	Yes	No
3.	Was your Puberty Delayed?	Yes	No
4.	Do you have Low Energy Levels?	Yes	No
5.	Has your Exercise Tolerance decreased?	Yes	No
6.	Have you lost Muscle Mass?	Yes	No
7.	Have you experienced a Weight Gain?	Yes	No
8.	Do you have feelings of Anxiety or Depression?	Yes	No
9.	Is your skin Thin and/or Dry?	Yes	No
10.	Do you have a Lipid (Cholesterol) disorder?	Yes	No

If you answered YES to any of the questions above, we recommend you undergo an Anti-Aging Evaluation. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.

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