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Gh

Also known as: Somatotropin, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Growth Hormone (GH)

Overview

Growth Hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, playing an essential role in growth, body composition, cell repair, and metabolism. It is produced naturally in the human body and is critical for promoting growth in children as well as maintaining metabolism in adults. Therapeutically, GH is used to treat growth hormone deficiency and is also known to be misused for performance enhancement in sports. GH stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), mediating many of its biological effects. Research on GH is extensive, demonstrating various benefits related to growth, fat loss, and muscle composition; however, evidence also highlights the risks associated with its misuse. The most common administration method is injectable forms, ensuring bioavailability.

Benefits

Growth Hormone therapy has demonstrated numerous evidence-backed benefits, particularly for individuals with GH deficiency, leading to increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass. Research indicates that GH administration significantly enhances body composition without improving muscle strength or aerobic capacity. Evidence shows that while GH can enhance anaerobic exercise capacity, many athletic performance improvements are limited. The clinical significance of GH's effects on body composition is notable, typically observed over weeks to months, particularly in deficient populations who experience improvements in growth and overall body composition.

How it works

Growth Hormone exerts its effects primarily through the stimulation of IGF-1 production in the liver and other tissues. IGF-1, in turn, plays a key role in promoting cell growth and regeneration across multiple tissues, including muscle and bone. GH interacts with various organ systems, influencing metabolic pathways that affect body composition, growth, and energy regulation. The hormone binds to specific GH receptors, initiating cellular signaling pathways that promote growth and metabolic processes critical for overall health and body composition.

Side effects

GH is generally safe for therapeutic use under medical supervision; however, misuse can lead to severe side effects. Common side effects occurring in more than 5% of users include fluid retention, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Less frequently, between 1% and 5%, side effects such as insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes may occur. Rarely, long-term misuse can lead to potential increased risks for certain cancers. Drug interactions are noted, particularly with insulin and diabetes medications. Specific contraindications exist for individuals with active cancer and critical illnesses. Caution is advised for pediatric use due to effects on growth plates and developmental health.

Dosage

Recommended GH dosage varies based on individual needs and medical conditions, with therapeutic doses generally falling between 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg per week for those with GH deficiency. Optimal dosages should be individualized, monitoring the patient’s response and any side effects experienced. Timing of administration is typically at bedtime to mimic the body's natural secretion patterns. GH is administered via injection for therapeutic use, and safety limits for dosages are not well-defined, but careful monitoring is essential to avoid adverse effects.

FAQs

Is GH safe to use?

GH is safe when used therapeutically under medical supervision, but misuse can lead to significant health risks.

When should GH be administered?

GH is commonly administered at bedtime to align with natural secretion patterns.

What benefits can I expect from GH?

In individuals with GH deficiency, expect improved growth and changes in body composition, though effects on athletic performance may be limited.

Does GH enhance athletic performance?

GH does not significantly enhance athletic performance in healthy individuals.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects include fluid retention, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, typically occurring in more than 5% of users.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/8739289 – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of GH on body composition, showing it significantly increases lean mass while having no notable improvements on athletic performance in healthy individuals.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28514721/ – This meta-analysis focused on the effects of GH in healthy, young subjects, confirming significant increases in lean mass and fat loss, but noting no improvements in strength or aerobic capacity, highlighting the limited benefits for athletic performance.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36467462/ – This systematic review discussed L-arginine supplementation's capacity to stimulate GH release, especially when combined with GHRH, outlining variable responses based on different individual contexts.