Growth hormone (GH) is a protein hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases GH periodically in “pulses” through the day, with most of the GH released during sleep at night. Once released into the bloodstream, GH attaches to most tissues, including bones and muscle. GH also binds to the liver and causes the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 has growth-like effects on many tissues as well. In adults, GH helps maintain bone strength and prevents bone loss, which can lead to weak bones, called osteoporosis. GH also has effects on muscle (GH builds up muscle) and fat tissue (GH helps reduce fat). Therefore, GH is a very important hormone for maintaining body composition by allowing normal musculature to develop, while minimizing fat. In addition, GH has an active role in maintaining psychological and cognitive functions in normal adults. Therefore, GH is needed by both children and adults to allow for normal growth and maintenance of body composition, along with maximizing quality of life.
The benefits of human growth hormone use in menopause which have been clearly documented in the medical literature include the following:
- a decrease in body fat
- an increase in muscle mass
- thickening of the skin with decreased wrinkling
- improvement in the cholesterol profile
- an increase in bone density
- enhanced feeling of well being
- a decrease in the waist to hip ratio (meaning fat is removed primarily from around the waist where it is associated with high risk of coronary disease)
- improvement in aerobic capacity
- enhanced immune function
- decrease in the frequency of illness
The changes that our patients at Harding Anti-Aging Center seem to be most pleased with are the elevation in mood, increase in energy level, improved sleep, decrease in body fat, increase in muscle mass and enhanced ability to handle adversity with confidence and optimism.
