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 191 amino acids in
length. Because of its size, complexity and stereoscopic
configuration it cannot be taken orally, it must be injected. Twenty
years ago GH was being used by weight lifters in massive doses from
cadaveric sources. This was not without risk.
Today's sources are
pharmaceutically pure and completely safe. And, the doses we use
today are in the very small physiological range.
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.
Depending on the lab, it might be useful to identify both to clear
up any confusion.
IGF-1 is also a more stable
compound unlike true GH which has up to 5 spurts a 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 given rise to a plethora of symptoms which we
know are the telltale signs of aging:
Loss
of elasticity - thinning, sagging and wrinkled skin
Loss
of bone strength - osteoporosis
Loss
of Muscle strength - frailty and weakness
Increased adipose tissue - accumulation of
fat
Loss
of heart muscle contractility - heart failure
Less
favorable lipid profile - increased cholesterol and decreased
HDL
Loss
of vigor and stamina
Loss
of sexual powers and libido
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 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 online 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:
muscle strength, exercise, and body
fat
Increase in skin elasticity, texture and
tightness
Increased healing, flexibility and
resistance
Increased sexual potency and
frequency
Increased energy, emotional stability and
memory
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
Effects on bone strength
Improved cardiovascular
strength
Improved lung, kidney, liver, and
spleen function
Improved sleep
Improved mental functioning and
memory
Available
forms
Human growth hormone is
available from the following companies:
Growth Hormone
Stimulators A Safe Alternative
!!!!
Although we still offer and
use recombinant hGH as 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, not for those with needle phobia.
It is expensive and,
therefore, limited to those can afford to pay. This is not
reimbursable on insurance plans.
It is not recommended for
travel across international borders because of refrigeration
problems and because of increased scrutiny you will face from border
agents.
There is an alternative
or, in some cases, an adjunct: topically applied (cream based)
Trans-D Tropin.
These simulate the GHRH
hormone as seen in figure 1 above. They are now available and more
affordable.
In my opinion this form allows
your body to make its own HGH and is therefore a logical way to
introduce growth hormone augmenting therapies into your anti aging
plan.
You can receive the benefits
without any of the risks !!!
Conclusion
Human growth hormone is
one of the most powerful tools we now have at our command.
Growth hormone is never
the program -- it is always part of a comprehensive
and integrated approach and only used for adult growth hormone
deficiency syndrome.
We offer our patients either
or both programs: Recombinant Growth Hormone (hGH) replacement
therapy (see proviso above) and topical Trans-D Tropin. In
many instances, they are quite complimentary for many of our more
active clients. The results are remarkable.
