Human Growth Hormone

Background

Human Growth Hormone is a rather recent discovery or addition to anti aging knowledge and science, the majority of research on its viability as an anti aging agent being conducted only over the past 2 decades. Previously, growth hormone research and use was mainly for children with growth difficulties. But, most research has strongly pinpointed HGH as a valid and effective anti aging substance, if used in highly controlled manner.

HGH is a hormone produced by the small pituitary gland, and considered to be the "master hormone" of the body, meaning it has wide ranging influence over the release and production of other hormones in the body.

The interest in HGH for anti aging, peaked when Dr Daniel Rudman conducted a test with HGH on a group of elderly men. The results, which were published in the New England Journal of 1990, described a variety of positive changes in the health of the group that were given HGH. On the other hand, the control group given a placebo did not experience any changes.

Since Rudman's landmark study, many studies have been conducted by doctors, and much knowledge gained. All things considered, HGH is still regarded as one of the best anti aging agents we will ever know.

The problem is the decline of HGH in the body after the ages of around 30. A decline in HGH is followed by an increase in aging connected symptoms, like hair turning gray, skin drying up, wrinkles appearing, dropping energy levels, and declining sex drive, to name but a few. By the time of age 60 and above, HGH levels in the body are almost nil.

Restoring HGH

There are 2 mainstream levels of thought in raising back HGH levels in the body. One is obtaining injections of the direct hormone, and the other one is inducing the production of HGH via "HGH releasing" methods. The former method is risky and costly, with a lot of hoops to jump through. The latter is a much more acceptable method, and one which I personally practice.

HGH injections normally cost thousands of dollars a year for a years supply, and you need to get a doctor to strictly supervise it. The risks of going over the level which your body can handle are real, although small.

The preferred method of replacing HGH levels is via HGH releasers. Although not so effective as injections, HGH releasers indirectly force you to adopt healthier methods of living. You need to put in the effort to make them work, and if you do, HGH releasers DO work.

What happens when HGH levels rise?

When HGH levels rise, it binds onto a protein called GHBP (growth hormone binding protein) which is converted by the liver into a human growth factor called IGF-1. IGF-1 is also known as somatomedin C, and what is does is it brings the benefits of HGH to the cells. IGF-1 levels are used a measurement of HGH levels in the body.

There are many hormones which function as modulators of HGH, and they actually inhibit HGH production to a certain degree. Some of these would be somatostatin, and cortisol. Cortisol is one of the most destructive hormones in the body and is responsible for hastening aging and inducing age related diseases like cancer. Learning to keep cortisol down, is important if you want to remain young for as long as possible. If you didn't know it yet, cortisol is the stress hormone, released when the body or mind is stressed.

HGH and the Future

There are many more things about HGH and anti aging, which I believe we are only just beginning to learn about. But the validity of human growth hormone as an anti aging agent is now firmly established, and it holds great promise in extending the quality of life both now, and in the future.