HGH Therapy: Human Growth Hormone Therapy
HGH therapy is not a new concept. Health care
professionals have been using Human Growth Hormone
products since the 1950's when discovered as an
effective treatment for Growth Hormone Deficiencies (GHD).
And since early 1990's, HGH was found as effective for
anti-aging.
As a result HGH therapy has become big business. So
control and administration of Human Growth Hormone
products and treatments have gone in hands of bussiness
and manufacturing world from medical practitioners.
Credit of change goes to Baby Boomers having disposable
income and fear of growing old.
Clinical tests have proved HGH therapy as effective in
promoting weight loss and muscle growth but not received
FDA approval yet.
Is HGH therapy right for you? Before you decide,
understand the common terms thrown around through
literature, TV and radio for marketing of products.
Amino Acids
These are nitrogen-bearing organic acids that comprise
the basic foundation of proteins that make up HGH.
Endocrine System
The endocrine gland secretes HGH into bloodstream in
order to control functions such as metabolism. The
endocrine system is comprised of the adrenal glands,
hypothalamus, ovaries, pineal, pituitary gland, testes,
thymus and thyroid.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is medical concepts teaches the substance,
that create adverse effect in healthy person, can cure
the patient. Homeopathic medicines are made up of
natural substances exist in animals and minerals.
Hormones
Hormones are actually chemicals endocrine gland in the
body. These chemicals, when present, trigger responses
in body cells and organs to control growth and
metabolism.
Human Growth Hormone
HGH, a complex protein having 191 amino acids, is
secreted by pituitary gland. HGH activates liver to
produce Insulin Growth Factor (IGF-1) which in turn
triggers bone and tissue growth.
Human Growth Hormone production reaches its highest
levels during adolescence and puberty, and then slowly
decreases as the body ages.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is situated at the base of the
brain. It delivers a variety of hormones into blood
stream Human Growth Hormone, Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
(TSH), a water-regulating hormone ADH and Luteinizing
Hormone which controls estrogen and testosterone
production in the body.
Recombinant DNA
Artificial or synthetic form of HGH manufactured in
laboratories by inserting certain DNA from natural HGH
proteins into the DNA of certain bacteria and yeast.
Lots of complex issues are related to HGH therapy.
Thorough knowledge of the subject is necessary in case
of you are taking the course. And we hope that article
will help you in understanding the principals of Human
Growth Hormone therapy for an educated choice.
GH deficiency is treated by replacing GH with daily
injections under the skin or into muscle. Until 1985,
growth hormone for treatment was obtained by extraction
from human pituitary glands collected at autopsy. Since
1985, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a
recombinant form of human GH produced by genetically
engineered bacteria, manufactured by recombinant DNA
technology. In both children and adults, costs of
treatment in terms of money, effort, and the impact on
day-to-day life, are substantial.
Treatment in childhood
GH treatment is not recommended for children who are not
growing despite having normal levels of growth hormone,
and in the UK it is not licensed for this use.[10]
Children requiring treatment usually receive daily
injections of growth hormone. Most pediatric
endocrinologists monitor growth and adjust dose every
3–6 months and many of these visits involve blood tests
and x-rays. Treatment is usually extended as long as the
child is growing, and lifelong continuation may be
recommended for those most severely deficient. Nearly
painless insulin syringes, pen injectors, or a
needle-free delivery system reduce the discomfort.
Injection sites include the biceps, thigh, buttocks, and
stomach. Injection sites should be rotated daily to
avoid lipoatrophy. Treatment is expensive, costing as
much as $US 10,000 to 40,000 a year in the USA.
Treatment in adulthood
GH supplementation is not recommended medically for the
physiologic age-related decline in GH/IGF secretion. It
may be appropriate in diagnosed adult-onset deficiency,
where a weekly dose approximately 25% of that given to
children is given. Lower doses again are called for in
the elderly to reduce the incidence of side effects and
maintain age-dependent normal levels of IGF-I.
In many countries, including the UK, the majority view
among endocrinologists is that the failure of treatment
to provide any demonstrable, measurable benefits in
terms of outcomes means treatment is not recommended for
all adults with severe GHD, and national guidelines in
the UK as set out by NICE suggest three criteria which
all need to be met for treatment to be indicated:
Severe GH deficiency, defined as a peak GH response of
<9mU/litre during an insulin tolerance test
Perceived impairment of quality of life, as assessed by
questionnaire
They are already treated for other pituitary hormone
disorders
Where treatment is indicated, duration is dependent upon
indication.
