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Growth Hormone levels have been found to decline with age in every species so far tested and this decline is a major factor in the aging process. In numerical terms, humans produce on a daily basis some 500mcg of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) at 20 years of age, 200mcg at 40 years, and 25mcg at 80.
HGH deficiency in adults is now recognized as a specific clinical syndrome with characteristic signs and symptoms.
Treatment & Prevention
Replacement of the hormones which decline with age, such as growth hormone, estrogen and testosterone, is an important part of any antiaging program.
HGH replacement improves body composition and quality of life as soon as 1 month after commencement. Most importantly these changes occur without side-effects. Increased levels of HGH have a positive effect by increasing muscle mass, stimulating fat loss, improving skin texture, improving exercise tolerance, increasing bone density, improving sleep quality and helping mental processes.
There are several possibilities for treating low HGH levels:- HGH injections (expensive, used when other means are insufficient)
- HGH transdermal products (Trans-D-Tropin)
- Oral products with secretagogues (all-natural HGH releasers, also known as agonists) and precursors taken daily
- Homeopathic preparations (the least expensive)
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone):
Conditions that suggest Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone): | | | | | Aging |  Premature/Signs of Aging |
Circulation |
 Poor/Slow Wound Healing | Human growth hormone (HGH) levels decline with age. HGH stimulates the production of collagen, which sticks wounds together, strengthens weakened tissue, gives skin more elasticity and helps wounds of the skin or bone heal faster and stronger. |
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Immunity |
Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome| | It has been known for 25 years that FM patients have an abnormal sleep pattern involving stages 3 and 4 of non-REM sleep. As GH is secreted predominantly during stages 3 and 4 of non-REM sleep, it was originally hypothesized that FM patients may have impaired GH secretion. IGF-1 levels are abnormally low in some fibromyalgia patients.
In an analysis of IGF-1 levels in 500 female FM patients and 152 age matched non-FM subjects the mean IGF-1 level in the FM patients was 137 +/- 58ng/ml versus 216 +/- 86ng/ml in controls. Eighty-five percent of the FM patients had IGF-1 levels below the 50th percentile of the control population and 56% fell below the 20th percentile. |
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Mental |
Low Self-Esteem |
Metabolic |
Problems Caused By Being Overweight| | Dr. Brett Jancques, ND reports that all of the obese individuals tested thus far by AAL Reference Laboratories were found to have low growth hormone levels. Testing was accomplished through 24-hour urinary growth hormone measurements. [Townsend Letter, Feb/March 2002, Vol 223/224; pp.74-78] |
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Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone) can lead to: | | | | | Immunity |  Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome| | It has been known for 25 years that FM patients have an abnormal sleep pattern involving stages 3 and 4 of non-REM sleep. As GH is secreted predominantly during stages 3 and 4 of non-REM sleep, it was originally hypothesized that FM patients may have impaired GH secretion. IGF-1 levels are abnormally low in some fibromyalgia patients.
In an analysis of IGF-1 levels in 500 female FM patients and 152 age matched non-FM subjects the mean IGF-1 level in the FM patients was 137 +/- 58ng/ml versus 216 +/- 86ng/ml in controls. Eighty-five percent of the FM patients had IGF-1 levels below the 50th percentile of the control population and 56% fell below the 20th percentile. |
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Mental |
Low Self-Esteem |
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Recommendations and treatments for Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone): | | | | | Amino Acid / Protein |  Glutamine| | It has been shown that growth hormone (GH) is adequately produced by the aging pituitary, but its secretion from the pituitary is down-regulated with age. Scientists have found that certain amino acids and vitamins can stimulate the natural release of GH from the pituitary in many people.
Some amino acids have been shown to stimulate GH release, and may be found in preparations designed to increase GH release. Most of these preparations come with the recommendation that they be used just prior to muscle building exercise for maximal effect. These amino acids include L-arginine, L-lysine, L-glutamine, L-ornithine and glycine. |
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Drug |
 GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)| | GHB stimulates pituitary growth hormone (GH) release. One methodologically rigorous Japanese study reported nine-fold and sixteen-fold increases in growth hormone 30 and 60 minutes respectively after intravenous administration of 2.5gm of GHB in 6 healthy men between the ages 25-40 [Takahara, 1977]. GH levels were still seven-fold higher after 120 minutes.
The mechanism by which GHB stimulates growth-hormone release is not known. Dopamine activity in the hypothalamus is known to stimulate pituitary release of growth hormone, but GHB inhibits dopamine release at the same time that it stimulates GH release. This suggests that GHB’s GH-releasing effect takes place through an entirely different mechanism. |
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Homeopathy |
Homeopathic Growth Hormones| | One placebo-controlled and blinded study found that two homeopathic products (the only ones tested) demonstrated a clear improvement in symptoms and increased IGF-1 levels. Since some people respond to one product but not another, it is worth trying one for a month to see if any improvements result. If not, switch products until finding one that works for you. |
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Lab Tests/Rule-Outs |
Test for Hormones |
Vitamins |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)| | There is some evidence that the use of niacin improves growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Weakly counter-indicative | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Homeopathy (Homeopathic)
A system of medicine based on the belief that the cure of disease can be effected by minute doses of substances that, if given to a healthy person in large doses, would produce the same symptoms as are present in the disease being treated. Homeopathy employs natural substances in small doses to stimulate the body's reactive process to remove toxic waste and bring the body back into balance.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hypothalamus (Hypothalmus)
Tucked deep inside the brain, this gland is an important supervisory center, regulating many body functions. It is important for longevity and coordinates the entire endocrine system, especially in connection with the pituitary. The hypothalamus is located immediately below the thalamus at the center of the brain, and controls many automatic functions of the body. This means it has the power to govern the autonomic (automatic or subconscious) nervous system. The hypothalamus also controls pituitary output by secreting specific chemicals to the pituitary's front lobe. Despite its importance in maintaining homeostasis, the hypothalamus in humans accounts for only 1/300 of total brain weight, and is about the size of an almond.
IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Nanogram (ng)
0.000000001 or a billionth of a gram.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Last updated: Feb 07, 2010
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