Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is also called Somatotropin. It is actually a protein hormone which is comprised of 190 amino acids (the building blocks of protein) which is created and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It has two types of effects, both of which are highly beneficial to the vital, active human body as you'll learn below.

One main type of action of the HGH is its direct effects on other kinds of cells. The growth hormone (GH) binds to its receptor on target cells, then creates some particular action. Fat cells, for example, are the target cells of HGH, so they have growth hormone receptors. Once bonded there, the growth hormone causes them to break down triglyceride and suppresses their ability to take up and accumulate circulating lipids -- in other words, fat storage is prevented!

HGH also acts to create other indirect effects in the body by causing secretion of IGF-1, an Insulin-like Growth Factor hormone. IGF-1 is secreted from the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone. This is the action that governs mostly growth-related effects of HGH.

What is meant by "Growth Hormones"?

The obvious answer is, growth means something getting bigger. But don't be hemmed in by that definition. Growth requires many, many coordinated processes in the body, and that in turn means a complex dance of lots of different hormones, which typically are the messengers that tell different parts of the body what to do and when. Growth hormone indirectly stimulates the synthesis of cartilage cells, resulting in bone growth.

This same effect is also the power behind muscle growth. It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells, stimulates amino acid uptake and synthesizes protein in muscle and other tissues. This is where the ability of HGH to influence overall muscle and skin tone comes from.

How Do Growth Hormones Affect Metabolism?

Human Growth Hormones have important effects on:

Protein Metabolism: HGH causes increased amino acid uptake, increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins.
 
Fat Metabolism: HGH enhances the utilization of fat -- gives your body the ability to break down fat cells more efficiently.
 
Carbohydrate Metabolism: HGH is one of several hormones that maintain blood sugar within a normal range.

What Happens If My Growth Hormone Level Declines ?

Because of the abilities of HGH mentioned above, you can understand that without proper HGH levels, muscle tone declines, fat stubbornly sits in the body and resists metabolism, and hair, skin and nails (all composed of proteins) deteriorate. In fact, researchers now believe that HGH has a role in most healthy functions of the body, including sexual function, proper operation of stomach and bowels, liver, and all organs and systems.

Whether HGH is directly interacting with certain cells, or playing its key part in the correct function of other bodily systems, it is vital throughout the whole body for youthful vigor and good health!