Produced in the human body naturally, the human growth hormone (HGH) consists of a multifaceted network of amino acids and is produced by the anterior pituitary gland.
The human growth hormone is vitally important to our bodies as it stimulates and regulates growth, promotes cell regeneration, and orchestrates metabolism.
In children and adolescents, the human growth hormone is responsible for controlling height - gradually bringing young people to the height they will remain.
This occurs as the human growth hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland, stimulating the liver and other tissues to stimulate bone growth and muscle mass.
The human growth hormone also controls protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism.
We can significantly affect the operation of the human growth hormone in this capacity - by making lifestyle choices that will support the production of HGH.
This includes a diet of natural, whole foods as well as a consistent exercise program, adequate sleep, and stress management.
Normal levels of the human growth hormone will keep us in balance throughout our lifetime; but there are those conditions that result from an under - or over - production of HGH.
For some children who have less than normal levels of the human growth hormone, growth will be stunted.
Adults who suffer from inadequate levels of HGH experience fatigue, inability to metabolize fat, and muscle weakness.
In these cases, both children and adults are treated with human growth hormone supplements to help bring their bodies back into balance.
When there is an over production of the human growth hormone in children, Giantism can result wherein growth is rapid and continuous.
The over production of HCG in adults is most often attributed to pituitary tumors and can be extremely serious.
Known as Acromegaly, this condition can result in the thickening of cranial bones, the enlargement of extremities and rib cage, and even the enlargement of the heart.
Doctors treat both conditions with medication that blocks the release of the human growth hormone.
In some severe cases, surgery must be performed to remove a portion of the pituitary gland.
In normal situations, the production of the human growth hormone drops off after we reach our permanent height and then stays consistent throughout our life until we begin to age.
The aging process includes the diminishing of the human growth hormone resulting in a loss of bone and muscle mass, as well as an increase of fat deposits, and overall frailty.
However, people can combat these effects of aging by remaining active and living a healthy lifestyle.