What triggers human growth hormone (hGH)?

Your pituitary gland normally releases hGH in short bursts (pulses) throughout the day. The release of hGH is primarily controlled by two hormones released by the hypothalamus: growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates hGH release, and somatostatin, which prevents (inhibits)hgh for sale release.

Several other endocrine hormones also regulate hGH, including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is the main inhibitor of GH production, while thyroxine, glucocorticoids, and ghrelin stimulate hGH release.

IGF-1 released by the liver is one of the most typical effects of hGH activity. IGF-1 plays a key role in preventing (inhibiting) hGH release through a negative feedback loop by stimulating somatostatin and inhibiting GHRH release. However, the secretion of hGH and IGF-1 are mutually regulated, where hGH triggers IGF-1 release and IGF-1 inhibits hGH release in a feedback loop. In healthy people, hGH release is inhibited by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and stimulated by sleep, stress, exercise, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and amino acids.

What is the function of human growth hormone (hGH)?

Human growth hormone has two main functions: to stimulate growth (mainly in children) and to affect metabolism (how your body converts the food you eat into energy).

hGH and growth

Human growth hormone triggers the growth of nearly all tissues and organs in the body. However, it is known for its growth-promoting effects on cartilage and bone, especially during puberty. Cells in cartilage called chondrocytes and bone cells called osteoblasts receive signals from hGH to increase replication, allowing for volume growth.

Once the growth plates in a child's bones have fused, hGH no longer increases height. Instead, hGH helps maintain normal body structure for the rest of your life.