Growth Hormones: What Are They?

HGH or Human Growth Hormone is what makes people believe that they can be youthful for a longer time. The brain produces growth hormone that controls the height, bone and muscle growth of the body. Natural levels of growth hormone fluctuate during the day, seemingly influenced by physical activity. For example, levels rise when we exercise.

A complete set of hormones control the production of the growth hormone which occurs in the hypothalamus of the brain, the pancreas and the intestinal tract. The pituitary gland produces the growth hormone in bursts. The levels of GH rise during exercise, trauma and sleep. The levels are sporadic and alternate throughout the day. Scientists who measure the GH production during the entire lifespan of the human, report that it rises during childhood, peaks during puberty, and declines from middle age onward.

GH is responsible for the growth of bones and cartilage, especially in children and adolescents. GH boosts the production of protein, promotes fat utilisation, raises blood sugar levels and interferes with the action of insulin.

Growth Hormone – The Drug

The synthetic growth hormone was created to treat patients with a falling rate of muscle growth linked to certain diseases. But the most common usage of HGH is by bodybuilders and sportspersons. One has proof to believe that bodybuilders began using growth hormones to achieve impressive results in the 1970s. Bodybuilders have been constantly experimenting with steroids and drugs which may enhance their performance. This experimentation led them to stumble upon the HGH. Since then, HGH has been an important aspect of each professional bodybuilder’s regime.

To increase the pace of their muscle growth, they take HGH in the form of steroids. While HGH is known for muscle growth, its effect on athletic performance is yet unknown.

Benefits of Human Growth Hormone

• Promotes IGF-1: When you introduce HGH into your body, it enters your bloodstream and meets your liver. It boosts the production of certain growth factors, especially the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 enables muscle mass building which is primarily what bodybuilders require.

• IGF-1 is a single: chain hormone which is made of 70 amino acids. It boosts protein synthesis. IGF-1 binds to certain receptors in the musculoskeletal tissue. When you eat, your calories divert to produce protein in the cells. Since protein is essentially the building blocks of life, it builds bigger and stronger muscles. HGH helps bodybuilders by absorbing proteins from the foods they consume.

• Promotes Hyperplasia: HGH also boosts hyperplasia. Hyperplasia is the creation of new cells. HGH makes the cells multiply quickly which leads to a fast-paced increase in the lean muscle mass. However, this might lead to some side-effects as well.

• Reduction in Fat Synthesis: Scientists have also noticed the involvement of HGH in discouraging fat synthesis which means that it cuts down the pace at which the body produces fat. Weight gain is prominent in people with low levels of growth hormone, often found in the elderly. HGH actively uses body fat and energy rather than letting the body store it. It enables the loss of excess fat and helps the bodybuilder appear leaner and chiselled.

• Cartilage Strength: HGH is also responsible for promoting cartilage strength. This means, that with correct ingestion, the bones and joints become stronger.

Quick Recovery: Like other steroids based on testosterone, HGH promotes faster recovery. Your body gets back its strength and improves resistance after a gruelling and intense workout. It also heals wounds and injuries quickly.

What is the optimum dosage for HGH in bodybuilding?

The best way to ensure the efficiency of HGH in your body is to take the correct dosage of the drug. The optimal amount of the peptide to use should be within the range of 6 to 8 International Units (IU) per day. It should ideally be divided into two equal doses taken about 5-7 hours apart.

Some bodybuilders take a higher dosage than suggested to achieve quicker and jaw-dropping results. It might not be a great idea because a higher dosage may increase the risk of side-effects. The aim should be consistency rather than looking for a growth spurt. It is better to take the recommended dosage for a longer period rather than to double it in a shorter span.

Conclusion

While HGH has shown significant improvement in muscle mass and growth, it is subject to a lot of debate. The NSCA claim that Human growth hormone increases lean body mass within weeks of administration; however, the majority of the change is within the water compartment and not in body cell mass. However, these are simply claims. Bodybuilders have been relying on HGH for decades. You can easily buy high online from the drug stores.