Which gland produces growth hormone. Release of hormones that regulate growth in humans and animals

Today’s material will be entirely devoted to the topic of growth hormone:

• What is somatotropin?
• What is it for?
• How to independently manage hormonal processes in your body?
• And also much more.

Growth hormone: what is it?

In many previous materials, we examined in detail the factors that have direct impact on the anabolic processes that take place in the human body. This is useful to know, but you should also not forget about the “chemical” component of the process, that is, hormones. But the success of the process called a beautiful and sculpted body depends on them (growth hormone and testosterone). Today we'll talk about growth hormone.

In scientific terms, growth hormone is called somatotropin - a peptide structure that is produced by the endocrine gland. Its main task is to form muscle mass and help build a defined body relief. In young people, this hormone causes sharp linear growth (due to the rapid development tubular bones in the limbs). Usually its concentration in the body is low - 1-5 ng/ml, but can increase (during peak periods it reaches 45 ng/ml).

Somatotropin not only takes part in stimulating muscle growth, it also helps:

• Normalize metabolic processes;
• Slow down muscle destruction;
• Strengthen fat burning processes;
• Increase glycogen reserves in liver cells;
• Regenerate damaged tissues and heal wounds faster;
• Increase the number and size of liver and thymus cells;
• Improve collagen synthesis;
• Increase sexual activity;
• Strengthen joints and ligaments;
• Improve blood lipid composition;
• Accelerate the growth of young people.

But do not forget that somatotropin does not function on its own, but in conjunction with another hormone that is produced in liver cells and affects the growth of cells of all internal organs.

Important: The largest increase in the amount of growth hormone in the body is observed before the age of 20 years, then the amount decreases by 15% over the next 10 years.

Naturally, at different periods of time (during a person’s life) the amount of somatotropin in the body varies, which can be clearly seen in the image (see figure).

So it turns out that the ideal period for building a sculpted body is from 14 to 25 years of age (and the earlier, the better). Teenage years can be called the “golden time” for building up your muscles. But you don’t need to be upset and think that if you are over 25, then you have nothing to do in the gym, and a beautiful, sculpted body is a pipe dream. You will just need to put in more effort and wait patiently, because this process will take time.

Important: the process of secretion of growth hormone is not constant and occurs periodically throughout the day. In particular, there are peaks when hormone production reaches its maximum value (every 4-5 hours). The largest amount of growth hormone is produced at night, an hour after falling asleep.

Growth hormone is produced as follows: the pituitary gland, after receiving a signal from the hypothalamus, begins to produce somatotropin. After this, the hormone enters the blood and reaches the liver with it. In liver cells, growth hormone is converted into another working substance called somatomedin (this is what gets into muscle cells throughout the body). The process is shown schematically in the figure below.

Now, we have laid some theoretical foundation, now it’s time to move on to solving more pressing issues, namely...

Somatotropin and bodybuilding. How to stimulate growth factors naturally?

Every athlete will be interested in how to make the most of this powerful growth factor to build sculpted muscles.

The first thing you need to know is that growth hormone is an effective aid in weight loss, as it affects the speed at which metabolism occurs. You already know that every cell in the human body uses either glucose or fatty acids as fuel. So the amount of glucose is regulated by insulin, and the amount fatty acids- somatotropin.

So it turns out that if the body needs to lose weight, then you need to make sure that the body is fed not with glucose, but with fatty acids. It will not be possible to influence insulin, because it regulates the amount of glucose in the blood, and it also ensures that cells receive nutrition from glucose. On the other hand, with the help of somatotropin, it is possible to force cells to switch to the consumption of fatty acids and reduce glucose consumption.

In order to accomplish this whole thing, the hormone must enter the membranes of fat cells and act as a transport system for them. The hormone will take fatty acids, release them into the blood and give them oxygen. It turns out that somatotropin is capable of triggering lipolysis, which will be especially pronounced at a time when cells experience an acute lack of fatty acids.

The second thing that is also worth remembering: if we are talking about growth hormone in the area of ​​bodybuilding, then some “craftsmen” use medications, various injections and other “chemicals” to speed up the process of muscle growth. But I will repeat once again that “pure” sport and natural results are best, so here you will not find information about the properties various drugs, which cause the secretion of growth hormone.

Important: In 1989, the use of growth hormone among athletes was banned by the International Olympic Committee.

So let’s take a closer look at natural ways to increase HGH in the body. Let's start with what can interfere with the production of somatotropin:

• Stressful situations (even periodic);
• Increased levels of cortisol in the blood;
• Depletion of the central nervous system;
• Not proper nutrition with a lot of carbohydrate foods.

On the other hand, stimulating factors for the production of somatotropin are:

1. Strength training (high volume). The duration of the training should not be more than 50 minutes.

2. Use of food releasers. Along with sports nutrition, you need to consume amino acids (glutamine, arginine, ornithine) or get them from natural products(pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, hard cheese, soy, boiled eggs).

3. Enough hours of quality sleep and rest at intervals. About 80% of total number somatotropin is produced precisely during sleep, so it is especially useful for an athlete to sleep 7-8 hours a day. It will be even better if you take a 20-30 minute nap during the day.

4. Periodic stress for the body: hunger and temperature changes. Occasionally (no more than once a month), the body needs to be forced into situations that are unusual for it: go to bed without dinner or steam in the sauna, and then take a cold shower.

5. Proper nutrition with the required amount of protein. Do not forget about the principles of proper nutrition, and at night eat slow proteins that are easily digested (egg whites or low-fat cottage cheese).

6. Painful effects in small doses. B-endorphin, for the synthesis of which a non-traditional effect is used, has a huge impact on increasing the amount of the necessary hormone:

• Painful massage;
• Acupuncture;
• Using needle-shaped rubber mats (place on the body or stand on them);
• Whiplash with a broom in the bathhouse.

The most effective places for influence are: spinal column and collar area.

7. Oxygen starvation. If you train in places with less oxygen in the air (for example, in mountainous areas), the amount of growth hormone will increase several times. Similar conditions can be simulated in urban conditions: hold your breath, use fixing corsets.

8. Training with aerobic exercises. The most the best option training to stimulate somatotropin is sprinting over short distances. This option is also very good when there is a need to build muscle mass.

9. Use warm clothes during training. It is optimal to start training at outerwear(regardless of the weather). It is also very important not to let yourself catch a cold after training.

10. Don't get used to the same thing. Remember that the body gets used to any load over time, so you need to periodically change your training regimen, and not do the same thing for many months.

Try the training programs presented on our website - in the "training" section. Want a better approach? Order an individual training program

These simple rules will help increase the amount of growth hormone in the body. That's all, actually. And a couple more words as a conclusion.

Conclusion

So we finally figured out what growth hormone is and “what they eat it.” Remember, somatotropin is a very powerful factor that affects muscle growth and development. It must be taken into account by both beginners and more experienced athletes. And most importantly, do not forget that there are a huge number of natural ways to increase the level of growth hormone in the blood, so there is no need to use “chemistry”.

Somatotropin, or growth hormone, from the group of peptides is produced by the body in the anterior pituitary gland, but the secretion of the substance can be increased naturally. The presence of this component in the body enhances lipolysis, which burns subcutaneous fat and builds muscle mass. For this reason, it is of particular interest to athletes who seek to improve their athletic performance. To achieve this, it is worth studying in more detail the synthesis process and other features of this substance.

What is somatotropin

This is the name of the peptide hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland. The main property is the stimulation of cell growth and restoration, which helps build muscle tissue and compact bones. From the Latin "soma" means body. The recombinant hormone received this name due to its ability to accelerate growth in length. Somatotropin belongs to the family of polypeptide hormones along with prolactin and placental lactogen.

Where is it formed

This substance is produced in the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland, about 1 cm. It is located in a special recess at the base of the brain, which is also called the “sella turcica”. A cellular receptor is a protein with a single intramembrane domain. The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus. It stimulates or inhibits the process of hormonal synthesis. The production of somatotropin has a wave-like character - several bursts of secretion are observed during the day. The largest amount is observed 60 minutes after falling asleep at night.

What is it needed for

Just by the name you can understand that somatropin is necessary for the growth of bones and the body as a whole. For this reason, it is more actively produced in children and adolescents. At the age of 15-20 years, the synthesis of somatotropin gradually declines. Then a period of stabilization begins, and after 30 years - a stage of decline, which lasts until death. The age of 60 years is characterized by the production of only 40% of the normal growth hormone. Adults need this substance to restore torn ligaments, strengthen joints, and heal broken bones.

Action

Among all pituitary hormones, somatotropin has the highest concentration. It is characterized by a large list of actions that the substance produces on the body. The main properties of somatotropin are:

1. Acceleration of linear growth in adolescents. The action is to lengthen the tubular bones of the limbs. This is only possible during the pre-puberty period. Further growth is not due to endogenous hypersecretion or exogenous influx of GH.
2. Increase in pure muscle mass. It consists of inhibiting protein breakdown and activating its synthesis. Somatropin inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy amino acids. It mobilizes them for the processes of gluconeogenesis. This is how the muscle growth hormone works. It participates in protein synthesis, enhancing this process regardless of amino acid transport. Works together with insulin and epidermal growth factor.
3. Formation of somatomedin in the liver. This is called insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-1. It is produced in the liver only under the influence of somatotropin. These substances act in tandem. The growth-promoting effects of GH are mediated by insulin-like factors.
4. Reducing the amount of subcutaneous fat. The substance promotes the mobilization of fat from its own reserves, which causes an increase in the concentration of free fatty acids in the plasma, which are oxidized in the liver. As a result of increased breakdown of fats, energy is generated that goes towards enhancing protein metabolism.
5. Anti-catabolic, anabolic effect. The first effect is inhibition of muscle tissue breakdown. The second effect is to stimulate the activity of osteoblasts and activate the formation of the protein matrix of bone. This leads to muscle growth.
6. Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Here the hormone is an insulin antagonist, i.e. acts opposite to it, inhibiting the use of glucose in tissues.
7. Immunostimulating effect. It consists in activating the work of cells of the immune system.
8. Modulating effect on the functions of the central nervous system and brain. According to some studies, this hormone can cross the blood-brain barrier. Its receptors are found in some parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Secretion of somatotropin

A larger amount of somatotropin is produced by the pituitary gland. Fully 50% of the cells are called somatotropes. They produce the hormone. It got its name because the peak of secretion occurs during the phase of rapid development in adolescence. The saying that children grow up in their sleep is quite justified. The reason is that the maximum secretion of the hormone is observed in the first hours deep sleep.

Basic norm in blood and peak fluctuations during the day

The normal level of somatropin in the blood is about 1-5 ng/ml. During concentration peaks, the amount increases to 10-20 ng/ml, and sometimes even to 45 ng/ml. There may be several such surges throughout the day. The intervals between them are about 3-5 hours. The most predictable highest peak is characteristic of the period 1-2 hours after falling asleep.

Age-related changes

The highest concentration of somatropin is observed at the stage of 4-6 months intrauterine development. This is approximately 100 times more compared to an adult. Further, the concentration of the substance begins to decrease with age. This occurs between the ages of 15 and 20. Then comes the stage when the amount of somatropin remains stable - up to 30 years. Subsequently, the concentration decreases again until old age. At this stage, the frequency and amplitude of secretion peaks decreases. They are maximum in adolescents during intensive development during puberty.

What time is it produced?

About 85% of somatropin produced occurs between 12 and 4 am. The remaining 15% is synthesized during nap. For this reason for normal development Children and teenagers are recommended to go to bed no later than 21-22 hours. In addition, you should not overeat before going to bed. Food stimulates the release of insulin, which blocks the production of somatropin.

In order for the hormone to benefit the body in the form of weight loss, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day. It is better to go to bed before 11 pm, because the largest amount of somatropin is produced from 11 pm to 2 am. Immediately after waking up, you should not have breakfast, because the body still continues to burn fat due to the synthesized polypeptide. Morning reception It is better to postpone food for 30-60 minutes.

Regulation of secretion

The main regulators of somatotropin production are the peptide hormones of the hypothalamus - somatoliberin and somatostatin. Neurosecretory cells synthesize them into portal veins pituitary gland, which directly affects somatotropes. The hormone is produced thanks to somatoliberin. Somatostatin, on the contrary, suppresses the secretion process. The synthesis of somatropin is influenced by several various factors. Some of them increase concentration, while others, on the contrary, decrease it.

What factors contribute to synthesis

You can increase the production of somatropin without using medical supplies. There are a number of factors that contribute to the natural synthesis of this substance. These include the following:

thyroid loads;

estrogens;

ghrelin;

good sleep;

hypoglycemia;

somatoliberin;

amino acids – ornithine, glutamine, arginine, lysine.

Factors causing deficiency

Secretion is also influenced by some xenobiotics - chemical substances, not included in the biotic cycle. Other factors that lead to hormone deficiency are:

• hyperglycemia;
• somatostatin;
• high levels of free fatty acids in the blood;
• increased concentration of insulin-like growth factor and somatotropin (most of it is associated with transport protein);
• glucocorticoids (hormones of the adrenal cortex).

What does excess growth hormone lead to?

If in adults the level of somatropin is equal to the concentration that is characteristic of a growing organism, then this is considered an excess of this hormone. This condition can lead to serious problems with health. These include:

1. Acromegaly and gigantism. The first concept is an increase in the size of the tongue, severe thickening of the bones and coarsening of facial features. Gigantism is typical for children and adolescents. The disease is manifested by very large growth, a proportional increase in bones, organs, and soft tissues. In women, this figure can reach 190 cm, and in men – 200 cm. Against this background, small head sizes, an increase in the size of internal organs and lengthening of the limbs are noted.
2. Tunnel syndrome. The pathology is numbness of the fingers and hands, accompanied by tingling pain in the joints. Symptoms appear due to compression of the nerve trunk.
3. Insulin resistance of tissues. This is the name for a violation of the biological response of body tissues to the action of insulin. As a result, sugar cannot penetrate from the blood into the cells. Because of this, the insulin concentration is constantly at high level, which leads to obesity. The result is that you can’t lose weight even on a strict diet. All this is accompanied by hypertension and edema. Insulin resistance increases the risk of cancer, type I diabetes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis and even sudden death due to blockage of blood vessels by a thrombus.

Consequences of growth hormone deficiency

For the human body, not only an excess of somatropin is catastrophic, but also a deficiency. A deficiency of this substance leads to weakened emotional reactions, decreased vitality, increased irritability and even depression. Other consequences of somatropin deficiency are:

1. Pituitary dwarfism. This endocrine disease, which is a violation of the synthesis of somatropin. This condition causes a delay in the development of internal organs and skeleton. Mutations in the GH receptor gene result in abnormally short stature: in men it is about 130 cm, and in women it is less than 120 cm.
2. Delayed physical and mental development. This pathology is observed in children and adolescents. 8.5% of them have short stature due to lack of somatropin.
3. Delayed puberty. With this pathology, there is underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics in comparison with most other adolescents. Delayed puberty is caused by a slowdown in overall physical development.
4. Obesity and atherosclerosis. When the synthesis of somatropin is disrupted, all types of metabolism are disrupted. This is the cause of obesity. Against this background, a large amount of free fatty acids is observed in the vessels, which can cause blockage, which will lead to atherosclerosis.

How is somatotropin used?

This substance can also be synthesized artificially. In the very first production experiment, human pituitary gland extract was used. Somatropin was extracted from human corpses until 1985, which is why it was called cadaveric. Today, scientists have learned to synthesize it artificially. In this case, the possibility of infection with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which was possible when using a cadaveric GH preparation, is excluded. This disease is a fatal pathology of the brain.

The FDA-approved somatropin-based drug is called Somatrem (Protropin). Therapeutic use of this drug:

• treatment nervous disorders;
• acceleration of children's growth;
• reducing fat mass and building muscle;

Another area of ​​use of Somatrem is prevention senile diseases. In older people, GH leads to increased bone density, increased mineralization, decreased adipose tissue, and increased muscle mass. In addition, they have a rejuvenation effect: the skin becomes more elastic, wrinkles are smoothed out. The downside is the manifestation of several adverse reactions, such as arterial hypertension and hyperglycemia.

In the treatment of nervous disorders

Somatropin helps improve memory and cognitive functions. This is especially necessary for patients with pituitary dwarfism. As a result, a patient with a low content of somatotropin in the blood improves his health and mood. Increased level This substance is also not recommended, because it can have the opposite effect and cause depression.

For pituitary dwarfism

Treatment of developmental disorders in children is possible through stimulation through daily administration of pituitary gland extract. It affects not only one gland, but also the body as a whole. Such injections should be used as early as possible and until the end of puberty. Today, a course of growth hormone is the only one effective way treatment of pituitary dwarfism.

Peptides in bodybuilding

The effect of burning fat and increasing muscle mass is especially often used by professional bodybuilders during active training. Athletes take peptides for muscle growth in combination with testosterone and other drugs with similar effects. The use of Somatrem was banned in 1989 by the International Olympic Committee, but this did not exclude the illegal use of this drug. In combination with GH, bodybuilders use the following drugs:

1. Steroids. Their powerful anabolic effect enhances the hypertrophy of muscle cells, which accelerates their development.
2. Insulin. It is necessary to ease the load on the pancreas, which, due to increased levels of GH, begins to work too actively and depletes its reserves.
3. Thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. In small doses they exhibit an anabolic effect. Taking thyroid hormones speeds up metabolism and accelerates tissue growth.

How to increase growth hormone production

There are different growth hormone stimulants. One of them is to take some medications. Although natural methods also help to increase the production of somatropin. For example, in people who regularly exercise, the effects of IGF-1 and GH are enhanced. This was not observed in untrained subjects. The synthesis of somatropin occurs throughout sleep, so it is very important that a person sleeps normally. Taking multivitamin complexes, including:

• minerals;
• vitamins;
• amino acids;
• natural adaptogens;
• substances plant origin– chrysin, forskolin, griffonia.

Taking somatotropin tablets

Even though the substance is officially banned in sports, the temptation to use it is very high. For this reason, many athletes still resort to this method to remove excess fat tissue, tighten their figure and gain more sculpted shapes. The advantage of its use is the strengthening of bones. If an athlete is injured, which happens very rarely, then taking somatropin speeds up healing. The drug has a number side effects, such as:

• increased fatigue and loss of strength;
• development of scoliosis;
• pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas;
• loss of clarity of vision;
• accelerated muscle development and compression of peripheral nerves;
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• joint pain.

Even if the drug has positive effects, some people should not use it. Contraindications include the following pathologies:

• allergy to the components of the drug;
• malignant tumors;
• threat to life in the form of the postoperative period and acute respiratory failure;
• pregnancy and lactation.

Caution must be exercised in case of hypothyroidism, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It is important to give up alcohol when taking somatotropin. There are still debates about the dangers of using this substance. According to some experts, the risk from use is limited to an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood and the appearance of swelling. Although there have been cases of enlargement of the liver and even legs, this only applies to cases of exceeding the dosage.

What products contain

Equally important for increasing the production of somatotropin is proper nutrition. It must be balanced. It is recommended to give preference to lean foods, because fatty foods cause a decrease in GH. The list of foods that include protein and other substances necessary to restore strength and raise somatotropin levels includes:

• cottage cheese;
• chicken eggs;
• buckwheat and oatmeal;
• veal;
• legumes;
• milk;
• poultry meat;
• nuts;
• fish;
• lean beef;

Physical activity

Almost any physical activity has a positive effect on the secretion of somatropin. This could be regular walking or weightlifting. Although some types of loads are more effective. Sports divide them into two groups – strength (anaerobic) and aerobic (cardio). The first group includes lifting weights for a short time. Aerobic exercise includes walking, running, skiing, cycling, etc. To increase the production of GH, it is necessary to intelligently combine these two types of exercise. The most useful are:

• training with weights with the number of repetitions from 10 to 15;
• walking at an approximate speed of 4-6 km/h.

A good night's sleep

For the synthesis of somatropin, full sleep for 8 hours is necessary. Natural production begins 1.5-2 hours after falling asleep. This is the deep sleep phase. When a person does not have the opportunity to spend the allotted time sleeping at night, then it is imperative to rest at least 1-2 hours during the day. Even regular training and healthy eating lack of sleep will not give the desired result.

Video

Found an error in the text?
Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!

The name of the hormone is somatropin. Only in youth and childhood it is good for growth. The hormone is very important for people. Throughout human life it affects metabolism, blood sugar levels, muscle development and fat burning. It can also be synthesized artificially.

Where and how is it produced?

Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The organ located between the cerebral hemispheres is called the Pituitary gland. The most important hormones for humans are synthesized there, affecting nerve endings and, to a lesser extent, other cells of the human body.

Genetic factors influence hormone production. Today, a complete human genetic map has been compiled. The synthesis of growth hormone is influenced by five genes on chromosome seventeen. Initially, there are two isoforms of this enzyme.

During growth and development, a person produces several additional manufactured forms of this substance. To date, more than five isoforms have been identified that have been found in human blood. Each isoform has a specific effect on the nerve endings of various tissues and organs.

The hormone is produced from time to time with a period of three to five hours during the day. Usually an hour or two after falling asleep at night, the brightest surge in its production of the entire day occurs. During night sleep, several more stages occur sequentially; in total, from two to five times, the hormone synthesized in the pituitary gland enters the blood.

It has been proven that its natural production decreases with age. It reaches a maximum in the second half of the child’s intrauterine development, and then gradually decreases. The maximum frequency of production is achieved in early childhood.

In adolescence, during puberty, the maximum intensity of its production at a time is observed, however, the frequency is significantly lower than in childhood. Its minimum amount is produced in old age. At this time, both the frequency of production periods and the maximum amount of hormone produced at one time are minimal.

Distribution of growth hormone in the human body

To move inside the body, it, like other hormones, uses circulatory system. To achieve the goal, the hormone binds to its transport protein, which is produced by the body.

Subsequently, it moves to receptors various organs, influencing their work depending on the isoform and the action of other hormones in parallel with somatropin. When it hits a nerve ending, somatropin causes an effect on the target protein. This protein is called Janus kinase. The target protein causes activation of glucose transport to target cells, their development and growth.

First type of impact

Growth hormone owes its name to the fact that it acts on bone tissue receptors located in unclosed bone growth zones. This causes strong growth in children and adolescents during puberty, caused by the growth hormone produced in sufficient quantities in the teenage body at this time. Most often this occurs due to an increase in the length of the tubular bones of the legs, shin bones, and arms. Other bones (such as the spine) also grow, but this is less pronounced.

In addition to the growth of exposed bone areas in at a young age, it causes strengthening of bones, ligaments, teeth throughout life. A lack of synthesis of this substance in the human body may be associated with many diseases that affect older people - mainly diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Second type of impact

This is an increase in muscle growth and fat burning. This type of impact is widely used in sports and bodybuilding. Three types of techniques are used:

• increase natural synthesis hormone in the body;
• improved absorption of somatropin associated with other hormones;
• taking synthetic substitutes.

Today, somastatin preparations are prohibited doping. The International Olympic Committee recognized this in 1989.

Third type of impact

Increasing the amount of glucose in the blood due to its effect on liver cells. This mechanism is quite complex, and it allows you to track the connection with other human hormones.

Growth hormone is involved in many other types of activity - it acts on the brain, is involved in activating appetite, affects sexual activity, and both the influence of sex hormones on the synthesis of somatotropin and its influence on the synthesis of sex hormones are observed. It even takes part in the learning process - experiments on mice have shown that those individuals who were additionally injected with it learn better and develop conditioned reflexes.

There are conflicting studies regarding the effect on the aging body. Most experiments confirm that old people who were additionally injected with growth hormone felt much better. Their metabolism improved general state, activation of mental and physical activity. At the same time, animal experiments indicate that those individuals who received this drug artificially showed a shorter life expectancy than those who were not administered it.

How is growth hormone related to other hormones?

The production of growth hormone is influenced by two main substances. They are called somastatin and somalibertin. The hormone somastatin inhibits the synthesis of somatotropin, and somalibertin causes increased synthesis. These two hormones are produced there, in the pituitary gland. Interaction and joint effects on the body of somatotropin are observed with the following drugs:

• IGF-1;
• Thyroid hormones;
• Estrogen;
• Adrenal hormones;

This substance is the main intermediary in the absorption of sugar by the body. When a person is exposed to growth hormone, there is an increase in blood sugar. Insulin causes it to decrease. At first glance, the two hormones are antagonists. However, this is not quite true.

Sugar in the blood under the influence of the enzyme is absorbed more efficiently during the work of tissue cells and organs awakened by it. This allows the synthesis of certain types of protein. Insulin helps this glucose be absorbed in order to work more efficiently. Therefore, these substances are allies, and the work of the growth hormone is impossible without insulin.

This is due to the fact that children who have type 1 diabetes grow much slower, and diabetic bodybuilders have difficulty building muscle mass if they lack insulin. However, if there is too much somatropin in the blood, the activity of the pancreas can be “broken” and type 1 diabetes mellitus will occur. Somatropin affects the functioning of the pancreas, which produces.

IGF-1

Factors influencing synthesis within the body

Factors that increase the synthesis of somatropin:

• influence of other hormones;
• hypoglycemia;
• good dream
• physical activity;
• exposure to the cold;
• Fresh air;
• consumption of lysine, glutamine, and some other amino acids.

Reduce synthesis:

• influence of other hormones;
• high concentration of somatropin and IFP-1;
• alcohol, drugs, tobacco, some other psychotropic substances;
• hyperglycemia;
• a large amount of fatty acids in the blood plasma.

Use of growth hormone in medicine

In medicine it is used for diseases of the nervous system, treatment of growth and development delays in childhood, treatment of diseases of the elderly.

Diseases of the nervous system associated with are effectively treated using synthetic somatropin substitutes.

It is necessary to take into account that the use of the drug in this case will in most cases cause a return to the original state, and a long course of its use can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Diseases associated with pituitary dwarfism - some types of dementia, depressive disorders, behavioral disorders. In psychiatry, this drug is used occasionally, during psychotherapy and the recovery period.

During childhood, many children experience delays in growth and development. This is especially true for those whose mother took large doses of alcohol during pregnancy. The fetus may also be exposed to certain doses of alcohol, which cross the placental barrier and reduce the production of somatotropin. As a result, initially they low level somatropin, and children need to take additional synthetic substitutes in order to catch up with their peers in their development.

In children with diabetes, there are periods when blood sugar is high and insulin is insufficient. As a result, their growth and development are delayed. They are prescribed somatropin drugs, which must work in one direction. This will avoid attacks of hyperglycemia. Provided that insulin and somatropin work together, the body tolerates the effects of the drugs more easily.

For older people, the effectiveness of somatropin has been confirmed in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It increases the hardness of bone tissue, its mineralization, strengthens ligaments and muscle tissue. For some, it helps burn fat tissue.

Unfortunately, taking drugs of this type is associated with an increase in blood sugar levels, which is unacceptable for most older people, and long-term treatment with them is excluded.

Use of growth hormone in sports

The IOC has banned this drug for use by competitive athletes since 1989. However, there is a group of “amateur” competitions in which the use and doping are not controlled - for example, some types of martial arts, some bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions.

It is quite difficult to control the intake of modern synthetic analogues of somatropin in doping tests, and most laboratories do not have suitable equipment.

In bodybuilding, when people train for their own pleasure and not for performance, these substances are used in two types of training - during the “cutting” process and when building muscle mass. During the drying process, the intake is accompanied by a large amount of T4 thyroid hormone analogues. During periods of muscle building, it is taken together with insulin. When burning fat, doctors recommend injecting drugs locally - into the stomach, since men have the most fat in this area.

Pumping up the body's relief with the help of specialized substances allows you to quickly gain large muscle mass, little subcutaneous fat, however, the stomach is large. This is due to the large amount of glucose absorbed when building muscle mass. However, this practice is much more effective than the use of drugs such as methyltestosterone. Methyltestosterone can activate the process of obesity, in which a person will have to “dry” the body.

Female bodybuilding also did not ignore somatropin. Its analogues are used in conjunction with estrogen instead of insulin. This practice does not cause a strong increase in the abdomen. Many female bodybuilders prefer this one because other doping drugs are associated with male hormones, cause the appearance of male characteristics, masculinization.

In most cases, it will be more effective for a bodybuilder under the age of 30 not to take somatropin. The fact is that while taking this drug you will have to enhance its effect with the help of other hormones, side symptoms which (obesity) will need to be compensated for by additional efforts. The lifeline in this situation will be the acceptance of others synthetic drugs, which also increase the endogenous production of growth hormone.

Before understanding how growth hormone works ( growth hormone) and why it is prescribed, you need to determine what it is and analyze the effect on the body. Growth hormone can also be called somatotropin, representing in its structure a protein consisting of the 191st amino acid. It is part of the family of polypeptide hormones along with placental lactogen and prolactin.

In humans, growth hormone is produced by the endocrine gland - the pituitary gland. The anterior lobe is responsible for the secretion of somatotropin. Distinctive feature from other hormones of the pituitary gland is produced in large quantities, continuing with some fluctuations in the direction of decrease throughout life.

During the day, growth hormone is synthesized by pituitary cells in waves. There are several time periods when the concentration of somatotropin increases. Peak values ​​occur approximately two hours after a person falls asleep. Concentration also increases with physical activity received during training.

The following factors naturally stimulate the production of a hormone important for growth:

• drop in glucose levels;
• physical exercise;
• increased concentration of estrogen;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, expressed in the occurrence of hyperthyroidism;
• taking a number of amino acids, for example, arginine, ornithine, etc.;
• hunger.

Allows you to stimulate the production of growth hormone by proper nutrition with a predominance of protein foods, which contain amino acids that are catalysts in the production of somatotropin:

• meat – chicken, beef;
• cottage cheese, milk;
• cod;
• eggs;
• porridge – oatmeal, rice;
• legumes, cabbage;
• nuts.

“Fast” carbohydrates contained in confectionery products and sugar suppress the synthesis of somatotropin, so it is recommended to exclude these products from the diet. You can replace them with “slow” carbohydrates - cereals, fruit and vegetable dishes, bread made from wholemeal flour. Fats must be on the menu, but in limited quantities.

The process of producing the hormone necessary for life is suppressed by factors such as excessive concentrations of glucose, as well as lipids, diagnosed in the blood.

Level depending on age

Studying information about growth hormone allows you to understand that its concentration changes throughout life and depends on age. The maximum is observed at the stage of intrauterine development (approximately 4–6 months). After birth, in further age periods, several peaks are observed when the amount of somatotropin increases significantly. These are periods of intensive growth (infancy - up to one year and adolescence).

After reaching an age when the body's growth stops, growth hormone synthesis begins to decline and its amount decreases by approximately 15% in each subsequent decade.

If a child at an early age had a deficiency of growth hormone caused by genetic defects, then he experiences a number of pathological changes, expressed in growth retardation and sometimes puberty. If the somatotropin level is lower normal value in an adult due to a developed pituitary adenoma, this can cause a number of negative manifestations:

• rapid rate of accumulation of fat deposits;
• early atherosclerosis;
• decreased physical activity;
• osteoporosis;
• decreased sexual function.

When analyzing the mechanism of action, it becomes clear that such growth hormone can not only slow down development if it is clearly deficient in the body, but also lead to an uncontrolled increase in size, causing a phenomenon such as gigantism.

If an excess is detected in an adult, then acromegaly occurs - a disease characterized by hypertrophied degeneration of tissues and bones. A disproportionate increase may occur lower jaw, nose, hands or feet. Particular suffering is caused by a tongue that has grown to a size that does not fit in the mouth. All internal organs may also enlarge and joints may thicken.

Action and influence on the body

This hormone acquires priority importance for the development of the human body as a mechanism that regulates protein metabolism, as well as the most important processes directly related to growth.

It also has an impact on the normalization of the functioning of various processes necessary for full life.

Overrecruitment extra pounds in case of observed failures in the mechanism of somatotropin production, characterized by its insufficient amount, it is explained by the fact that this hormone takes part in the process of normal breakdown of fats. For this reason, it has gained popularity among ladies who want to quickly get a beautiful figure. For the fat-burning effect to manifest itself, it is necessary that in addition to somatotropin, other hormones are present in the body - the sex and thyroid glands.

• Skin

Synthesis of collagen, responsible for healthy looking The skin, maintaining its elasticity and tone, also cannot do without the participation of growth hormone. Its deficiency becomes a trigger for rapid fading and aging of the skin.

If the pituitary gland, which produces vital growth hormone, provides it to the body in the required quantity, then the muscles for a long time remain elastic and strong.

• Bone

In the process of growing up until reaching a certain adolescence, the rate of bone growth is important - it is regulated by the hormone somatotropin. It must be taken into account that it is able to exert its effect on linear growth and protein synthesis only in the presence of insulin. In adults, growth hormone ensures skeletal strength. This is due to the ability in its presence to synthesize vitamin D 3, which is responsible for bone stability.

• Positive body tone

At normal concentrations in any age period growth hormone begins to act as a catalyst Have a good mood, filling the body with energy and promoting good sleep. If a person goes to bed before midnight and feels refreshed in the morning, this becomes the key to maintaining health.

Growth hormone is needed to stimulate protein synthesis, which, along with accelerated fat burning, leads to muscle building. Also, with his participation, it can be normally regulated carbohydrate metabolism, improve the functioning of the pancreas.

Use of stimulants

IN medical practice stimulants are used to treat pathologies caused by growth hormone deficiency. The cause may be a hereditary predisposition, birth trauma or craniocerebral lesions - tumors, injuries. With timely treatment after the administration of drugs, children begin to grow and with systematic treatment, by the time they grow up, they reach normal average growth parameters.

In therapeutic practice, somatotropin is also prescribed for the treatment of nervous disorders. There is an improvement in memory and stimulation of cognitive functions, mood improves, and stress resistance is strengthened.

Like other therapies, stimulants can cause side effects:

• swelling;
• joint pain;
• weakening of kidney function;
• headache;
• the appearance of nausea;
• decreased visual acuity;
• increase in pressure.

Growth hormones have come into use in sports practice, due to their promotion of an increase in muscle mass while simultaneously reducing fat reserves in the body. Another positive effect is the ability of somatotropin to strengthen bones and make cartilage and tendons stronger. Athletes note that when using growth hormone, growth occurs faster. recovery period after injuries.

Since somatotropin helps maintain healthy skin, maintain its elasticity and prevents aging, it has gained popularity in cosmetology. With the right combination of physical activity and taking growth hormone medications, you can make your body fit and slender, while your facial skin becomes smoother and wrinkles gradually disappear.

Kinds

Analyzing artificial types of growth hormone, it should be noted that there are two basic types:

• obtained by methods genetic engineering recombinant somatropin, similar in structural formula to natural growth hormone containing 191 amino acids;
• synthetic somatrem containing 192 amino acids.

Somatropin is superior in quality to somatrem, which is why it is used, for example, in sports pharmacology. One of the selection criteria is the homogeneity or degree of purity of the drug, which different manufacturers may be in the range of 94 – 98%. The highest limit of this indicator demonstrates that this preparation contains a minimum of ballast substances and is safer for use.

Growth hormone Wachstum

Growth hormones from Wachstum (Germany) are known for their quality. Among their advantages are the use of high-quality raw materials, a high degree of purification, and an affordable price. This name is translated from German as “growth,” reflecting the main purpose of the drug.

Upon purchase, a complete set will be offered:

• active ingredient – ​​10 bottles of 10 units of growth hormone;
• bactericidal water – 10 ampoules of 2 ml each;
• insulin disposable syringes u100 – 10 pieces;
• instructions.

Before use, first, 1 ml of bactericidal water is drawn into the syringe. Then the plastic cap is removed from the bottle containing the active substance. The contents of the syringe are introduced smoothly without shaking into the bottle, where all particles should be completely dissolved. After which, having collected the resulting solution in insulin syringe, the fold of skin on the abdomen is compressed with two fingers of the free hand and the syringe needle is inserted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and all its contents are slowly squeezed out. The dosage is calculated individually. A range of 5–10 units over 24 hours is considered optimal.

Pharmacological properties:

• muscle strengthening and growth;
• reduction of fat layer;
• stimulation of wound healing;
• rejuvenating effect;
• growth (up to 26 years) and strengthening of bones;
• regulation of protein metabolism;
• increasing immunity.

When starting to use Wachstum growth hormone, you must remember that it, like others similar drugs, there are a number of contraindications:

• allergic reaction;
• malignant tumors;
• serious pathological conditions body – postoperative period, acute respiratory failure.

It is prohibited for women to start taking somatropin during the entire period of pregnancy and while feeding the baby with breast milk.

Caution must be exercised if the following diseases are diagnosed:

• frequent increase in intracranial pressure;
• diabetes;
• insufficient hormone production thyroid gland– hypothyroidism.

When planning to take the drug, you should keep in mind that the combined use of alcohol and growth hormone is unacceptable. Produced naturally somatotropin has the highest concentration when a person sleeps peacefully, and alcohol negatively affects the biological rhythms of sleep, disrupting them and preventing the production of growth hormones in the amount necessary for the body.

Also, during training, there are regulations prohibiting the consumption of alcohol if somatropin is being taken. This drug already has a strong effect on the entire body, which, under the influence of alcohol-containing substances, can lead to serious negative consequences.

Effect on heart function

Since growth hormone is one of the important regulators of stable cholesterol levels, a deficiency of somatotropin can cause the development of vascular atherosclerosis. Also, if the concentration of growth hormone is insufficient, serious heart diseases manifest themselves - heart attack, stroke, etc.

During the research, it was revealed that with a normal level of growth hormone for age, the load on the wall of the heart is reduced, which makes it possible to improve its functioning. If, according to physiological indications, somatotropin is prescribed for mature age, then there is an increase in the mass of the left ventricle and stroke volume of the heart. This drug has been shown to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, leading to dilation of arterial vessels.

Bibliography

1. Androgen deficiency in women and the possibilities of its hormonal diagnosis 2011 / Goncharov N.P., Katsiya G.V., Melikhova O.A., Smetnik V.P.
2. Features of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with hypogonadism 2010 / Gamidov S.I., Tazhetdinov O.Kh., Pavlovichev A.A., Popova A.Yu., Thagapsoeva R.A.
3. Study of circulating endothelial cells in patients with surgical and natural menopause 2013 / Elena Anatolyevna Kolbasova, Natalya Ivanovna Kiseleva, Lyudmila Vladimirovna Tikhonova

Roman is a bodybuilding trainer with over 8 years of experience. He is also a nutritionist, and his clients include many famous athletes. The novel is with the author of the book “Sport and Nothing But..

A growth hormone- a powerful anabolic steroid, the action of which is aimed at activating the metabolic resources of the human body. Thanks to its presence in the body, it becomes possible to build muscle mass and burn subcutaneous fat. It activates higher centers regulation, which leads to increased libido.

Athletes who want to improve their athletic performance are interested in the question of how growth hormone can achieve this, and whether it is possible to increase its level natural ways. A clear understanding of the mechanism of production and action of this powerful anabolic helps to find out all this.

Synthesized in the pituitary gland, this hormone fully lives up to its name. It stimulates cell growth and repair, which helps build muscle and increase bone density. Growth hormone is responsible for maintaining normal tissue function in the body, including the central nervous system and internal organs.

It is active in the blood for only a few minutes, during which the liver converts it into growth factors. The most important is IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1). Growth hormone was first isolated in the fifties of the last century from cadaveric material. It began to be synthesized in laboratory conditions in 1981. A little later he began to be released in dosage form. The drug quickly gained popularity.

How much growth hormone is produced in the human body?

Per milliliter of blood in men there are up to 5, and in women - up to 10 nanograms of the hormone. The difference is due to a surge in concentration during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This powerful anabolic reaches its highest concentration in the blood of both sexes during puberty, and after 20 years it decreases.

How can you find out about a hormone deficiency?

According to the results of a blood test, which is no different from any standard one performed in a laboratory. It can be done on a referral basis, which you should ask your doctor for.

Is synthetic growth hormone dangerous?

There are many cases of exaggeration of the negative effects of various artificially produced substances on the body. Long time even creatine, which is one of the safest and most effective biological additives, was presented in means mass media as potentially harmful to humans.

A similar situation arises around growth hormone. According to experts, the risks from taking it are limited to an increase in blood sugar and swelling. An increase in the size of the liver or leg are isolated cases, the cause of which was excess dosage.

Why is growth hormone taken?

The age-related decline of this hormone is a natural process, but it does not affect a person in a positive way. Its function is not limited to stimulating muscle growth. It slows down the degenerative pathologies that occur in the body of every person with age, is responsible for sexual desire, supports mental activity and general well-being.

A drop in growth hormone causes the opposite result. A person’s vitality decreases and sexual desire is dulled. Losing muscle mass, as a rule, begins to be replaced by fats deposited in the subcutaneous layer, that is, the silhouette begins to lose its attractiveness. To prevent this from happening, take its synthesized analogue of growth factor.

Where can I buy the drug?

Insulin-like growth factor-1 is prescribed to people who have low tissue sensitivity to the hormone. Such a prescription can usually be obtained at a specialized clinic. The synthesized hormone is even sold online.

The main thing is to make a purchase either through a pharmacy chain or in a store whose specialty is sports nutrition and additives. Otherwise, it will be quite difficult to check the quality of the substance.

Increasing growth hormone without taking synthetic analogues

Stimulates natural hormone production proper sleep, that is, sufficient time, as well as strength training. The more time you spend physical activity, the more active the synthesis occurs.

A recent study showed that people who regularly exercise have increased circulation of IGF-1 and growth hormone in their blood after exercise, which was not found in untrained “subjects” who performed the same training.

The production of the hormone occurs throughout sleep, but the greatest peak, according to research, is observed precisely at the beginning of the deep phase. Hence, important has how much a person sleeps. The recommended sleep duration should be between seven and nine hours.

Equally important is proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced. Preference should be given to lean foods, as fatty foods lead to a decrease in growth hormone.

Useful dietary supplements

Concentration useful substances plays an important role in hormone synthesis. A slight increase in its level can even be achieved by taking a regular multivitamin. The combined use of glutamine with arginine has a much greater effect.

As has been proven through research, such a mixture must be prepared in the correct proportions. And to achieve truly good results, it is better to purchase a supplement rather than mix the components yourself.

Substances that increase hormone levels

Represented by seven main groups:

Vitamins

These are not only vitamins A, B5, B12, but also folic acid, as well as inositol hexanicotinate.

Amino acids

Minerals

This group is represented by substances such as zinc, iodine, chromium and magnesium.

Vital substances

Colostrum and Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine), which is known to many as alpha GPC, are represented.

Hormones

The use of melatonin, DHEA, and pregnelone can also help get rid of growth hormone deficiency.

Substances of plant origin

This group includes: silymarin, forskolin (coleonol), chrysin, griffonia and tribulus.

Natural adaptogens

These are plants that increase the body’s resistance to negative effects of various types, while stimulating and toning. The most famous adaptogens are ginseng and angelica chinensis. Growth hormone can be stimulated by eating the fruits of the jujube tree, schisandra and wolfberry berries, wild yam extract, polygonum multiflorum root extract, as well as the roots of plants such as ashwagandha, astragalus and eleutherococcus.