The hormone that regulates human growth is called growth hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland. Under the influence of somatotropin, a specific growth factor is produced in the human body, which has a direct effect not only on human growth, but on the development of all tissue structures and organs. In addition, somatotropin increases the rate of metabolic processes, burns fat and stimulates the production of glucose.

All these properties of the hormone are the reason that synthetic analogues of somatotropin are widely known and actively used by athletes, especially those who need to increase muscle mass and improve muscle tone.

It is important to understand that hormonal preparations based on this hormone have a number of side effects, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, cardiac pathologies, various neoplasms, and so on. Therefore, they can be used only after consulting a doctor.

However, there are alternative ways that can make up for the lack of growth hormone in the body, all this will be discussed below.

On average, 176-178 cm is considered normal height for a man after the age of 30, and 163-166 cm for the female half. Of course, these figures are very approximate and may well fluctuate both downward and upward. After 30 years, a person no longer grows, however, slight fluctuations can be observed during the day. In the morning, a person is 1.5-2 cm taller than in the evening. This is due to the fact that the vertebral discs are somewhat compressed during the day, since they are formed from cartilage tissue, which is deformed due to upright walking. Overnight, the disks return to their original state.

There is one more point. If before the age of 30 there is an increase in growth, then after this milestone, growth declines. This is also due to the deformation of the cartilage tissue. For example, a 70-year-old man becomes about a couple of cm lower, and a woman - 5 cm. By the age of 80, both sexes lose an average of 2 cm.

General concept of somatotropin

As already mentioned, somatotropin is synthesized in the brain, more precisely in one of its departments - in the pituitary gland. Linear human growth occurs as a result of an increase in inert tubular tissue. Growth hormone in the human body has a greater effect on young people, since up to 16 years of age there are open zones in the bones through which the hormone can freely penetrate into the bone tissue. After 16-18 years, these zones are oppressed.

Growth hormone enhances protein metabolism, and reduces the rate of breakdown of protein molecules, in addition, it does not allow the formation of subcutaneous fat, thus increasing the volume of muscle mass.

The synthesis of somatotropin varies depending on the time of day. There are some peak moments when the concentration of the hormone is at its highest. This happens approximately every 4-5 hours, but the night is considered the highest point - approximately a couple of hours after falling asleep, somatotropin reaches its maximum concentration.

Causes and signs of hormone deficiency

It is most effective to influence human growth at an early age, only during this period it is possible to restore hormonal balance without harm to health. Therefore, all parents should carefully monitor the growth of their child.

Growth hormone deficiency is accompanied by the following symptoms:

feet and hands are pathologically small;
the neck is short and the skull is round;
small (abnormal) facial features.

Bones in a person with growth hormone deficiency are fragile, so frequent fractures are possible. In addition, muscle mass also suffers, children with a lack of growth hormone are less physically resilient. It is important to pay attention to the skin - they become thinner, and there is also a lack of perspiration.

If the production of growth hormone decreases during adolescence, then the following symptoms may be observed:

low rise,
disproportionate body,
poorly developed muscles
pallor,
delayed puberty,
the presence of fatty deposits.
The causes of somatotropin deficiency can be the following:
traumatic brain injury;
infectious processes in the body;
head irradiation;
surgical interventions in which the pituitary gland was affected or damaged;
neoplasms in the pituitary gland.

An analysis of somatotropic hormone is rarely prescribed, bone age is determined using x-rays and a visual examination of the patient. If necessary, the doctor sends the patient for a blood test for other hormones, and only if it is impossible to correctly assess the situation, an analysis for somatotropin is performed.

Normalization of hormonal balance

How to increase growth hormone? The answer to this question is best obtained from a specialist who has the results of the tests in his hands. Only after passing all the necessary tests, the doctor can make the right decision on how to increase the production of somatotropin, and which method is better to choose for this. You can activate the production of somatotropin with the help of medications. This is not the safest method to increase growth hormone, however, it is considered to be quite effective. Choosing this method, you need to understand that you need to use hormonal drugs under the supervision of a competent specialist. Growth hormone tablets:

Hygetropin;
Rastan;
Nanotropic.

Another effective, but at the same time extremely dangerous method to increase growth is the surgical method. In this case, an increase in the length of the legs is achieved using the Elizarov apparatus. This is a metal construction through which spokes are pulled through the bone, fixed on rings and fixed around the leg. Every day, the rings are moved apart by 1 mm, gradually increasing the length of the bone. This is a complex and rather expensive method, in addition, a person must spend about a year on crutches. But the result is of course significant - growth increases by 10 cm.

How to stimulate somatotropin in a safer way? You can increase the production of growth hormone with the help of proper nutrition. It must be remembered that fatty foods reduce the concentration of somatotropin, and the following products stimulate its synthesis:

cottage cheese;
porridge - buckwheat and oatmeal;
milk;
fish;
lean poultry meat;
legumes;
nuts.

Activate the production of growth hormone physical exercise. It doesn’t have to be professional sports at all, even regular walking can affect the amount of hormone produced. But best result can be achieved by combining strength training and cardio training.

Growth hormone stimulants are a good sleep and a healthy weight. More than half of the daily rate of somatotropin is produced during the period when a person is sleeping, therefore, quality and healthy sleep will maintain the required level of growth hormone. As for the weight of a person, overweight people often have an increased level of insulin, which significantly inhibits the synthesis of somatotropin.

Somatotropin Boosters

Growth hormone boosters are some synthetic substances that, when ingested, act on the pituitary gland, activating the production of somatotropin. In another way, such substances are called artificial growth hormone stimulants. For example, the growth hormone stimulant Ibutamoren. This drug does not belong to steroid hormones and does not interact with androgen receptors at all. The action of this drug is based on ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone that affects the amount of somatotropin produced.

There are many such drugs at the moment, but everyone who decides to try them should understand that research on most of these drugs has not yet ended, and even if there are no momentary side effects when taking the drug, this does not mean that they will not appear in subsequent.

Of course, everyone decides for himself in what way it is better to stimulate the production of somatotropin, however, we must not forget that experiments with hormones can result in irreversible consequences for the body, therefore, having decided to increase the level of growth hormone with medications, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Think first!!! About the dangers of growth hormone. Dmitry Ermilov and Mikhail Prygunov Rejuvenation (frequencies of human growth hormone) 10 Tips on How to Grow Your Teenager! 5 foods to grow naturally without exercise. GROWTH HORMONE (GH). How to increase it naturally? Interaction between insulin and GH A growth hormone. What is this? What are the pros and side effects? How to increase the concentration in the body? How to Boost Your Growth Hormone Naturally

A growth hormone(aka somatotropic hormone, STH, HGH, somatotropin or somatropin) is a peptide hormone of the anterior pituitary gland, so named primarily because it can increase body length in young people in the age group up to 20-25 years. In addition, growth hormone causes muscle growth and inhibits their destruction, reduces body fat, maintains a high rate of metabolic processes, accelerates wound healing, has a rejuvenating effect, stimulates collagen production, thereby smoothing the skin and increasing its elasticity, activates the sex glands, increasing the level of sexuality, as well as strengthens the bones and joints.

The aging of the body is directly related to the level of growth hormone. Its secretion is maximum at the age of 20 years, and then decreases at a rate of 15-17% per decade, it is minimal in the elderly, when it decreases as a basic level of, and the frequency and amplitude of secretion peaks. Due to the decrease in the production of somatotropin, we stop growing and begin to gain weight.

It is not surprising that interest in this hormone is so great, especially among those who are professionally engaged in bodybuilding. Growth hormone injections help to get the desired shape, but the price of such drugs is quite high and they are not safe. Few people know that it is possible to increase the content of the hormone in a natural way and there is no need to resort to “chemistry”. At the same time, you are not threatened with becoming a pile of muscles, but a slender and toned body is provided.

The natural secretion of growth hormone depends on a number of factors, including age, sex, nutrition, stress, levels of other hormones (such as sex steroids, thyroid hormones), weight, level of physical fitness and movement.

How to increase the production of growth hormone naturally?

What inhibits the secretion of growth hormone:

hyperglycemia- elevated blood sugar levels.Elevated sugar levels are observed in diabetes, with eating disorders, for example, with bulimia nervosa, when a person does not control the amount of food eaten and, accordingly, receives a huge calorie content at one meal. The abuse of carbohydrate foods that increase insulin synthesis seriously interferes with the work of growth hormone. HYou should also eat carbohydrates before bed. The peculiarity of growth hormone is that it likes to use fat as fuel and reduces its amount in the body, especially during sleep. When carbohydrates are consumed, insulin is released, a hormone whose function is to convert excess glucose into fat. Growth hormone and insulin are hormone antagonists, i.e. insulin suppresses the production of growth hormone. At night, you rest, so the carbohydrates eaten before bed will be deposited in fat, and the growth hormone will practically not work, and therefore will not “burn” it.

high blood lipids, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, proper nutrition.
Glucocorticoids - These are steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, the level of which rises sharply during chronic stress, trauma, blood loss, and shock conditions. They reduce the secretion of insulin-like growth factors by the liver in response to growth hormone and reduce the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to growth hormone, thereby inhibiting anabolic processes and linear growth.
Estradiol and other estrogens.
Alcohol. In addition to depleting vitamins and minerals, lowering testosterone levels, increasing estrogen levels and dehydrating, alcohol inhibits muscle growth by suppressing the secretion of insulin-like growth factor GF-I and growth hormone. Their level decreases over the next 2 days by an average of 70%. In addition, alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, and as we already wrote, 85% of growth hormone is produced at this particular time.

Growth hormone (or somatotropin), which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, is responsible for the growth of a person in height. Under the action of somatotropin, an insulin-like growth factor is formed in the body, which is responsible for the development of cells and tissues of almost all organs in the human body. In addition, growth hormone affects protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism: it has an anabolic effect (accelerates the formation of muscle structures), promotes fat burning and an increase in blood glucose concentration.

The anabolic and fat-burning properties of somatotropin have led to the fact that drugs based on growth hormone have been widely used in sports (especially in bodybuilding to increase muscle mass and improve muscle relief). However, the artificial introduction of somatotropin into the body has a lot of side effects that are not always commensurate with the effect obtained - these are hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, tumor processes and much more. In addition, most of these drugs have a very high cost. Therefore, both for professional athletes and for people who want to improve their physical shape, doctors recommend using alternative methods to increase the concentration of growth hormone in the body. They will be discussed in the article.

Features of the secretion of growth hormone

The production of somatotropin does not occur constantly, but in waves. During the day, as a rule, there are several peaks, during which the concentration of growth hormone in the blood increases significantly. Moreover, the peaks of the greatest amplitude are noted at night, a couple of hours after falling asleep in the evening (which is why they say that children grow in their sleep), as well as during physical activity.

In addition, the concentration of somatotropin is affected by the age of a person. The maximum level of growth hormone falls even in the prenatal period of a child's development. After birth, a significant increase in the concentration of somatotropin in the blood occurs when children are actively growing (the first year of life, adolescence). After 20 years, the rate of growth hormone synthesis gradually decreases, which affects the general physical condition of a person.

How does a lack of growth hormone manifest itself?

A decrease in the activity of somatotropin synthesis with age is a completely normal physiological process. When the concentration of growth hormone in the blood goes beyond age norms, this is already a pathological condition.

The reasons for the violation of the synthesis of somatotropin in children, as a rule, are various congenital and genetically determined conditions, less often acquired (hypoxia, head injuries, tumors of the central nervous system, etc.). In adults, problems with growth hormone occur with pituitary adenoma, due to radiation and operations performed on the brain.

Hyperproduction of somatotropin in childhood leads to the development gigantism, in adults - acromegaly. Insufficient secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland in children is the cause pituitary dwarfism(dwarfism of varying severity).

In adults, somatotropin deficiency can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

(fat accumulates mainly in the abdomen).
early.
An increase in the concentration of fats in the blood.
Low level of physical activity.
Disorders of sexual function.

In addition, it has been proven that the lack of somatotropin in the body increases the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

How is growth hormone secretion regulated?

The main regulators of growth hormone production are peptide substances produced by the hypothalamus - somatostatin and somatoliberin. The balance of these substances in the body is largely influenced by various physiological factors. Stimulate the production of growth hormone (increase the synthesis of somatoliberin by the hypothalamus):

The following factors suppress the formation of growth hormone (that is, stimulate the release of somatostatin):

increased concentration of glucose in the blood;
hyperlipidemia;
an excess of growth hormone in the body (for example, if it is administered artificially to a person).

There are several ways to increase growth hormone:

Any physical activity is already a stimulation of the production of growth hormone. However, some types of physical activity have a particularly noticeable effect on the process of somatotropin synthesis. Such loads include aerobic training - this is brisk walking, running, skiing, etc. That is, for an ordinary person (not an athlete), a daily jog or an hour-long walk at an active pace in the park will be enough to keep his body in good shape.

For those who want to get rid of body fat and build muscle mass, the approach to stimulating growth hormone synthesis should be somewhat different. In such cases, a combination of strength and aerobic exercise (for example, exercises with a barbell and dumbbells followed by running on a treadmill) is considered ideal. Such combined workouts should last 45-60 minutes, take place at an active pace and be repeated 3-4 times a week.

In the diet of a person who seeks to increase growth hormone in the body, protein foods should prevail, since they contain amino acids that stimulate the production of somatotropin. But it is better to exclude “fast” carbohydrates (sugar, confectionery) from your menu altogether, since a sharp increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood inhibits the synthesis of growth hormone. Preference should be given to "slow" carbohydrates - vegetables, fruits, cereals, wholemeal bread, etc.

It is also better to limit fats in the diet, but you should not completely abandon them, because the body needs them and cannot make up for the deficiency of a number of fatty acids due to something else.

If we talk about specific products that can affect the concentration of growth hormone in the body, then they include:

Milk.
Cottage cheese.
Eggs.
Chicken meat.
Beef.
Cod.
Oatmeal.
Nuts.
cabbage.
Legumes.

It is necessary to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day.

It is also possible to provide the body with amino acids useful for the synthesis of growth hormone with the help of dietary supplements. In addition, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA or GABA) has good efficiency in terms of stimulating the production of somatotropin.

and growth hormone

Neither physical activity nor proper nutrition will help increase the concentration of growth hormone without a full one. Only by combining these three methods can a good result be achieved.

Therefore, you should accustom yourself to go to bed between 10 and 11 o'clock in the evening, so that by 6-7 o'clock in the morning (sleep should last at least 8 hours), the body has a full rest and has developed a sufficient amount of somatotropin. In addition, experts recommend taking a contrast shower every morning, which also has a very positive effect on the regulation of growth hormone synthesis processes.

Summing up, I would like to note once again that the human body responds best to the natural stimulation of physiological processes, and any influence on these processes by artificial means (growth hormone injections, peptides, etc.) cannot pass without any complications and side effects. actions. Therefore, everything that is done to improve health and improve one's physical form should be as natural as possible, otherwise it simply does not make sense.

Zubkova Olga Sergeevna, medical commentator, epidemiologist

It is known that the well-being of a person, his health, appearance are directly influenced by natural, produced by the body, hormones. One of these hormones is. It is also known as growth hormone. STH affects the cells of the human body so that tissues, organs and bones begin to grow. In addition, somatropin has a positive effect on the appearance of a person. Under its influence, the skin and hair become better. The hormone also promotes muscle building in bodybuilding. How to take growth hormone and how safe it is, consider below.

STG production

Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. The performance of the endocrine gland depends on many things. The content of STH in the body is not constant. During the day, the generation of matter passes through several maximum values. Most of the hormone is found in the body at night, and its peak occurs at a time 2 hours after the onset of sleep. So, children do grow up in their sleep.

The content of growth hormone in the human body also increases during periods of physical work or sports. In a born baby, the level of the hormone is quite high, since the most active growth of the child is observed from 1 day to 1 year of life. Then the hormone rises sharply in adolescence, when children also grow rapidly. After 20 years, the volume of the substance in the blood decreases, the growth of bones and tissues almost stops. After 45 years, the content of gomon decreases by 2 times. That is, the amount of somatropin depends on age.

The benefits and harms of somatotropin

The hormone performs an important job in our body:

Promotes active growth of muscle mass;
Does not allow muscles to collapse;
Promotes fat burning;
Heals wounds;
Increases the sexuality of an adult;
Takes part in energy exchange;
Reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood;
Promotes the regeneration of cells of those organs that are reborn with age;
Gives elasticity and shine to the skin and hair;
Stimulates the growth of bones in a child;
Increases human immunity;
Helps maintain good vision;
Raises the mood of a person;
Increases the amount of glucose in the blood.

It must be remembered that STH also increases arterial pressure. People suffering from hypertension should not try to increase the amount of the hormone in the blood. The same applies to patients with diabetes.

Those who want to look young and feel good should not self-administer hormonal drugs. Consultation with the endocrinologist is necessary. If you do not want to go to the doctor, you can try ways to naturally increase the level of growth hormone, without taking medication.

It should be noted that the lack of growth hormone is harmful to children. Because of it, puberty occurs later. The lack of measures to normalize somatropin leads to pathologies. That's why, safe methods raising the growth hormone with its shortage is very relevant.

Ways to increase somatotropin at home

How to increase growth hormone without taking dangerous drugs? It is best to increase it naturally:

First of all, you need to think about your weight. The fact is that the volume of a substance in the body is inversely proportional to the mass of the fat layer. The more fat, the less hormone. Therefore, you need to visit a nutritionist who, based on the tests, will prescribe an individual diet for weight loss to a person. It is recommended to take protein foods, and eliminate fast carbohydrates from the diet. Protein foods increase the production of growth hormone.
Doctors conducted a study with obese people and with those whose weight did not exceed the normative indicators. It turned out that when the amount of fat is exceeded by 3 times, the volume of the hormone is halved. Although more noticeable results have been obtained in men, obesity is harmful to both sexes.

In addition to the diet, you can try intermittent fasting. No one is advising to give up food completely. Fasting means that you can eat on any day only for 8 hours - from 10-00 to 18-00. The next 16 hours of the day should refrain from food.
You can also take a small amount of food for 1 or 2 days in 7 days so that the amount of calories received on these days is 500 - 600 kcal. It immediately follows from this that if you have taken up weight loss seriously, you need to download food calorie tables from the Internet and carefully compose your menu.
Hormone deficiency can be eliminated by periodic fasting. If a person cannot fast for 40 days, you can fast, for starters, for a week. At this time, you can not eat food that contains fats. At the same time, the level of insulin produced, which inhibits the production of growth hormone, will slightly decrease. Of course, with complete starvation, somatotropin will increase, but it cannot be carried out without a doctor's testimony. Obviously, it is useful for everyone not to eat up later than 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. You need to eat during the day often - 5 - 6 times a day.

STG is increased by eliminating sugar from the diet or reducing its consumption. The bottom line is that when sugar-containing foods are ingested, blood glucose levels increase, and as a response, the body increases the amount of insulin. interferes with the generation of somatropin.
How to increase STG in addition to following a diet? Getting strenuous physical activity increases the amount of growth hormone. Of course, the degree of effectiveness of exercising in a fitness center depends on the amount of food that a person takes before and after training. In addition, not all persons are shown classes in the gym. If the trainee has heart problems or his pressure often rises, you should not use this method. Before signing up for a fitness club, go through an examination at the clinic and find out if you can play sports.

A good way is to normalize night sleep. The hormone is produced in large quantities if the sleep is deep. To improve sleep, you should avoid watching programs and movies on TV in the evening, sitting at the computer before going to bed. It is good to read a book at night. Before rest, you can not take coffee. Shortly before entering the bedroom, it is worth airing it out.
On the recommendation of a doctor, you can try taking Gamma - aminobutyric acid GABA. This supplement is used to calm the nervous system and improve night sleep. As it turned out, the tool also helps to increase the production of growth hormone. This is partly due to the improvement in the quality of sleep - after all, sleep is the best stimulator of GH production. The disadvantage of the method is the fragility of the increase in the hormone. As soon as the intake of GABA ends, somatropin decreases to its previous levels.
You can also temporarily increase growth hormone by taking beta-alanine. This supplement is taken before training. After its impact, it is possible to increase the number of repetitions of exercises by more than 20%.

Talk to a specialist about taking Melatonin. This remedy improves night sleep. Now Melatonin is a common sleeping pill, because it is quite safe and effective. It helps to increase the production of growth hormone by improving sleep. Take the medicine half an hour before bedtime at the dose indicated by the doctor.
Your doctor may recommend other medications and supplements that have minimal side effects. What means do you mean? These are Glycine, which increases physical activity in the gym, Glutamine, Ornithine, which also helps during sports, Creatine.

But the side effects of the pills and the harm from increasing the hormone above the norm should also not be overlooked.

Side effects from increased levels of somatotropin

Side effects with an increased amount of somatropin include:

An increase in blood sugar;
Increased blood pressure;
accumulation in the muscles a large number liquids;
The appearance of neoplasms;
Violation of sexual activity;
The growth of the heart in size.

These are just the main negative consequences of increasing the hormone. They clearly say that not everyone can try to improve it. And if a person has the opportunity to increase the amount of growth hormone in the body and rejuvenate, then it is necessary to periodically take a blood test for hormones in order to control the content of growth hormone.

There are also drugs that contain somatotropin as the main substance. These types of drugs are expensive. The doctor prescribes them for certain pathologies. It is impossible to take them on your own, without the recommendation of a specialist.

Somatropin preparations

There are 2 types of STG medicine - produced with the help of genetic engineering and as close as possible to the human hormone, and synthetic. The first form is considered safer.

Release forms are also 2. Pharmacies offer the hormone in the form of a powder for dissolution, which is sold together with solution ampoules. This type of medication is used for injection. But there is Somatotropin in tablets. A hormonal agent is prescribed in the following cases:

Children suffering from developmental and growth retardation;
Renal failure of a chronic nature;
Genetic disorders (chromosomal pathologies);
With weight loss associated with AIDS;
For the treatment of osteoporosis.

The calculation of the medicine for an injection with a delay in the development of a child indicates a dosage of 0.07 - 0.1 units per 1 kg of weight. Injections are carried out 1 time per day for a week. This dose for subcutaneous injection. With an intramuscular injection, the amount of the drug is increased to 0.14 - 0.2 units per 1 kg of body weight. The same dose is injected in renal failure.

Growth hormone is produced by cells of the anterior pituitary gland (somatotrophs) under the control of hypothalamic factors - somatostatin and somatoliberin. It promotes the growth of bones, soft tissues, internal organs and muscle tissue, affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Acting through somatomedins (insulin-like growth factors synthesized in the liver and other tissues in response to the action of growth hormone), growth hormone accelerates the synthesis of amino acids and their inclusion in the protein molecule, reduces the level of urea.

Synonyms: somatropin, somatotropin, growth hormone, growth hormone.

The main functions of somatotropic hormone:

stimulation of bone and soft tissue growth;
increased glycogenesis in the liver;
activation of protein synthesis in the liver and muscles;
utilization of glucose in tissues;
anti-insulin effect (decrease in cell sensitivity to insulin);
stimulation of the breakdown of fats;
anti-catabolic effect (inhibition of protein breakdown);
participation in the synthesis of collagen;
regeneration of damaged tissues, wound healing;
retention of potassium and sodium in the body;
increased absorption of calcium in the intestine and its absorption by bone tissue;
immunostimulatory effect (increase in the number of T-lymphocytes);
stimulation of fluid excretion through the sweat glands;
control of cholesterol levels.

The secretion of somatotropin is pulsating in nature, its level in the blood changes during the day. The peak of production occurs at night, at the beginning of the deep sleep phase.

Temperature fluctuations have a positive effect on the regulation of somatotropin production processes, therefore, a contrast shower is recommended for patients with GH deficiency.

Growth hormone is synthesized throughout life. Its secretion is maximum in early childhood, during puberty the highest content of somatotropin in the blood is observed, with age the production gradually decreases.

The rate of somatotropic hormone depends on the age and gender of the person:

newborns: 5–53 µg/l;
children under 1 year old: 2–10 µg/l;
older children and adolescents: 1–20 µg/l;
women under 60: 0–18 mcg/l, over 60 years: 1–16 mcg/l mcg/l;
men under 60: 0–4 mcg/l, over 60 years: 1–9 mcg/l.

Excess or deficiency of somatotropin causes a violation of metabolic processes and leads to the development of serious pathologies. Both with a decrease and with an increase in the level of growth hormone, changes occur in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Hormonal failure negatively affects the entire body.

Elevated levels of somatotropin

Increased production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland leads to continued growth of bones and soft tissues after the end of puberty. If the disease begins at an early age, then gigantism occurs, if in adulthood - acromegaly. With acromegaly, thickening of the hands and feet, enlargement of facial features, and an increase in the size of internal organs are observed. The disease is accompanied by neurological disorders, disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Increased production of somatotropic hormone of the pituitary gland also occurs in the following diseases and conditions:

chronic renal failure;
Laron's syndrome;
anorexia nervosa;
post-traumatic and postoperative conditions.

Somatotropin prevents the aging process, improves the contractile function of the heart, normalizes the functions of the liver and kidneys, increases bone mineral density and muscle tone.

An increase in the level of somatotropin in the blood can be caused by taking medications (insulin, glucagon, estrogens, dopamine, corticotropin, norepinephrine, serotonin, alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulants, beta-adrenergic antagonists, bromocriptine, arginine, vitamin PP).

Decreased levels of somatotropin

A decrease in the synthesis of somatotropic hormone occurs due to a genetic predisposition (chromosomal diseases, hereditary dwarfism, congenital metabolic defects, pathologies or injuries, Down syndrome, Noonan syndrome).

Growth hormone deficiency causes growth retardation or puberty in children. Somatotropic insufficiency is the main cause of the development of pituitary dwarfism, characterized by a sharp lag in the growth and physical development of the child.

Causes of somatotropic insufficiency can be:

intracranial tumors, including pituitary;
cysts of the pituitary gland of the brain;
underdevelopment of the pituitary gland;
hypopituitarism syndrome;
infectious and toxic damage to the central nervous system;
hyperfunctionality of the adrenal cortex (Itsenko-Cushing syndrome);
radio and chemotherapy;
side effects of certain drugs [progesterone, glucocorticoids, alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists, beta-adrenergic stimulants (Isoproterenol), serotonin receptor antagonists (Metisegrid), dopamine receptor antagonists (phenothiazide), somatostatin, Probucol, glucose, Bromocriptine].

A decrease in the level of somatotropic hormone in adults is accompanied by metabolic disorders, hypoinsulinemia, and disorders in the thyroid gland.

Night sleep plays a very important role in the normalization of hormonal levels. For the normal synthesis of growth hormone, it is necessary that uninterrupted sleep lasts at least 8 hours.

Symptoms of somatotropin deficiency:

decrease in mass and strength of skeletal muscles, muscle atrophy;
decrease in bone mass, fragility of bones, joints, ligaments;
increased deposition of fat on the body;
hair loss;
dry, thin skin;
excessive sweating, especially during night sleep;
chronic fatigue, low motivation;
memory impairment, problems with concentration and attention;
depression, anxiety;
disorders of the cardiovascular system, depletion of the heart muscle;
erectile dysfunction in men, decreased libido in women.

How to determine the level of growth hormone

The concentration of somatotropin levels under normal conditions varies widely, hormone secretion is influenced by periods of sleep and wakefulness, exercise stress, stress, hypoglycemia, and the production or intake of corticosteroids and estrogens. After eating, the level of somatotropic hormone decreases sharply, and on the second day of fasting it increases by about 15 times.

A single determination of the level of somatotropic hormone has no diagnostic value; the average value of three determinations within 2–3 days is used to make a diagnosis.

Tests with insulin, clonidine, STH-RF (somatoliberin, growth hormone releasing factor), arginine, glucagon, levodopa, pyridostigmine are used to determine the level of somatotropic hormone. To clarify the diagnosis, the tests are repeated at intervals of several months.

An X-ray examination of the skull is carried out in order to visualize the shape and size of the Turkish saddle and the condition of the bones of the skull, which makes it possible to identify pathologies of the pituitary gland. For the same purpose, computed and / or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain can be used.

Increased production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland leads to continued growth of bones and soft tissues after the end of puberty.

How to increase growth hormone naturally

Somatotropin prevents the aging process, improves the contractile function of the heart, normalizes the functions of the liver and kidneys, increases bone mineral density and muscle tone.

The impact on the physiological mechanisms of regulation of the production of growth hormone of some natural factors, it is possible to maintain an optimal level of somatropin. The best way to activate its production is to correct lifestyle and diet.

Ways to increase the concentration of growth hormone in the body:

balanced diet;

full sleep;

cold and hot shower.

To stimulate the synthesis of somatotropin, a combination of power and aerobic loads is considered optimal. Training is recommended to be carried out at least three times a week. An increase in the level of growth hormone begins after 15 minutes of exercise, and its maximum concentration is observed by the end of the workout. If it is not possible to exercise regularly in the gym, you can go jogging or walking at an active pace daily.

A properly composed diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the body as a whole, and the endocrine system in particular. To activate the production of growth hormone, a low-carbohydrate diet is prescribed - foods with a high glycemic index are excluded from the diet, while enriching it with proteins (they contain amino acids that stimulate the production of growth hormone). It is recommended to consume meat and dairy (sour-milk) products, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes.