Trade Names: hGH, Human Growth Hormone

Chemical Names: Somatropin

Routes: Intramuscular or Subcutaneous

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known as somatropin, is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, located deep within the brain. It is a 191 amino acid single-chain polypeptide and one of the five primary hormones produced by the pituitary gland, alongside adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Function and Biological Role:

HGH plays a vital role in stimulating rapid growth and high metabolic activity during adolescence. It influences protein synthesis, promoting muscle mass development, red blood cell production, and organ tissue growth. HGH is secreted mainly during sleep, and the liver converts it into insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates most of HGH's effects.

Therapeutic and Performance Uses:

In growth-retarded children, injected HGH can suppress thyroid function, though this occurs in less than half of such cases, and thyroid hormone supplementation is rarely needed in adults.

For adults, HGH therapy is seldom associated with thyroid suppression unless indicated by specific thyroid function tests.

HGH therapy typically requires a minimum duration of 3 months before noticeable results. It is most effective in promoting fat loss, muscle gain, increased strength, and enhanced athletic performance—though its effects are generally less potent than anabolic steroids.

Administration Guidelines:

Dosing Schedule: HGH should be administered in a pulsatile manner, ideally every second day, with higher doses used on dosing days for better efficacy.

Example: 6 IU every other day is preferable to 3 IU daily.