The growth hormone, or wachstumshormon, is a protein hormone, made up of approximately one hundred and ninety amino acids. Wachstumshormon is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, or to be more precise, by the somatotroph cells in this gland. Subsequently, wachstumshormone is also referred to as somatotrophin. This hormone is responsible for the control of several physiological processes, some of which are very important and complex. Some of these processes that wachstumshormone represents a major participant in include metabolism and growth. This growth hormone has also drawn attention and interest as a drug. As a drug, wachstumshormon is being used in both humans and animals.

In order to understand the physiological effects of wachstumshormone, a closer look at its effects is necessary. It should be mentioned here that this growth hormone has both direct and indirect effects. The direct effects include the capacity to bind with receptors on target cells. A good example of such a process is represented by the stimulation of fat cells and the suppression of their ability to accumulate circulating lipids, as fat cells have receptors for the growth hormone. The indirect effects of wachstumshormon include the stimulation of other hormone secretion and tissue development, which, in turn, promote growth effects.

The effects of wachstumshormone can also be referred to as falling under two distinct categories, namely anabolic and metabolic effects. The main anabolic effect is that of promoting growth through liver stimulation. The metabolic effects include the stimulation of muscle cell creation and the increase of the muscle mass of the individual, calcium retention, bone mineralization, growth of internal organs, protein synthesis, promotion of lipolysis and reducing adipose tissue, the fueling of homeostasis, and the reduction of the glucose uptake level. Wachstumshormone also stimulates the immune system.

Your body produces wachstumshormon naturally and, in most cases, the amount of this hormone is sufficient to fuel your growth in childhood and then maintain the good functioning of your organs and tissues in adulthood. However, around the age of forty, the secretion of wachstumshormone slowly reduces and the aging signs become prominent. In other words, given all the benefits of this hormone, it is in our best interest to maintain an optimal level in our bodies. The problem with some people is that their level of wachstumshormone is low due to certain conditions of malfunction of the pituitary gland. In such cases, people are recommended the uptake of wachstumshormone, in the form of supplements or injections. Or, there may be nothing wrong with your anterior pituitary gland, but your unhealthy lifestyle may have a negative effect on the amount of growth hormone that your body produces on its own.

Studies on the effects of wachstumshormone have been performed for a long time now. It has been demonstrated that growth hormone therapy functions as an increment in the aging process. However, there is no relevant data on the efficiency of wachstumshormon therapy from a certain age on, when the aging process is already accelerated. Furthermore, due to its role in stimulating muscle mass growth, wachstumshormon boosters are being used by athletes and sports persons all over the world.