Description

Human Growth Hormone is an important mediator of the human growth process. This hormone is endogenously produced by the anterior pituitary gland and exists in especially high levels during childhood. Its growth-promoting effects are broad and can be separated into three distinct areas: bone, skeletal muscle, and internal organs. It also supports the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and minerals, and can stimulate the growth of connective tissues. Although vital for early development, the human growth hormone is produced during adulthood. Its levels and biological function decline with age, but continue to support metabolism, the growth/maintenance of muscle tissue, and the management (reduction) of adipose tissue throughout life.

Somatropin specifically describes the pharmaceutical human growth hormone that was synthesized with the use of recombinant DNA technology. Somatropin (rhGH) is biologically equivalent to human growth hormone (hGH) of pituitary origin. In a medical setting, somatropin is used to help treat a variety of health conditions. It is especially prescribed in cases of childhood growth disorders characterized by insufficient production of growth hormone. Although generally not completely corrective, Somatropin use is often capable of substantially increasing linear growth rate and overall height before growth arrest in adolescence. This medicine is also used to speed growth in children who were born small and could not catch up by the age of two years. Other uses include the treatment of short bowel syndrome, growth failure due to kidney failure, muscle wasting associated with HIV infection, and growth hormone deficiency in adults. Growth hormone (somatropin) is also sometimes prescribed to healthy aging men and women. Growth hormone levels tend to decline as we age. and many doctors believe that supplementation at more youthful levels may help slow some of the damage of aging.