The term “Human Growth Hormone” (HGH) originated in connection with under-sized children, and, indeed a deficiency of this hormone will inhibit growth. However, HGH also affects a broad range of health issues for people of all ages.
First of all, HGH influences physical conditioning; it keeps the spine straight, maintains muscle tone, provides energy for endurance, and decreases the fat content of the body. This hormone promotes the healing of wounds and supports the immune system, as well as working to keep joints healthy and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. HGH is a key factor in terms of cardiovascular healthy by protecting the heart and by keeping the arteries clear and flexible. HGH also plays a role in digestion by protecting the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. It may even lower the risk of developing some forms of cancer!
Restoring HGH levels helps people maintain their health, and it also helps them appear more youthful by reducing wrinkles and strengthening skin tissues. Without sufficient HGH, a person will develop thin, limp hair, droopy eyelids and cheeks, thin lips and receding gums. The skin will lose moisture and seem transparent. Muscles will lose tone and become flaccid, and patients will tend to carry more weight, especially in the belly and above the knees; men with HGH deficiencies often develop sagging fat pads in the chest area.
In addition to its physical benefits, HGH offers a “boost” to our mental and emotional health. It encourages restorative sleep, decreases anxiety , and promotes feelings of serenity and security. HGH makes us more assertive, strong minded and decisive and keeps us calm. It could be described as the “Leadership” hormone, the “Healing” hormone, or (to use a word of my invention!) the “Youthening” hormone. On the other hand, without the right amount of HGH, a person’s mental state may decline, giving rise to negative attitudes, insecurity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a general lack of confidence, People with HGH deficiencies are easily exhausted by any activity, and while they may be sleeping more hours, they can’t seem to recover from their fatigue, further reducing their ability to handle stress. Over time, an individual begins to feel incompetent and behave with less assurance; eventually, this person become withdrawn and isolated.
Growth Hormone is secreted by the Pituitary Gland at about 2:00 am, the time when the mind reaches the deepest levels of sleep. If someone doesn’t achieve this phase of restorative sleep, he or she will very likely suffer a relative deficiency in Growth Hormone.
Optimal levels of this hormone would be the levels typically seen in healthy 40 years olds. Many research studies have been conducted to establish the safety and effectiveness of HGH therapy, and several books have been written about its impressive benefits.