Human Growth Hormone (hGH)
Trans-D Tropin™
Meditropin™ (GH Secretagogue)
ProHGH™ (GH Secretagogue)

Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

"I feel Invincible Again ..."

Background

Human growth hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland which is located in the center of the brain, peaks during adolescence when growth is most rapid. It is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining physical and mental health through tissue repair, healing, cell replacement, bone strength, brain function, enzyme production, integrity of the hair, nails and skin. By the age of 60 it is not uncommon to see declines in the order of 75% from more youthful levels.

Modern biotechnology has given us the ability to totally synthesize this remarkable hormone. The technique of production varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is a complex protein molecule of 191 amino acids in length. Because of its size, complexity and stereoscopic configuration it cannot be taken orally, it must be injected. Twenty years ago GH was being used by weight lifters in massive doses from cadaveric sources. This was not without risk.

Today's sources are pharmaceutically pure and completely safe. And, the doses we use today are in the very small physiological range.

Endocrinology

In order to understand the rationale of human growth hormone replacement vs Secretagogue augmentation refer to figure 1 below:

figure 1

The hypothalamus is the primitive site of the brain that sends either stimulating or inhibiting hormones to the pituitary. Growth hormone stimulating hormone (GHRH) tells the pituitary gland to secrete more growth hormone (GH). On the other side, Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone (GHIH = Somatostatin) tells the pituitary gland to stop producing more GH.

Once the pituitary receives the positive stimulating signal it then secretes GH which in turn stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) . This is the substance that is most commonly measured as a surrogate marker for GH output. Low IGF-1 = low GH. Somatomedin-C is just another name for IGF-1. Depending on the lab, it might be useful to identify both to clear up any confusion.

IGF-1 is also a more stable compound unlike true GH which has up to 5 spurts a day - the largest being just before sleep. If we were to measure GH directly it might show as too low or too high just because of the timing. Measuring IGF-1 circumvents this problem because of its more constant blood levels. Interestingly, both have distinct biochemical properties.

Once the IGF-1 levels are high enough, a feedback message is sent back to the pituitary and the hypothalamus to modulate further GH secretion. This is accomplished by secreting more Somatostatin which then slows down GH production.

You can see the intricate play between GHRH and Somatostatin as a "servo" mechanism in the brain to regulate just the right amount of GH release. This is the model for virtually all brain mediated hormonal control - the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes.

Critical concept: As we age, GH output begins to fall off, whether by sluggishness of pituitary secretion or because of true GH decline. The outcome is the same: declining levels of GH which given rise to a plethora of symptoms which we know are the telltale signs of aging:

• Loss of elasticity - thinning, sagging and wrinkled skin

• Loss of bone strength - osteoporosis

• Loss of Muscle strength - frailty and weakness

• Increased adipose tissue - accumulation of fat

• Loss of heart muscle contractility - heart failure

• Less favorable lipid profile - increased cholesterol and decreased HDL

• Loss of vigor and stamina

• Loss of sexual powers and libido

Clinical Studies

It all started with the seminal Rudman study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM; 323:1-6 1990). This pilot study divided 21 men 61-81 years old with plasma IGF-1 levels less than 350 iu per liter into two groups: 12 test subjects and 9 controls subjects. A six month base period of data collection preceded the six month test (GH injection) period.

The study showed an increase in lean muscle mass, a decrease in adipose fat tissue, and an increase in vertebral bone height. All test subjects had measurable increases in their IGF-1 blood values. The control group showed none of the above benefits.

To quote: "The effects of six months of human growth hormone online body mass and adipose-tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during the 10 to 20 years of aging. In other words, regression of aging by 10-20 years.

(See also the Danish Jorgenson study)

Later Chien and Terry's large group of over 1000 clinically treated individuals showed that lower dose, higher frequency administration (twice daily) is associated with virtually no side effects and substantial benefits:

• Increased muscle strength, exercise, and body fat

• Increase in skin elasticity, texture and tightness

• Increased healing, flexibility and resistance

• Increased sexual potency and frequency

• Increased energy, emotional stability and memory

These results were part of a total hormonal replacement program and grading was based on each individuals own subjective response and evaluation. Uniformly, the responses showed improved scores in all categories based on the 212 participants' own ratings.

Other studies since then have shown additional benefits:

• Improved lipid picture - elevates HDL and lowers LDL

• Effects on bone strength

• Improved cardiovascular strength

• Improved lung, kidney, liver, and spleen function

• Improved sleep

• Improved mental functioning and memory

Available forms

Human growth hormone is available from the following companies:

1. Upjohn Pharmacia: Genotropin

2. Eli Lilly: Humatrope

3. Novo Nordisk: Nordotropin

4. Serano: Saizen

5. Biotech General: not available in the U.S.

Secretagogues and Symbiotropin

Growth Hormone Stimulators

Although we still offer and use recombinant hGH as the gold standard because it is controllable, powerful and able to confer the greatest rewards, it is, on the other hand, not for everyone.

It is injectable and, therefore, not for those with needle phobia.

It is expensive and, therefore, limited to those can afford to pay. This is not reimbursable on insurance plans except in rare circumstances..

It is not recommended for travel across international borders because of refrigeration problems and because of increased scrutiny you will face from border agents.

There is an alternative or, in some cases, an adjunct: Secretagogues...

These simulate the GHRH hormone as seen in figure 1 above. They are now available and more affordable.

Meditropin™  (Physician Dispensed) is the most potent and available prototype. It is a delicate mixture of "stacked" amino acids, known to naturally induce GH secretion, and an exceptionally tightly controlled source of pharmaceutical grade Anterior Pituitary Peptides (porcine), Protein Growth Factors and GHRH Decapeptides (porcine).  Because these are all smaller molecules, they have the advantage of oral absorption. You don't need to inject this. They require no special handling or refrigeration. The dose is taken one to two times daily.

The advantages should be apparent from the preceding discussion.

• More affordable cost.

• Pleasant tasting oral formulation.

• Upwards of 65% of the activity of the injectable Genotropin.

• Does not suppress pituitary secretion of GH since it naturally stimulates the body's own source of GH.

• Frequent travelers can use it as an alternative to injectable hGH during travel.

• All the rejuvenating benefits of injectable growth hormone

Conclusion

Human growth hormone is the most powerful anti-aging tool we now have at our command. It affords us the ability to regress human aging. It is truly a rejuvenating agent, especially when combined with a full program of natural hormonal replacement and augmentation, proper nutrition, adequate supplementation and exercise.  It is only available as an integral part of a comprehensive Rejuvenating Plan.

We offer our patients either or both programs: Recombinant Growth Hormone (hGH) replacement therapy (see proviso above) and oral Meditropin (Physician dispensed). In many instances, they are quite complimentary for many of our more active clients. The results are remarkable and our patients are ecstatic.

The future is now and it's available to you.

We invite your comments and questions.

It's About time...