Definition of Human Growth Hormone

Before we dive into the definition of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), let’s first explain some basic terms.

What are hormones?

Hormones are tiny chemical transmitters that help the body perform different tasks. Hormones are made of amino acids, and endocrine glands produce hormones that are then sent throughout the body to stimulate specific activities.

For example, insulin is a hormone that helps the body digest food. Our growth, digestion, fertility and sexual function are all triggered by hormones.

What is growth hormone?

Human growth hormone is a hormone produced in large quantities by the pituitary gland, which is an endocrine gland.

The pituitary gland is located in the center of the brain. Growth hormone is also a very complex hormone.

It is made up of 191 amino acids and is actually the largest protein produced by the pituitary gland.

The secretion of growth hormone peaks during puberty, and it helps stimulate growth in the body. But this hormone doesn't stop after puberty.

Typically, there is a brief burst of growth hormone during deep sleep.

Growth hormone is important for tissue repair, muscle growth, wound healing, brain function, bone strength, energy, metabolism and mental health. It affects almost every aspect of life.

What is Recombinant Human Growth Hormone?

Recombinant Human Growth Hormone is a lab-synthesized somatotropin, which is a man-made hormone identical to human growth hormone.

Creating a replica of human growth hormone is no easy task. First, scientists need to isolate the growth hormone, and after this step is successful, the genetic makeup of the protein is analyzed.

Scientists need to replicate all 191 amino acid hormones, so making this synthetic somatotropin is a very difficult job.

Pharmaceutical companies realized that if they could create human growth hormone in the lab, they could make a lot of money.

As a result, scientists from many pharmaceutical companies have begun to develop this technology.

In 1986, Eli Lilly successfully created a hormone with 191 amino acids that is identical to the human body's naturally produced growth hormone.

The drug, called "Humatrope," is widely available today.