Aging & Growth Hormone Vs. GHRPs
Human Growth Gormone (hGH) is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pituitary gland. It plays important roles in physiological growth, cell regeneration, and cell mitosis (proliferation).
HGH assists in the maintaining, building, and repair process of healthy tissue in the brain and other organs. This hormone may help to speed up healing after an injury & repair muscle tissue after hard exercise. This helps to build lean muscle mass, increase metabolic rate, and decrease adiposity (fat cells).
HGH is also cited to benefit the quality and appearance of the skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests long term low dose administration may slow down aging processes, and treat age-related diseases. However, research supporting this is limited. There are currently no long term human trials on endocrinologically normal middle aged or elderly individuals, most studies are performed on mice, with trial groups including gHD mice, Ames dwarf, and double mutant (df/KO) population groups. (NCBI/NIH)
HGH works by stimulating metabolic processes in cells to activate metabolism. It stimulates the liver to make an insulin-like protein that produces cartilage cells. This plays a part in bone and organ growth, as well as muscle protein synthesis. GHRP or Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides have been recently promoted as a “natural route” to increasing IGF-1 synthesis and natural secretion of gH in the pituitary gland. There are a few different types including Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin, & Ibutamoren. They all play similar roles in IGF-1, gH, and Ghrelin reception intervention, but lack the supplementation value of introducing true Human Growth Hormone into the body exogenousely.
Aging & Growth Hormone Vs. GHRPs
Somatropin (Human Growth Hormone (Brand names: Omnitrope, Zomacton, Norditropin)
This hormone is an FDA approved replacement virtually identical to the bodies natural growth hormone. Taking these medications is supplementation, similar to the way testosterone or insulin are supplemented into the body exogenously to increase the patients own natural level. With supplementation of any hormone there is always a risk of damaging the bodies natural feedback loop, which can result in both positive and negative side effects. On the upside it makes it virtually impossible to overdose since the hormone level is controlled by the feedback loop it initiates. On the downside atrophy of the natural cycle can be a factor, This can happen when any hormone is introduced into the human body, in simple terms the body does not know that the new supply of specific hormones it is seeing is exogenously generated. The body stops production of said hormone, thereby causing atrophy over time from non secretion. This is very commonly explained with testosterone patients. After some time on testosterone replacement patients will notice a shrinking of the testicles, this is due to the bodies response to extra testosterone in the system. It stops the LH/FSA production and spermatogenisis halts. This process is easily fixed, but must be done early, prolonged atrophy can become permanent. Human Chorionic Gonadatropin, and in some cases clomiphene/Enclomiphene can be used in small doses to intervene in the feedback loop and force the body to produce LH/FSH (luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone) This process of atrophy vs. supplementation can be similarly combatted in gH intervention and GHRP implementation, but these hormones are far more dose specific.
Aging & Growth Hormone Vs. GHRPs – Dosages
Dosages of GHRP vs. Growth Hormone are also different. It usually takes a slightly more potent mix of GHRP to achieve the effects that an exogenous growth hormone can produce easily with a smaller dose. Since the cost of brand name growth hormones are so high, many clinics use GHRPs or GHRHs as an economical way to help patients supplement for strength, longevity, and weight management. There are even some that do not have to be administered subcutaneously and can be taken orally or as a nasal spray. Oral GHRP/GHRH are effective, but the cascade of effect takes much longer than their injectable counterparts. Therapeutic dosages of Somatropin range from 1IU-8IU daily accounting for micro-dose and standard therapies. Performance dosages are typically much higher – these dosages can exceed 300mcg three times daily. This is not appropriate for longevity or adults who lack natural growth hormone, and those with chronic kidney failure or a family history of any cancers.
Sermorelin (GHRH) dosages can range from 100mcg up to 1000mcg daily. This varies widely due to the extremely short half life. Limited studies have been done testing single day dosing regiments against multi dose daily regiments. Both show increased GH production, but data is not confirmed as to which is ultimately better. A micro-dose example would be 150mcg-200mcg once daily typically in the evenings since GH secretion can make patients feel tired. It can also interact with glucocorticoid medications so medical consultation is very important prior to administration.
Ipamorelin (GHRP) is somewhat different than its counterparts with a longer half life. It causes GH secretion in a manner more closely resembling the bodies natural pulse pattern of release. Since GHRPs do not exogenously supplement, there is no atrophy of the natural growth hormone system. Patients typically notice better joint health, flexibility, sleep quality, injury repair, and shedding adipose tissue becomes easier. It also anectotally has been shown to positively affect the immune system, and collagen production. The dosing of Ipamorelin can vary depending on what the goal is, but standard longevity benefits would require a dose between 100mcg-200mcg daily in the evenings. Maximizing strength conditioning and lean muscle mass would require a dosage of 200-300mcg up to three times daily, but higher dosages can also illicit higher side effect profiles (flushing, headache, nausea, lethargy) Extremely high dose can have an effect on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and prolactin, and cause water retention, tingling, & numbness in the hands/feet. These side effects are typically rare, and only seen in patients using a dose that is unusually high.
Hexarelin (GHRP) is a synthetic peptide that belongs to a class of compounds known as growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs). It is designed to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which can enhance muscle growth, improve fat metabolism, and support overall anabolic processes in the body. Hexarelin has garnered attention for its potential benefits in sports and bodybuilding, as well as for its therapeutic applications in conditions related to growth hormone deficiencies. Unlike some other peptides, hexarelin is noted for its potent and sustained effect on growth hormone levels, though its use is not without controversy. It has been associated with side effects such as water retention and increased appetite, and its long-term safety and efficacy continue to be subjects of ongoing research.
Tesamorelin (GHRH) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone. Originally developed to treat HIV-associated lipodystrophy, tesamorelin has shown promise in reducing abdominal fat and improving metabolic health in individuals with this condition. Its ability to enhance growth hormone levels can lead to improved body composition, increased lean muscle mass, and better metabolic profiles. Clinical research has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing visceral fat and potentially improving insulin sensitivity. However, tesamorelin’s use is not without limitations; it may cause side effects such as joint pain, edema, and increased blood glucose levels. Ongoing studies continue to evaluate its broader applications and long-term safety, making it a noteworthy option in the realm of metabolic and endocrine treatments.
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