Somatotropic hormone (STH) takes a direct part in the proper development of the child's body. Growth hormones are crucial for a growing body. It is from STH that the correct and proportional formation of the body depends. And an excess or deficiency of such a substance leads to gigantism or, conversely, stunted growth. In the body of an adult, growth hormone is contained in a smaller amount than in a child or adolescent, but it is still important. If the hormone STH is elevated in adults, this can lead to the development of acromegaly.
General information
Somatotropin, or STH, is a growth hormone that regulates the development processes of the whole organism. This substance is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. The synthesis of growth hormone is controlled by two main regulators: growth hormone releasing factor (STHF) and somatostatin, which are produced by the hypothalamus. Somatostatin and STHF activate the formation of growth hormone and determine the time and amount of its excretion. STH is an anabolic hormone, the intensity of the exchange of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and mineral metabolism depends on it . Somatotropin activates the biosynthesis of protein, glycogen, DNA, accelerates the mobilization of fats from the depot and the breakdown of fatty acids. STH is a hormone that has lactogenic activity. The biological effect of somatotropic hormone is impossible without the low molecular weight peptide somatomedin C. With the introduction of STH in the blood, "secondary" growth-promoting factors, somatomedins, increase. The following somatomedins are distinguished: A 1 , A 2 , B and C. The latter has an insulin-like effect on adipose, muscle and cartilage tissues.
The main functions of growth hormone in the human body
Growth hormone (STH) is synthesized throughout life and has a powerful effect on all systems of our body. Let's look at the most important functions of such a substance:
- The cardiovascular system. STH is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of cholesterol. Deficiency of this substance can provoke vascular atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and other diseases.
- Leather. Growth hormone is an indispensable component in the process of collagen production, which is responsible for the condition of the skin. If the hormone (STH) is lowered, collagen is not synthesized in sufficient quantity and, as a result, the aging process of the skin is accelerated.
- Weight. At night (during sleep), somatotropin is directly involved in the process of lipid breakdown. Violation of this mechanism causes gradual obesity.
- Bone. Growth hormone in children and adolescents provides elongation of bones, and in an adult - their strength. This is due to the fact that somatotropin is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D 3 in the body, which is responsible for the stability and strength of bones. This factor helps to cope with various diseases and severe bruises.
- Muscle. STH (hormone) is responsible for the strength and elasticity of muscle fibers.
- The tone of the body. Growth hormone has a positive effect on the whole body. Helps maintain energy, good mood, good sleep.
Growth hormone is very important for maintaining harmony and beautiful body shapes. One of the functions of growth hormone is the transformation of adipose tissue into muscle tissue, which is exactly what athletes and everyone who follows the figure achieve. STH is a hormone that improves the mobility and flexibility of the joints, makes the muscles more elastic.
At an older age, the normal content of somatotropin in the blood prolongs longevity. Initially, growth hormone was used to treat various senile ailments. In the world of sports, this substance was used for some time by athletes to build muscle mass, but soon growth hormone was banned for official use, although today it is actively used by bodybuilders.
STH (hormone): norm and deviations
What are the normal values of growth hormone for a person? At different ages, indicators of such a substance as STH (hormone) are different. The norm in women also differs significantly from normal values for men:
- Newborn children up to one day - 5-53 mcg / l.
- Newborn children up to one week - 5-27 mcg / l.
- Children aged one month to one year - 2-10 mcg / l.
- Middle-aged men - 0-4 mcg / L.
- Middle-aged women - 0-18 mcg / l.
- Men over 60 years of age - 1-9 mcg / L.
- Women older than 60 years of age - 1-16 mcg / l.
Growth hormone deficiency in the body
Particular attention is paid to growth hormone in childhood. STH deficiency in children is a serious violation that can provoke not only growth retardation, but also delayed puberty and general physical development, and, in certain cases, dwarfism. Various factors can cause such a violation: pathological pregnancy, heredity, hormonal disorders.
An insufficient level of growth hormone in the body of an adult affects the general state of metabolism. A low value of growth hormone accompanies various endocrine diseases, and also a deficiency of growth hormone can trigger treatment with some medications, including the use of chemotherapy.
And now a few words about what happens if somatotropic hormone is present in excess in the body.
STH increased
Excess growth hormone in the body can cause more serious consequences. Significantly increased growth not only in adolescents, but also in adults. The height of an adult can exceed two meters.
At the same time, there is a significant increase in the limbs - hands, feet, undergoes serious changes and the shape of the face - the nose and lower jaw become larger, the features are rough. Such changes can be corrected, but in this case, long-term treatment will be required under the supervision of a specialist.
How to determine the level of growth hormone in the body?
Scientists have found that the synthesis of growth hormone in the body occurs in waves, or cycles. Therefore, it is very important to know when to take STH (hormone), i.e., at what time to do an analysis of its content. In ordinary clinics, such a study is not carried out. You can determine the level of growth hormone in the blood in a specialized laboratory.
What rules should be followed before analysis?
A week before the analysis for STH (growth hormone), it is necessary to abandon the X-ray examination, as this may affect the reliability of the data. During the day before blood sampling, you should adhere to a strict diet that excludes any fatty foods. Twelve hours before the study, exclude the use of any products. It is also recommended to quit smoking, and in three hours it should be completely eliminated. The day before the test, any physical or emotional stress is unacceptable. Blood sampling is carried out in the morning, at which time the concentration of growth hormone in the blood is maximum.
How to stimulate the synthesis of growth hormone in the body?
Today, the pharmaceutical market has a large number of various drugs with growth hormone. The course of treatment with such agents can last several years. But to prescribe such medicines should be exclusively specialist after a thorough medical examination and if there are objective reasons. Self-medication can not only not improve the situation, but also cause many health problems. In addition, the production of growth hormone in the body can be activated naturally.
Useful Tips
- Deep sleep. The most intensive production of growth hormone occurs during deep sleep, which is why you need to sleep at least seven to eight hours.
- Rational diet. The last meal should be at least three hours before bedtime. If the stomach is full, the pituitary gland will not be able to actively synthesize growth hormone. Supper is recommended digestible products. For example, you can choose low-fat cottage cheese, lean meat, egg whites, and so on.
- Healthy menu. The basis of nutrition should be fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein foods.
- Blood. It is very important to monitor the level of glucose in the blood, its increase can cause a decrease in the production of growth hormone.
- Physical activity. For children, volleyball, football, tennis and short-distance running sections will be an excellent option. However, you should know: the duration of any strength training should not exceed 45-50 minutes.
- Starvation, emotional stress, stress, smoking. Such factors also reduce the production of growth hormone in the body.
In addition, conditions such as diabetes mellitus, pituitary injury, and an increase in blood cholesterol levels are significantly reduced in the synthesis of growth hormone in the body.
Conclusion
In this article, we examined in detail such an important element as growth hormone. The functioning of all systems and organs and the general well-being of a person depend on how its production in the body proceeds.
We hope you find the information useful. Be healthy!