Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is responsible for stimulating growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.
What Causes an Increase in Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone is released in response to certain stimuli. These stimuli include fasting, exercise, and other physical activities. Growth hormone is also released in response to certain hormones, such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), and other factors, such as stress.
Fasting
Fasting is one of the main stimuli for the release of growth hormone. Fasting increases the levels of growth hormone by up to five times. During fasting, the body is in a state of energy conservation, and growth hormone is released to help the body preserve energy and break down fat stores for energy.
Exercise
Exercise is another stimulus for the release of growth hormone. During exercise, growth hormone is released to help the body break down fat stores and build muscle. Exercise also increases the levels of GHRH, which stimulates the release of growth hormone.
Stress
Stress is another factor that can lead to an increase in growth hormone. Stress increases the levels of certain chemicals, such as cortisol, which can stimulate the release of growth hormone.
Hormones
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. GHRH stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Other hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, can also increase the release of growth hormone.
Age
As people age, their levels of growth hormone tend to decline. This decrease in growth hormone can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, an increase in fat stores, and a decrease in bone density.