HGH- Human Growth Hormone
Adult Growth Hormone deficiency is  more a clinical (based on symptoms and complaints) than a laboratory test diagnosis.
The principal cause of sub-optimal levels of HGH is mostly due to the over-all aging process itself. Certainly, there are more significant causes, such as traumatic brain injuries and other conditions that may affect the pituitary endocrine axis.
HGH is produced in the anterior Pituitary gland. The typical manifestations of deficiency are:
weight gain, increased fat mass, and decreased lean body mass.
Muscle mass and muscle strength are also diminished which can directly affect cardiac (heart)muscle function. When seen together, decreased muscle activity, and increased fat deposits yield higher incidence of coronay and in general cardiovascular disease.
In addition, there tend to be many psycho-psychiatric manifestations such as lack of concentration, memory impairment, reduced vitality, fatigue and depressive syndromes.
The simplest way to test for HGH deficiency is by measuring a morning blood sample for IGF1. This substance correlates very well with the actual functional levels of HGH in individuals.
As with many other pharmaceutical "drugs", the use of HGH as a therapeutic medication, needs to be closely monitored by a physician with experience in this specific field of endocrine-medical intervention.
It has been demonstrated, that the best form of supplementation is by injection of formulated HGH.
More recentlly, new products, known as "secretagogues" have entered the arena, and are used mostly to enhance or maintain the effects of the therapeutic injections, once optimal levels have been achieved. Supplementation of HGH must be closely monitored top avoid excessive dosing.
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