HGH and the Nervous System – Beneficial Effects
Experts agree that human growth hormone (HGH) can have a profound effect upon the central nervous system (CNS) in both adult men and women. Human growth hormone is known to help the brain with:
- Memory
- Concentration
- Focus
- Emotional well-being
- Locomotion
- Behavior
- Learning
- Neuroprotection
Growth hormone in the adult body will eventually start to deplete as a person gets older. This process will usually start sometime after the age of 30. When GH reaches a certain level, this is when noticeable signs of delays or issues with the nervous system become noticeable.
The most apparent issues with a growth hormone depletion on the CNS are with memory, concentration and focus. This can be frustrating for those suffering and lead to other issues such as withdrawing from social situations, trouble at work and/or mild depression.
Expert sources share that most of the growth hormone in the body is produced in the pituitary gland (in the brain) and in the liver. However, there has been medical evidence that GH is also synthesized within other parts of the brain such as the cerebral cortex, the choroid plexus and the hippocampus. When GH is produced, it enters the blood stream where some can be transported through the blood brain barrier to the central nervous system.
According to Hormone Research in Paediatrics, evidence that growth hormone plays a vital part in the functioning of the CNS has been continuously accumulating. The source states that this particular hormone can pass through the blood brain barrier. This is when the person will see improvements in their central nervous system functioning. Researchers continue to look at how human growth hormone affects different neurotransmitters in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid levels and ultimately, quality of life.
A lack of growth hormone production can lead to problems with the central nervous system because not enough of the vital hormone is at work for optimal health of the CNS. This is when HGH treatment has been proven to be beneficial for the cognitive and emotional issues that occur with a GH depletion.
HGH And Cognitive Functioning
A growth hormone deficiency can bring about great impairment of cognitive functioning and one’s overall well-being. The reversal of these issues has been proven to occur with HGH treatment though clinical studies, according to Hormone and Metabolic Research. An article discussed the effects of HGH upon the central nervous system with adults who suffered with a growth hormone deficiency.
During this study, there was a significant improvement in sleep latency and sleep quality. In addition, the participants showed an improvement in mood as well.
Hormone and Metabolic Research published another study that talked about age related cognitive impairment due to the loss of growth hormone. This included the impairment and diminishing of overall mental well-being. The article was clear to the point that HGH effects on nervous system were significant when it came to sleep quality and mood improvement.
A popular study shared that profound improvements were made for neuroprotection, increased neurogenesis and cognitive functioning on subjects who were given HGH for their GH deficiencies. In addition, all patients showed an improvement in their growth and metabolism.
Human Growth Hormone And ALS
One of the most devastating diseases that leads to the progressive degeneration of the lower and upper motor neurons in the brain is called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There is no cure or treatment for ALS; however, a study published in BMC Neuroscience discussed the potential benefits of human growth hormone treatment for physiological brain functions to help ALS patients.
More research needs to be conducted to discover the exact benefits of HGH and the nervous system overall, but in particular for ALS. In regards to ALS, where the nervous system is affected to a great degree, scientists have noted that insufficient GH secretion was reported in about 2/3 of patients with the disease.
Growth hormone replacement is being considered as a possible treatment for the disease of ALS, according a study in BMC Neuroscience. This research demonstrated the protective effects of HGH. In addition, treatment with HGH helped with prevention of motoneuronal loss, along with motor performance, weight loss and extension of life.
In conclusion, as far as treatment for ALS patients, HGH treatment has been indicated as a possible benefit, according to growing evidence. HGH can provide supplementation for neuroprotection. This evidence has been demonstrated in cellular models.
HGH And Diseases Of The Central Nervous System
Firstly, let us start off by sharing a list of diseases that can occur in the central nervous system. The following diseases can be causes by several factors including degeneration, infections, trauma and/or autoimmune disorders, to name a few.
- Autism
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Meningitis
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
There are other diseases of the central nervous system as well. These above are only some that have been spoken about as far as having symptoms that can be eased with human growth hormone. Time and again, HGH treatment has been touted for its remarkable benefits in helping with emotional issues such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
Deficits of GH in the body have shown to cause moodiness, irritability, agitation, tension, unhappiness, lack of desire and/or motivation, fatigue and apathy. Along with other emotional issues, such as anxiety and depression, a GH depletion can greatly decrease quality of life.
Developmental Brain Research published an article stating that growth hormone can act upon both the neuronal cells and glial cells in the brain. The literature concluded that since there had been evidence that there is indeed GH synthesis in the brain, this increases the potential of GH having a great effect on brain growth and health.
For more information on HGH and the nervous system, please reach out to our experts by filling out our online contact form located on this page. You can speak with a clinical advisor who will not only give you sound information about HGH and the CNS, but also help you to decide if you believe that HGH treatment can be helpful for you.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- Impact of growth hormone on central nervous activity, vigilance, and tiredness after short-term therapy in growth hormone-deficient adults. Pavel ME, Lohmann T, Hahn EG, Hoffmann M Horm Metab Res. 2003 Feb;35(2):114-9.
- The neuroprotective effects of human growth hormone as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Jin-Young Chung, Jun-Sang Sunwoo, Min-Wook Kim, and Manho Kim, M.D., Ph.D. Neural Regen Res. 2015
- Growth Hormone Improves Nerve Regeneration, Muscle Re-innervation, and Functional Outcomes After Chronic Denervation Injury Joseph Lopez, Amy Quan, Joshua Budihardjo, Sinan Xiang, Howard Wang, Kiron Koshy, Christopher Cashman, W. P. Andrew Lee, Ahmet Hoke, Sami Tuffaha & Gerald Brandacher published: 28 February 2019
- Lobie, P. E. et al. Localization, and ontogeny of growth hormone receptor gene expression in the central nervous system. Brain Res. 74, 225–233 (1993).
- Lobie, P. E. et al. Localization, and ontogeny of growth hormone receptor gene expression in the central nervous system. Brain Res. Dev. Brain Res. 74, 225–233 (1993).