Growth hormone stimulates nearly every tissue in the body and can be generally described as having an anabolic function. An adult-onset growth hormone deficiency is common and can present as central obesity, diminished memory, impaired sleep, low libido, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. By diagnosing and treating the decline of GH age-related these changes in body composition, mood and overall quality of life can be ameliorated. Numerous studies using GH therapy in the ageing population has shown improvements in lean muscle mass, total body fat, bone and cardiovascular parameters.

Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. Its secretion is regulated by two hypothalamic hormones; somatostatin which inhibits GH secretion, and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) which stimulates it. The secretion of GH occurs in a pulsatile fashion with the main peak occurring at 12-1am in healthy adults.

The symptoms of a growth hormone deficiency depend on the age of onset of this hormone imbalance. Whilst children typically present with short stature, adults have alterations in muscle, fat, bone and psychological parameters. Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency is common. At the age of 60, most individuals have only 25% of the GH they did at age 20. Furthermore, about 50% of 80 year olds have no detectable growth hormone. Therefore it is not surprising that the ageing population experience the symptoms associated with a growth hormone deficiency such as central obesity, diminished memory, impaired sleep, low libido, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. It is suggested that treating this hormonal imbalance will prevent or counteract the age-related changes in body composition, mood and overall quality of life. Numerous studies using GH therapy in the ageing population has shown improvements in lean muscle mass, total body fat, bone and cardiovascular parameters. Furthermore recent data confirms that restoring youthful levels of GH improve sleep, cognitive functions and mood.

Common Conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic bone/muscle/joint pain
• Diabetes type I & II
• Autoimmune diseases (eg. multiple sclerosis)
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression & mood disorders

NOTICE TO PATIENTS

WellLab practices in the usual practitioner-referral system for pathology laboratories. Patients are highly recommended to seek the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner for the interpretation of any lab results and associated information. WellLab can offer assistance in locating a suitable practitioner.

Analytes

Human growth hormone (HGH).