HGH And Bone Density

Bones are important structures in the body. What determines their susceptibility to injury is the bone density. Bone density, otherwise known as bone mineral density, is a medical term referring to the amount of matter per square centimeter of bones. Bone density is used in clinical medicine as an indirect indicator of osteoporosis and fracture risk. This medical bone density is not a true physical "density", which would be measured in mass per cubic area. It is measured by a procedure called densitometry, often performed in the radiology or nuclear medicine departments of hospitals or clinics.

It is said that there is a statistical association between poor bone density and higher probability of fracture. Fractures of the legs and pelvis due to falls are a significant public health problem, especially in elderly women, leading to much medical cost, inability to live independently, and even risk of death.

Thus goes the search for a supplement which will increase bone density by promoting growth of bone, even though at adult age. This is where HGH comes in. HGH, otherwise known as human growth hormone, is a protein-based poly-peptide hormone. It stimulates growth and cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals. It is a 191-amino acid, single-chain polypeptide hormone that is synthesized, stored, and secreted by the somatotroph cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland.

So, how does human growth hormone increase bone density?

HGH and Increased Bone density

First, it is helpful to remember that bones aren’t just dead structures that hold the body up. They are living tissues that actively respond to the demands placed on them. They are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. As we get older, this breaking-down process can outpace the building-up process.

However, the likelihood of bones being repaired decreases as we age. This is because the hormone which regulates growth of bones is human growth hormone, which diminishes in levels after the age of 30. However, modern technology has made possible the creation of artificial HGH with the use of recombinant DNA technology.

Human growth hormone increases bone growth by two ways. Because polypeptide hormones are not fat-soluble, they cannot penetrate sarcolemma. Thus, human growth hormone exerts some of its effects by binding to receptors on target cells, where it activates a second messenger. Through this mechanism HGH directly stimulates division and multiplication of chondrocytes of cartilage.

HGH also stimulates production of insulin-like growth factor 1 which has growth-stimulating effects on a wide variety of tissues. IGF-1 also has stimulatory effects on osteoblast and chondrocyte activity to promote bone growth.