Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone primarily produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other animals. It plays a crucial role in childhood development, influencing bone growth and muscle mass, and continues to have metabolic effects throughout adulthood, affecting processes like fat metabolism and protein synthesis. GH exerts its effects by stimulating the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which then acts on various tissues to promote growth and development.

Growth hormone may be taken with most other medication, but it is important to tell your doctor about all medications (i.e. those prescribed by a doctor and those available without a prescription) that you are taking, especially glucocorticoids, sex steroids, or thyroid hormone. If you have diabetes and receive insulin, the dose may have to be adjusted.

You should not stop growth hormone treatment if you have an illness such as a cold or ‘flu’, unless your physician advises otherwise.

What is Peptide Hormone?

Peptide hormones are hormones that are made up of chains of amino acids. These chains can vary in length, from a few amino acids (like the hormone vasopressin) to very long chains (like insulin). Unlike steroid hormones, which are derived from cholesterol and can pass directly through cell membranes, peptide hormones are water-soluble and bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, triggering a cascade of intracellular events. This interaction initiates a signaling pathway that leads to a specific cellular response. Many important hormones in the body, such as insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, and oxytocin, are peptide hormones.
 

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells from the bloodstream for energy. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, insulin is released, facilitating glucose uptake and storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles, or conversion to fat for later use. A deficiency or resistance to insulin leads to hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes.