Growth hormone has several names: somatotropin, somatropin, growth hormone. Abbreviated as GH, STH or HGH. It is a hormone from the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis). Belongs to the category of peptide hormones, the most numerous class of hormonal compounds.
Growth hormone has been successfully used by many professional bodybuilders for several years to increase strength and increase physical fitness. It is worth knowing that the human body also produces a similar substance. It all starts with the pituitary gland, which produces growth hormone, which causes the liver to produce IGF-1. The level of its production depends on age. For example, in childhood it is produced in the largest quantities.
The older a person gets, the less growth hormone the body can produce. At the onset of the maturity stage, the processes associated with the formation of new muscle cells stop in the body. Their number depends on the genes and remains unchanged until the end of life. The only way out of this situation is to increase their volumes. But growth hormone (in bodybuilding in particular) is able to force the body to produce new muscle cells. With it, you can influence the genetic disposition and achieve the ideal muscle density. This is where the fun begins.
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The role of growth hormone in bodybuilding
Peptides are substances consisting of short chains of amino acid residues connected by a peptide bond. Peptide hormones work in the body at the cellular level and are responsible for the functions of the vast majority of organs and systems. Peptide compounds are widely used in the sports environment for the production of drugs that increase muscle mass and strength, as well as reduce the percentage of adipose tissue.
For the same reason, growth hormone is used in bodybuilding. Peptide-based preparations demonstrate high efficiency. They are considered especially useful for people over 45 years of age, as they further weaken the signs of aging in the body.
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Initially, growth hormone was used only in medicine. Due to its ability to increase muscle mass and reduce fat, it quickly became widespread in sports. But it is worth noting that the maximum result from the use of peptides is achieved with good nutrition up to 5 times a day with a high content of proteins and carbohydrates and intensive strength training.
How exactly does growth hormone work in the body:
- Causes muscle growth (anabolic action).
- Inhibits the processes of muscle destruction (catabolic effect).
- Reduces the percentage of fat in the body.
- Has a rejuvenating effect.
- Stimulates the growth of organs that gradually atrophy with age.
- Enhances bone growth in people under the age of 26.
The effect of growth hormone on the body also consists in accelerating wound healing and overall strengthening of the immune system. Some of the effects are exerted directly by somatotropin, while others are mediated by IGF-1, with which the actions of growth hormone are very closely related.
The main reason for the popularity of STH is the ability to reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat. Therefore, growth hormone is used for drying, which aims to obtain a pronounced relief. Due to the large loss of fat, the mass of a person for a month of the course of GH increases slightly – by 3-4 kg.
How does it work and why is it needed?
Growth hormone in bodybuilding is used to increase the proportion of lean muscle mass, as well as for faster recovery after physical exertion. In addition, it strengthens all joints and restores micro-injured tissues much faster, significantly increases protein synthesis, the effectiveness of insulin and steroids. Special preparations of growth hormone increase the strength and mass of a person, help burn fat and save muscle fibers from loss after heavy training. Side effects are extremely rare and have minimal impact on health.
You should be aware that growth hormone in bodybuilding can in no way affect abnormal bone growth, because upon reaching puberty, their growth stops. Growth hormone tablets are no different from ampoules. It all depends on the individual preferences of the person. This drug is like telling your body to burn all unnecessary fat, so you will lose weight even in between workouts and even when you sleep. Growth hormone in bodybuilding allows a person to eat a huge amount of food without gaining excess weight. Well, perhaps the main function of the drug is the production of new muscle cells. As the amount of body fat decreases, the total volume of muscle tissue, their density and relief will increase. This drug will help create the perfect figure of your dreams. Combined with the right diet and exercise program, it gives the maximum effect.
Myths and legends
There is one very common myth that growth hormone in bodybuilding is accompanied by the formation of the abdomen. He himself is not capable of such a “feat”. This happens, as a rule, due to overdoses of the drug. If the athlete does not rush things, but follows the instructions for use, then such a negative situation will not arise.