Growth hormoneGH · hGH · Somatotropin

Growth hormone is secreted in pulses by the pituitary gland, with the largest release during slow-wave sleep. Many of its effects on tissue are indirect, mediated by IGF-1 produced in the liver in response to it.

It matters because it genuinely does drive growth in childhood, supports connective tissue repair, and promotes the release of fat from storage. Deficiency is a real medical condition with real treatment.

In practice, its reputation in fitness far outruns the evidence. The acute GH spike after training correlates poorly with muscle growth, and in healthy adults administered growth hormone increases lean mass largely through fluid retention while producing little measurable gain in strength — alongside meaningful risks. Sleeping properly does more for your own GH release than any supplement claiming to boost it.

Sources

• Liu H, et al. Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly. Ann Intern Med 2007;146(2):104-115; PMID 17227934