Growth hormone somatotropin - the main functions and role in bodybuilding

What functions does somatotropin perform and how important is it for those who practice bodybuilding? In short, it is responsible for muscle growth, preservation, fat burning and immunity. But I'm sure you want to know much more ... Therefore, in this article we will consider all the nuances that are mandatory for all bodybuilders who are more or less serious about bodybuilding as such.

Such articles are boring, because you have to explain complex things, use complex terms. Although I personally sometimes find it very interesting to delve into something like that, there are all sorts of hormones, molecules and other chemistry. But since you are here, it means that you are also interested in similar topics. And that's good! Let's start...

General concepts, development and main functions

Somatotropin consists of 191 amino acids and is therefore a peptide hormone. It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and the endocrine system (in small volumes). The secretion of somatotropin increases at night, so for people who are seriously involved in sports, the sleep and rest regimen is so important.

The intensity of production depends on age, the highest level is in children and adolescents, the lowest level is in the elderly. The most favorable period for the production of the hormone is up to 20 years. From 20 to 30 years, its production decreases by 15%.

It performs the following functions:

  • It normalizes metabolic processes in the body, using proteins as a building material for muscles, and leaving fats in reserve in minimal quantities.
  • Enhances the breakdown of fats.
  • Slows down catabolism (muscle breakdown).
  • Strengthens bones, ligaments and joints.
  • Improves skin condition.
  • Increases immunity.
  • Accelerates the process of wound healing.
  • Increases sexual desire.
  • Increases body length if bone growth zones are open (up to about 25 years)

Now let's take a closer look at where this hormone is produced and how it happens.

The protagonist in this whole story is the pituitary gland. This is such a small part of our brain, which is located at its base. Weighs only 0.5 grams. It produces up to 25 hormones, 6 of which were obtained in pure form and studied well. The most important are thyrotropin and, in fact, our somatotropin.

The mechanism of action is that the pituitary gland receives a signal from the hypothalamus, a small area in the diencephalon, to produce somatotropin. Once in the blood, they act on the liver, followed by the release of insulin-like active substances, growth factors that affect the development of all cells and tissues of our body (i.e. bones, muscles, adipose tissue, etc.)

If a “hypofunction” of this process occurs in the human body, then it grows into a dwarf. With "hyperfunction" - becomes a giant. The dimensions of the human body are determined precisely

One such growth factor that directly affects the growth of our muscles is the famous insulin-like growth factor IGF-1.

The anabolic and fat-burning properties of this hormone have led to the widespread use of drugs based on it.

But leave supplementation to the very last resort, first let's figure out how to increase the production of somatotropin in a natural way. To do this, you need to understand the patterns of its secretion.

Ways to stimulate somatotropin

  1. The hormone reaches its greatest peak during sleep at night from 12 to 3, so it is recommended to sleep at this time.
  2. During daytime and nighttime sleep, secretion increases, this is most pronounced in the first two hours.
  3. During a person’s falling asleep, there is also a surge, the more often you sleep a day, the higher your hormonal background.
  4. Somatotropin in the body is stimulated with the help of protein diets. The more protein foods in your diet, the higher the growth hormone, and the rate of protein absorption also affects. Fast proteins - boiled egg yolks, protein shakes, lean fish, low-fat cottage cheese and milk contribute to its production. And fast carbohydrates - white bread, sweets, pastries and muffins, on the contrary, depress, just like saturated fatty acids.
  5. Eat complex carbohydrates, low glycemic index before training - oatmeal, durum pasta, legumes, bran bread, natural fruit juice without sweeteners.
  6. Any physical activity provokes the release of somatotropin, but the most pronounced effect is given by aerobic exercise - running, walking, cycling. For bodybuilders trying to build muscle, it is essential to alternate strength and aerobic exercise to achieve the desired result. Training should last 45-60 minutes at an intense pace, 3-4 times a week.
  7. Do not snack before bed, especially simple carbohydrates. This provokes an increase in blood glucose levels and the release of insulin, which is the main enemy of growth hormone and suppresses it.
  8. Use the amino acids Arginine and Ornithine, you can buy them in special sports nutrition stores. They are naturally found in meat, milk and pumpkin seeds.
  9. Arrange stressful situations for your body, For example, take a steam bath in the sauna, and then take an ice shower. Or starve for a day.
  10. Use special sports supplements with glutamine. But it is better to take glutamine separately. When I last used glutamine, I remember that it melts in my mouth))). Plain white powder.
  11. Change the types of exercises at regular intervals during training, because the body gets used to the training programs and already responds less to them.

The above methods, how to increase somatotropin, help increase production by 3-5 times without the help of hormonal agents. Try to use all the recommendations for maximum results.

There are several main reasons for the popularity of growth hormone in bodybuilding. The main one is the desire to get rid of subcutaneous fat, especially during “drying”. It also stimulates the growth of dry muscle fibers, connective tissues and increases the volume of muscle mass cells.

An important advantage is the minimal risk of injury and sprains due to the strengthening of tendons and cartilage. Thanks to the production of the hormone in the body, a beautiful relief of the muscles is drawn.

Despite the misconceptions of many, the hormone does not affect the performance and endurance of athletes, it does not increase strength!

A clear advantage of somatotropin over steroid drugs is the absence of a negative effect on potency and other important systems of the human body.

The medical preparation Somatotropin is a highly effective substitute for a natural hormone, if it is not possible or insufficient to achieve its increase in a natural way. This additive is a creation of genetic engineering, does not contain prohibited components and fully complies with all anti-doping rules. The drug is suitable for both beginners and experienced bodybuilders. In addition to the positive properties of its natural counterpart, it has a number of additional useful functions:

  • Reduces cholesterol levels.
  • Improves the work of the heart muscle.
  • Stimulates collagen synthesis.
  • Enhances the processes of glycogenesis.
  • Promotes the production of endorphins.
  • Improves mental abilities.
  • Increases sexual activity.
  • Improves the lipid condition of the skin.
  • Beneficial effect on the nervous system.

The effectiveness of the drug to combat obesity, slow down aging and build muscle has been proven by millions of consumers and scientific studies. It's important to know , how to take somatotropin, and strictly follow the prescriptions, because it is not that "crunch" like candy. With the wrong dosage, there will inevitably be negative consequences.

Among the most difficult side effects are the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep disturbances and acromegaly. But all this can only occur with a long, large overdose.

One of the main and very significant drawbacks of growth hormone preparations is their high cost, and the course should last at least 3-4 weeks, optimally 3 months. The high cost is due to the complex processes that are needed for its production.

For example, earlier manufacturers extracted growth hormone from corpses for quite some time, but in 1989 its use was banned by the Olympic Committee. It has been sold illegally for many years. To date, the drug is recombinant, permitted and completely safe to use.

An experienced sports doctor will help you develop a regimen, taking into account your individual data, the type of sport and the severity of the loads. The higher they are, the larger the dose will be required. The injection should be pricked strictly according to the rules, observing sterility. The duration of the course is about 3 months, during which time the body will have time to get used to the drug and the effect will decrease. After that, you need to take a break equal to the time of use.

The main rule when taking it is to follow a strict regimen, follow the rules of a balanced diet and physical activity. Each workout, meal and drug must be done strictly according to the schedule, otherwise the result will not be or it will be less pronounced.

With this, I end this disgraceful story, with full confidence that the article answered your question. Until we meet again, friends!

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