The natural, physiologically controlled release of Growth Hormone (GH) from the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland within the human body. This secretion is pulsatile, characterized by bursts of release interspersed with periods of low or undetectable levels, with the largest pulse typically occurring shortly after the onset of deep sleep. Endogenous GH secretion is tightly regulated by the hypothalamic hormones Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin, and by feedback mechanisms involving Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). Maintaining a healthy pattern of this secretion is vital for metabolic function, body composition, and tissue maintenance throughout the lifespan.
Origin
The term combines “Endogenous,” from the Greek endos meaning “within,” and genos meaning “producing,” with “GH Secretion,” referring to the release of the pituitary hormone. The scientific understanding of GH’s origin and its pulsatile release pattern was established through sophisticated radioimmunoassays and physiological studies in the mid-20th century, elucidating its complex regulation by the central nervous system.
Mechanism
The mechanism is primarily controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, where GHRH stimulates GH release, while somatostatin exerts an inhibitory tone. These opposing signals are integrated by the somatotrophs, leading to the characteristic pulsatile release. Ghrelin, a gut-derived hormone, also acts on the pituitary to stimulate secretion, particularly before meals. Circulating GH then acts directly on tissues and indirectly by stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1, which provides negative feedback to both the pituitary and the hypothalamus, thereby closing the regulatory loop and maintaining hormonal homeostasis.
A reasonable alternative standard requires personalized endocrine and metabolic protocols to optimize individual vitality beyond generic health metrics.
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