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Growth Hormone Function

Meaning

Growth Hormone Function refers to the broad spectrum of physiological roles mediated by Somatotropin, a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, which extends far beyond its initial role in childhood growth. In adults, its function is predominantly metabolic and regenerative, including the stimulation of protein synthesis, lipolysis, and the maintenance of lean body mass. Clinically, assessing its function involves measuring both the hormone itself and its primary mediator, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), to gauge the somatotropic axis’s integrity. Optimal function is critical for tissue repair, skin elasticity, and overall vitality.