What is the Origin of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Therapies?

The term combines 'secretagogue,' meaning a substance that causes secretion, with 'growth hormone,' placing the focus squarely on stimulating the body's own GH production pathways. These therapies evolved from research into appetite regulation and metabolic control, often involving the ghrelin system. This approach seeks physiological restoration over replacement.

What is the Mechanism of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Therapies?

These therapies primarily operate by interacting with the Hypothalamic-Pituitary axis, often by stimulating ghrelin receptors in the hypothalamus or pituitary. This action overrides normal somatostatin-mediated inhibition, leading to increased GH pulse amplitude and frequency. The resulting endogenous GH release then mediates anabolic, lipolytic, and regenerative effects throughout the system.

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Therapies ∞ Area

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Therapies

Meaning

Therapeutic interventions designed to pharmacologically stimulate the endogenous pulsatile release of Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland, rather than administering exogenous GH itself. These agents typically target ghrelin receptors or mimic endogenous secretagogues to restore more natural GH secretion patterns. We aim to optimize natural pituitary function.