Robert D. Murray, Breeda Columb, Judith E. Adams and Stephen M. Shalet

Department of Endocrinology (R.D.M., B.C., S.M.S.), Christie Hospital, Manchester, M20 4BX, United Kingdom; and Clinical Radiology (J.E.A.), Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone also regulates the expansion of arteries, promotes the circulation of blood, and is responsible for the maintenance of muscle bulk.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
Verheist J, Abs R, Vandeweghe M, Mockel J, Legros J, Copinschi G, Mahler C, Velkeniers B, Vanhaeist L, Van Aelst A, De Rijdt D, Stevenaert A, Beckers A; 1997, Vol. 47, pp. 485-494

Two Years Of Replacement Therapy In Adults With Growth Hormone Deficiency

Objectives

Although several studies have shown beneficial short-term effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in adult GH deficient (GHD) patients, few data are available on large groups of patients treated for more than one year. In addition, the optimal dose of rhGH for each patient and the baseline parameters that predict which patients will benefit most from therapy or will have adverse events are not entirely elucidated. DESIGN: 148 adult GHD patients were enrolled in a multicentre 2-year rhGH replacement study which was placebo controlled for the first six months. RhGH (Genotropin/Genotonorm Pharmacia & Upjohn) was given in a dose of 0.25 IU/kg/week sc (1-5 IU/m2/day).

Forms of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
By David Leonardi, M.D.

Introduction

Growth Hormone is a polypeptide hormone. This means it is composed of a long chain of amino acids, 191 to be exact. Under normal physiologic conditions, growth hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. This is a gland that lies at the base of the brain in a bony cavity called the Sella Turcica. In addition to growth hormone, the anterior pituitary also secretes prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and adrenal corticotropic hormone. The secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland is initiated by the hypothalamus, another gland in the brain that lies right next to the pituitary. The hypothalamus initiates growth hormone secretion by secreting growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH); at the same time it stops secreting a growth hormone inhibitory hormone called somatostatin. When somatostatin is turned off and GHRH is turned on, the pituitary will release growth hormone in bursts of activity.

Journal of Endocrinology
Clanget C, Seck T, Hinke V, Wuster C, Ziegler R, Pfeilschifter J July 2001, Vol, 55 No. 1 93

Effects of 6 Years Of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment On Bone Mineral Density In GH-Deficient Adults

Abstract

Objectives

Adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency are often osteopenic. Short-term GH replacement therapy has been shown to improve bone mineral density (BMD). However, whether the increases in BMD are progressive with time is still unclear. We therefore examined long-term changes in BMD with GH treatment in GH-deficient adults over a period of 6 years.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology
Ahmad AM, Hopkins MT, Thomas J, Ibrahim H, Fraser WD, Vora JP June 2001, Vol, 54 No. 6 709

Body Composition And Quality Of Life In Adults With Growth Hormone Deficiency; Effects Of Low-Dose Growth Hormone Replacement

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is characterized by abnormalities in body composition and a poor preceived quality of life (QoL). Weight-based high-does growth hormone replacement (GHR) results in improvements in body composition and QoL in AGHD. However, a high patient percentage reported side-effects on high-dose GHR resulting in a high rate of patient withdrawal from growth hormone (GH) treatment. High-dose GH therapy also leads to supraphysiological serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations that have been associated with breast and prostate cancer, raising major concerns over the use of such high-dose GH regimen in AGHD. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of low-dose growth hormone replacement (GHR) on body composition and QoL as early as 1 and 3 months.

Advances in Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy in Adults

by Steven Grinspoon, M.D., Harvard University

Acquired growth hormone (GH) deficiency results from the destruction of normal pituitary and/or hypothalamic tissue, usually from a tumor or secondary to surgical and/or radiation therapy. Diagnostic criteria and clinical sequelae of GH deficiency, although well established in children, are currently areas of active investigation in the adult. It is now apparent that acquired GH deficiency is associated with significant changes in body composition, bone density, lipid metabolism, cardiovascular function and physical performance. In addition, new information is now available on the use of low doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to reverse the sequelae of GH deficiency in adults.

Cambridge University Article Abstract on Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

Christiansen, Jens Sandahl;Vahl, Nina. Medical Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Den. Editor(s): Juul, Anders; Joergensen, Jens Otto Lunde. Growth Horm. Adults (2nd Ed.) (2000), 222-232. Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK CODEN: 69ACML Conference; General Review written in English. CAN 133:217745 AN 2000:445371 CAPLUS (Copyright 2001 ACS)

Source: Mensnewsdaily.com – April 6, 2005 – by Darren Blacksmith

Testosterone has a bad reputation. The public image of it is closely linked to the idea of dumb aggression, to the caveman. But this is a far from complete image. In recent years new research is starting to show that it would be more accurate to associate this much maligned hormone with Newton, Da Vinci, Einstein and Edison than the rough and brutal Neanderthal. Testosterone, it seems, could be the true driver of our civilisations.

Testosterone and Prostate Health

Sheffield, MA  01257   May 7, 2005

For over fifty years, doctors have been proclaiming that testosterone is a man’s enemy and contributes to benign prostate hypertropy (BPH) and prostate cancer. Treatments to lower testosterone can even include castration. This insanity is based on the fact that a doctor first noticed that castrated men did not develop BPH. Therefore, he started castrating men who had prostate cancer. The result was a temporary remission in the disease, but subsequently it resurfaced with vengeance. Currently castration is done with dangerous drugs that stop testosterone production and cause severe side effects.