Growth Hormone

Definition

Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans and other animals. It plays a vital role in the body's ability to adapt to exercise by influencing muscle mass, metabolism, and overall physical performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Growth hormone levels are typically highest during childhood and adolescence when growth is most rapid, but they also rise during exercise and sleep.
2. GH promotes lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fat stores for energy, making it important for body composition changes associated with training.
3. This hormone influences the metabolism of carbohydrates by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver, helping to maintain blood sugar levels during prolonged exercise.
4. Resistance training has been shown to significantly increase GH secretion, which contributes to muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
5. Chronic high levels of growth hormone can lead to acromegaly, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of bones and tissues, highlighting the need for balance in hormonal regulation.

Review Questions

• How does growth hormone contribute to muscle adaptation following resistance training?
  • Growth hormone plays a critical role in muscle adaptation after resistance training by stimulating protein synthesis and promoting muscle cell proliferation. The increase in GH secretion during and after exercise aids in the recovery process by enhancing the repair of damaged muscle fibers. Additionally, GH influences the release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which further supports muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
• Discuss the impact of growth hormone on metabolic processes during exercise and how this affects performance.
  • Growth hormone significantly impacts metabolic processes during exercise by increasing lipolysis and promoting the utilization of fat as a primary energy source. This hormonal response helps spare glycogen stores, allowing for prolonged exercise performance. By enhancing the availability of fatty acids for energy production, GH supports endurance activities while also contributing to muscle preservation during extended physical exertion.
• Evaluate the implications of altered growth hormone levels on an athlete's training outcomes and overall health.
  • Altered growth hormone levels can greatly affect an athlete's training outcomes and overall health. Low GH levels may hinder muscle growth and recovery, leading to suboptimal performance. On the other hand, excessively high GH levels can lead to negative health consequences such as acromegaly and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Balancing GH is essential for maximizing performance benefits while ensuring long-term health and wellness in athletes.

Related terms

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): A hormone produced primarily by the liver that mediates many of the effects of growth hormone, promoting growth and development in tissues.

Anabolic Hormones:

Hormones that promote the building of complex molecules from simpler ones, such as muscle protein synthesis, which is stimulated by growth hormone.

Cortisol:

A steroid hormone released in response to stress and low blood glucose, which can counteract some effects of growth hormone on muscle and fat metabolism.