Pituitary growth hormone also known as somatotropin is a peptide hormone produced and stored by somatotrophic cells in the pituitary gland of the brain. It is the most potent hormone produced in the body and virtually acts on every cell leading to cellular growth, differentiation and reproduction. It is also produced in response to stress in the body and increases levels of glucose and free fatty acids in the body. The growth hormone does this through a direct action mediated through growth hormone receptors on target cells and through an indirect action. The indirect action is mediated through insulin like growth factor 1, IGF-1.

IGF-1 is present in muscles. When IGF-1 receptors are activated, there is resultant hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscles. Hyperplasia is the formation of new muscle cells through cellular reproduction, while hypertrophy is increase in the size of preexisting muscle cells. Because of this anabolic effect on muscles, somatotropin has found use in the sports and fitness industry for faster and greater muscle gains to achieve muscle strength and exercise tolerance. The growth hormone therefore has both direct and indirect actions on muscles but with overall enlargement and strength.

Fat cells in adipose tissue only contain growth hormone receptors. Once activated, the cells undergo lipolysis to release energy that is used to sustain the hyperplastic and hypertrophied muscles. The end result is loss of adipose tissue that leads to the desired slimming effect and more definition of muscle gains.

One of the most popular sources of growth hormone in the market is Anabolic Research Pituitary Growth Hormone, which is available for sell in online stores. It is a secretagogue supplement. This means that it signals the pituitary gland to increase the production of more endogenous growth hormone. The product is made up of amino acids that have been shown to stimulate growth hormone production. These amino acids include, L-Argnine HC1, Isoleucine, Tyrosine, Valine, L-Histidine HC1, Serine, Glycine and Glutamic Acid.

Despite the many advantages of pituitary growth hormone, there are side effects associated with its use. It is therefore important to learn about the symptoms and what to do once they occur.