Human growth hormone (HGH) is, as its name suggests, the hormone responsible for helping children reach their adult height. However, it is still essential for physical and mental health in adults. HGH deficiencies in adults can result in serious health problems, which can lead to increased stress levels.
How Do Hormones Relate to Cognitive Function?
Although people typically associate hormones with the regulation of metabolism, temperature, sleep, stress and reproductive health, hormones also play a vital role in cognitive function. The brain relies on hormones for balance, connection, communication and protection.
Certain hormonal imbalances can disrupt the distribution of which parts of the brain function at the highest degree. For example, if the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol are too high, the brain’s centers for basic survival function at a much higher level. Because so much energy is devoted to survival, other areas of the brain such as those related to high-level reasoning or memory function at a lower level. Some hormone interactions can also produce acute stress reactions.
Balanced levels of hormones are also essential to keeping the brain connected. Hormones can facilitate communication throughout the neurological system, which makes it easier for the brain to operate more efficiently and stimulates the ability to make analytical connections. Some hormones, especially estrogen, also help protect the brain.
Growth hormone is vital to the stimulation of cell growth, which plays a role in all parts of the body. Therefore, it helps all of these hormones improve the efficiency of the brain. It also repairs brain tissue, which is necessary to cognitive function.
What Is HGH?
Human growth hormone is a protein in the bloodstream that is produced in the pituitary gland, which also produces the hormones present during puberty and helps regulate the body’s functions. Aside from helping children and adolescents reach their adult height, this hormone has many functions that promote overall health in adults.
- It produces proteins, and one of its main roles in adults is to preserve muscle mass. This function is especially important for exercise endurance and healthy body composition.
- It increases muscle mass and decreases fat mass.
- It promotes cell growth.
- It helps with metabolic functions to increase energy levels.
- Increased metabolism also helps with healthy weight maintenance.
- It promotes calcium levels and bone density to prevent fractures.
- It helps the body release Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1.
- It regulates blood sugar levels.
- It reduces the risk of obesity.
- It promotes concentration and mental health.
- It regulates cholesterol and triglyceridesWithout HGH, the body cannot create muscle or process food as it should. Because these physical effects have such a large effect on every aspect of a person’s life, low growth hormone levels can result in the deterioration of physical, mental and emotional health.
How Does HGH Help with Stress?
Aside from causing complications with muscle repair and metabolic function, low HGH levels can increase stress levels in adults. Although most hormonal imbalances will at least lead to some degree of acute stress, growth hormone has been linked to significant and lasting stress-inducing effects.
Because low growth hormone levels slow down the metabolism, they can lead to increased feelings of sluggishness and less energy. Low energy causes stress by making it more difficult to accomplish tasks and due to frustration from not feeling well.
- HGH decreases the ability to concentrate.
- Exercise is a stress reliever. Decreased muscle mass can decrease the ability to exercise, especially for long periods of time.
- Like exercise, HGH releases endorphins and dopamine, both of which can boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Low human growth hormone levels can lead to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Depression and social anxiety have been linked to low growth hormone levels.
Because human growth hormone is so closely linked to both physical and mental health, maintaining healthy growth hormone levels is essential. The link to metabolic health is especially consistent with growth hormone’s link to cognitive function and mood regulation. Since clear-mindedness and the release of mood-boosting hormones are vital to stress management, low human growth hormone levels can lead to an increase in stress.
In Conclusion
The brain needs hormones to function properly, especially in relation to mood regulation. Human growth hormone is responsible for helping metabolic function, which is essential for concentration, exercise and energy levels. Because all of these factors relate to stress, low human growth hormone levels have been linked to increased stress levels.
If you have a growth hormone deficiency, the professional endocrinologists at AAA Hormone Clinic may be able to help you decrease your stress levels and feel better overall. With clinically tested, blood test-informed prescription supplements, you can start on the path to a happier, more energetic lifestyle. Fill out the form to get started today!
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/growth-hormone/art-20045735
https://hghtherapydoc.com/hgh-therapy-benefits/hgh-benefits-for-mood-and-cognitive-function/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6422548/#:~:text=Hormonal%20function%20is%20important%20in,spatial%20ability%20and%20even%20emotion.