What is HGH and Effects on Hypothyroid?

The pituitary gland and thyroid gland work in concert to generate new tissue and allow the body to grow. A reduction in human growth hormone (HGH) can adversely affect the thyroid, contributing to hypothyroidism.

HGH

• Human growth hormone (HGH) is a protein hormone released by the pituitary gland that is responsible for stimulating growth of the human body. The pituitary gland and thyroid gland work together as part of the endocrine system.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce proper amounts of the hormone necessary to regulate metabolism. "When thyroid hormone levels are too low, the body’s cells can’t get enough thyroid hormone and the body’s processes start slowing down," according to The American Thyroid Association.

Significance

• A deficiency of HGH sometimes contributes to this abnormal thyroid function. Therapy to supplement human growth hormone sometimes results in a reversal of hypothyroidism.

Therapy

• A doctor may prescribe hormone therapy (supplements) specifically for a disease or disorder. "Hormone supplements come in many forms, such as pills, shots, topical (rub-on) gels, and medicated skin patches," says the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

Warning

• Some physicians promote HGH therapy as a way to minimize the natural aging process but most reject that theory. "Synthetic human growth hormone, which must be injected, is available only by prescription," according to The Mayo Clinic. "It's approved to treat adults who have true growth hormone deficiency--not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging."