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What Nullifies Effects of HGH?

HGH, or human growth hormone, is known to interact with a number of drugs, including estrogen, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants and insulin. Of those, specifically glucocorticoids and estrogen decrease the effects of HGH, though they are not known to completely nullify its effects. HGH may interact with other medications in that it reduces their effectiveness. These include a large number of P450-metabolized drugs.

  1. HGH

    • HGH is produced by the pituitary gland in humans. As you can guess by its name, HGH is produced in far greater quantities during the earlier stages of life and plays a critical role in growth and development. Somatrem, somatropin and humatrope are synthetic versions of natural growth hormone and are used to treat children with physical developmental issues as well as adults who cannot make sufficient growth hormone in their bodies. Prader-Willi syndrome and Turner's syndrome are two of the numerous conditions treated with HGH.

    Cortisone

    • The conversion of the inactive cortisone to its active form, cortisol, requires an enzyme called11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1). HGH inhibits this enzyme, therefore resulting in various interactions between cortisol-derivative drugs and HGH. In short, glucocorticoid drugs will decrease the effects of HGH, particularly in children. The reverse is also true, in that HGH inhibits the effects of glucocorticoids, and an increase in a glucocorticoid dosage is often required in patients taking HGH.

    Estrogen

    • One way in which HGH results in growth is through an HGH derivative called IGF-I. Estrogen will reduce serum IGF-I response to HGH treatment. This means that for a given dose of HGH, the higher the estrogen levels in the body, the less IGF-I the body will be able to produce. Therefore, oral estrogen replacement therapy will reduce the effectiveness of HGH.

    Insulin

    • While insulin itself will not directly interfere with HGH to reduce its efficacy, HGH may interfere with insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients who are on insulin therapy must therefore monitor their response to HGH treatment under the supervision of a physician.

    Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs

    • Some data suggests that HGH treatment increases the action of an enzyme called cytochrome P450 (CP450). This enzyme helps eliminate certain drugs from the body, and when its effects are enhanced, during HGH therapy for instance, doses of cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs may have to be adjusted. These drugs include corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants and cyclosporine.

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