# Growth Hormone --- **Growth hormone**, or **GH** (sometimes called **human growth hormone** or **HGH**) is a [[hormone]] that is produced in the [[pituitary gland|anterior pituitary gland]] and triggers growth in zones 2-3 during [[interstitial growth]] the the [[interstitial growth|epiphyseal plate]]. It has a **glucose sparing effect** which means it uses fat as an energy source and leaves glucose for brain. The problem is that this keeps blood glucose high (risk of diabetes). ![[growth hormone.png]] ## Regulation of Growth Hormone - **Growth hormone-releasing hormone** or **GHRH** is released by the [[hypothalamus]] and moves through the portal system to the [[pituitary gland|anterior pituitary gland]] where GH is released. - **Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone** or **GHIH**, also called **somatostatin** - Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin used for treating [[acromegaly]] and other disorders - An off label use is as treatment for ruptured [[esophageal varices]], as it reduces portal hypertension. ## Imbalances with Growth Hormone - Too much HGH results in **gigantism** - Not enough HGH results in [[interstitial growth|achondroplasia]]. ___