Growth Hormone

[JBB]

Just went to a recommended endo on the NHS (yes amazing!!!) and among other things he tested for:

HGH
Prolactin
IGF-1
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone: that was a knew one to me)

This was after seeing my strange thyroid function tests. I'm assuming he was testing pituitary function with these and wandering if that could be affecting my thyroid results but he didn't say.

He seemed like he knew his stuff though...can't get many Drs here that willingly to say you might have thyroid hormone resistance and take you seriously if your TSH is below 10! He was right on it agreeing with my CFS specialist.

I will have a laugh when the letter comes through to my GP who says my thyroid is "fine".

So don't know if that means anything for any of you guys but he obviously thought it was important in relation to thyroid for my particular case. Won't have the results for a month but I can let you know if they turn up anything interesting.

Best wishes,

J

 

[JBB]

Hi Beyond;

Zinc brought my elevated IGF-1 down by over 100 points. It has regulatory properties. Some people may also need B6 for it to work.

At what dose of Zinc?

Best wishes,

J

 

[Beyond]

My TSH is always below 10, and actually a lot lower. Does that mean hypothyroidism?

 

[JBB]

My TSH is always below 10, and actually a lot lower. Does that mean hypothyroidism?

No, high TSH is a signal of hypothyroidism...there are different figures in different countries but 10 is certainly too high, in fact 5 is definitely too high.

I wouldn't want to give an exact figure but @Ema said "The AACE has said since 2002 that the top of the range for TSH should be 2.5. However, we are still waiting for lab reference ranges to catch up, not to mention most endos." Many PWCFS have TSH in range but still have low t3 / t4 though so bear that in mind.

To get a comprehensive thyroid test you need to do a load of tests really.

Best wishes,

J

 

[Crux]

At what dose of Zinc?

Best wishes,

J

Hi J;

At first, I tried higher doses, 30 mg or more, but I had side effects, so for most of that year and now, I take 15mg daily.
I'm a female, males may need more, but I think too much can create an opposing situation.

I thought I would bring this up because most all of the research says that, in zinc deficiency, it is typical to find growth hormone deficiency and low IGF-1.

Since it lowered my elevated IGF-1, I concluded that zinc can help to regulate IGF-1 somehow. ( It was the only supplement I added that year. My IGF-1 had been rising steadily for 4 years. I take cortisol for pituitary/adrenal insufficiency, this can lower zinc levels.)

My growth hormone was in normal range. The lab didn't provide the range, so I had to look it up. I'm still a bit confused because ranges vary alot , depending on age and sex.

 

[JBB]

Hi J;

At first, I tried higher doses, 30 mg or more, but I had side effects, so for most of that year and now, I take 15mg daily.
I'm a female, males may need more, but I think too much can create an opposing situation.

I thought I would bring this up because most all of the research says that, in zinc deficiency, it is typical to find growth hormone deficiency and low IGF-1.

Since it lowered my elevated IGF-1, I concluded that zinc can help to regulate IGF-1 somehow. ( It was the only supplement I added that year. My IGF-1 had been rising steadily for 4 years. I take cortisol for pituitary/adrenal insufficiency, this can lower zinc levels.)

My growth hormone was in normal range. The lab didn't provide the range, so I had to look it up. I'm still a bit confused because ranges vary alot , depending on age and sex.

Ok that's interesting. Thanks for the info. My zinc is quite low according to my doc so it will be interesting to see if this has effected my IGF-1 and GH.

Best wishes,

J

 

[Crux]

Ok that's interesting. Thanks for the info. My zinc is quite low according to my doc so it will be interesting to see if this has effected my IGF-1 and GH.

Best wishes,

J

Yes, it would be interesting to see if low zinc affects the test results. I've read that zinc and B6 may possibly lower elevated prolactin, if it's because of deficiency, and not a growth.

I've also read that prolactin can be elevated in hypothyroid.

I remember it took a while to get the GH results. I think it goes to a specialty lab.

 

[JBB]

Yes, it would be interesting to see if low zinc affects the test results. I've read that zinc and B6 may possibly lower elevated prolactin, if it's because of deficiency, and not a growth.

I've also read that prolactin can be elevated in hypothyroid.

I remember it took a while to get the GH results. I think it goes to a specialty lab.

Ah interesting...thanks for the info . I don't know much about these hormones but it certainly is interesting that zinc and B6 may affect them.

Best wishes,

J

 

[Crux]

Ah interesting...thanks for the info . I don't know much about these hormones but it certainly is interesting that zinc and B6 may affect them.

Best wishes,

J

Here's a link to a site that includes links to some studies. ( scroll down to the chart, click on the tiny blue, 'see studies') The studies use only a certain demographic, like middle-aged females and the elderly, but that's all we have.
http://examine.com/supplements/Zinc/

The study about zinc not lowering prolactin did not include B6 or p5p. But there are studies that show high dose B6 lowering prolactin. The amounts are dangerously high though, 200-600 mg. daily. I would not recommend that.
Only once did I try 100 mg B6, and I had temporary neuropathy. http://www.muscle-health-fitness.com/prolactin-inhibitor.html/

I agree that the best way to increase GH would be good rest, low stress, and good nutrition. It has been shown that arginine increases GH, but we know that taking alot of one amino acid can off set others.

Here's a good link to a site about amino acids:http://www.imagerynet.com/amino/20_amino.html

 

[bread.]

did anyone figure out the raised igf1?

 

[Slushiefan]

If you want to receive an RX for off label in the US, it can be done as long as you don't count on your insurer to pay for it. Xyrem has a program to help those that can't afford it.

I got mine through holthorf. Results were it worked ok for a month to two, then my tolerance got too high and the drug didn't really work anymore to induce that deep sleep. If you try it I recommend cycling off and on.

During that time I experienced bi-phasic sleep as a side effect. No other side effects.

The benefit was small but noticeable. It was definitely not a full level of recovery. I went from severe to slightly less severe. I tend to think it is similar to taking hgh externally.

Overall, the gain was not worth the cost and trouble. I got a lot more benefit from dessicated beef liver and b12.

 

[bread.]

No I have raised IGF1 without supplementing it.

 

[amaru7]

I for one can say I wasted thousands on supplements, none made a real difference, HGH is the thing that made the biggest difference for me, after I have a few supplements now, for some reason they seem to have a better effect now.

But HGH was by far the best intervention for me that started recovery process more than anything else. HGH tests are useless because of the short half life. I did an IGF1 test and it was on the low range. But because it was within range, the insurance didn't pay for it I had to pay and it is really expensive but to me was worth it, I had crippling low energy and depression before, I'm still not 100% but I'm functional after I tried so many things that failed me.

For those who cannot afford it, Fasting and HIT (if you're able to) are great free methods to raise HGH release, plus try to find good sleep and rest is important too.

I've been out of here for a while, but amongst many health communities I must say the most knowledgeable and intelligent members are here.

At the moment I'm busy restoring the damage in my life through the decades long illness in work and social life, but anytime I have something I try to change with my supplements or so, I come back here, because I know I will find some good answers in most cases.