Factors That Cause an Increase in Growth Hormone
Stress and exercise are the primary factors that cause an increase in growth hormone, while lack of sleep and obesity actually decrease growth hormone levels. 1
Physiological Factors That Increase Growth Hormone
Exercise
- High-intensity exercise is one of the most potent stimuli for GH release 2, 3
- Exercise must exceed the anaerobic/lactate threshold to significantly increase GH 4
- 10 minutes of high-intensity exercise consistently increases circulating GH 4
- The magnitude of GH release has a linear relationship with exercise intensity 3
- Resistance exercise with appropriate work-rest intervals can trigger GH release similar to aerobic exercise 3
Stress
- Stress is a significant factor that increases GH secretion 1
- Stress-related catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) increase during high-intensity exercise and correlate with GH release 4
- Metabolic stress, particularly increased lactate formation, enhances GH release 5
Nutritional Factors
- Malnutrition and catabolism stimulate GH release 1
- Fasting states promote GH secretion as part of the body's response to maintain metabolic homeostasis 1
- L-arginine supplementation (5-9g) can increase resting GH levels by approximately 100% 6
Other Physiological Stimuli
- Decreased blood glucose levels
- Increased amino acid levels (particularly arginine) 6
- Deep sleep (particularly slow-wave sleep)
Factors That Decrease Growth Hormone
Lack of Sleep
- Contrary to the options listed, lack of sleep actually decreases GH secretion 1
- GH is primarily released during deep sleep phases, so sleep disruption reduces GH output
Obesity
- Obesity is associated with decreased GH secretion 3
- Excess adipose tissue leads to reduced GH release and impaired GH signaling 1
Lack of Exercise
- Physical inactivity reduces GH secretion 3
- Regular exercise training can increase 24-hour GH secretion, particularly in women 3
Pathological Conditions Affecting GH
- Chronic kidney disease creates a state of GH insensitivity 1
- Hypothalamic dysfunction can disrupt normal GH regulation 1
- Inflammatory conditions increase suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS), which impair GH signaling 1
Clinical Implications
- Exercise interventions can help restore GH secretion in individuals with reduced levels 3
- The combination of exercise and GH secretagogues may enhance GH secretion in older individuals or those with obesity 3
- Repeated bouts of aerobic exercise within a 24-hour period can increase integrated GH concentrations 3
Understanding these factors is important for managing conditions related to GH dysregulation and for optimizing physiological GH release through lifestyle modifications.