Growth Hormone:

Table of Contents

Choose from the following selected topics:
  1. Overview of Growth Hormone Information
  2. Growth Hormone Indicated for Hypopituitarism
  3. Somatotropin Deficiency Syndrome- defined
  4. National Registry
  5. Regional Meeting Lecture, October 26, 1996
  6. Link to Growth Hormone Replacement Articles
Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism is a medical condition in which the pituitary (master gland) fails to release its hormones. This is usually related to a tumor, infection or surgery. The anterior lobe of the pituitary releases the hormones that control the thyroid (TSH), the adrenal glands(ACTH), and the gonads (ovaries or testes) through FSH and LH. It also releases human growth hormone. The other hormones of the pituitary are prolactin inhibiting hormone (reteards release of breast milk) and anti-diuretic hormone (which allows the concentration of urine).

As of August 8, 1996, the FDA granted one U.S. company with a hGH patent, the approval to market for adults recombinant Human Growth Hormone for these two medical indications: (1) hypopituitarism and (2) somatotropin deficiency syndrome.

Somatotropin Deficiency Syndrome
Somatotropin Deficiency Syndrome refers to those individuals who have low levels of human growth hormone. Since measurement of hGH is difficult, the accepted method is to measure Somatomedin-C, or by its newer name, Insulin Growth Factor-I (IGF-I). Corning Laboratories in San Diego, California has established their normal range of IGF-1 to be 90-360 ug/ml. Based on the work of leading researchers, Somatotropin Deficiency Syndrome is defined as a value below 160 ug/ml.

National Registry
Edward M. Lichten, M.D., P.C. is maintaining a registry of individuals who are using or are interested in human growth hormone replacement. The criteria for inclusion in this registry is the completion of the following: The AGESCORE (TM) Index is compiled at the beginning and serially while on growth hormone replacement. This data will be compiled quarterly and participants will be able to follow their progress in strength and lean body fat profiles and compare to age matched others.

Please note that the AGESCORE (TM) INDEX includes also the results from the complete list of laboratory hormonal tests listed below. This is a mandatory part of our protocol.

Hormonal Laboratory Tests Required for Growth Hormone Protocols:
Send blood samples to :
Corning Nichols Institute,
33608 Ortega Highway,
San Juan Capistrano, California 92676
1-800-553-5445

Hormonal Assays

D.H.E.A.-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) _________ug/ml

Pregnenolone_________

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ______

.....Thyroid, free T3 ________

.....Thyroid, free T4_________

Testosterone (total) ______ug/dl

.....Testosterone (free)_________

Estradiol___________ug/dl (women;week before menstruation)

FSH______________

LH.. _______________

Somatomedin C (IGF-1) (Corning Lab,CA.) ______

Osteoporosis Screen (Dual Photon Densitometry) (optional) _________

The completed laboratory test results must be sent to:


Midwest Medical Fitness, P.C.
Edward Lichten, M.D., director
29355 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 120
Southfield, Michigan 48034

You may make an appointment to see the doctor in Southfield or speak with a medical expert through the consultation service.

Lectures Link to Lectures at the Regional Meeting at the Somerset Inn, in Troy, Michigan on October 26, 1996.

Links to Growth Hormone Replacement Internet Articles
Massachusetts General Hospital, Steven Grinspoon, MD
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Correspondence by E-mail to: USDOCTOR@USDOCTOR.COM


office phone "(810) 358-3433

Updated: September 26, 1996