Naturally-Occurring Hormone Can Restore Strength and Vigor

 

New research indicates that a popular hormone available in your local health store could do more than merely give you a good night’s rest.

 

By Whole Body Health Staff

 

There is evidence that melatonin use may play a role in modulating pituitary secretion and production of growth hormones, according to the European Journal of Endocrinology.

Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone produced especially at night in the pineal gland. It is widely known for the part it plays in the circadian rhythm, the hormonal cycle regulating people’s sleep cycles, and is stimulated by the dark and inhibited by light.

Melatonin production decreases as people age, accounting for the sleepless nights with which many older Americans battle.

Growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, which is located on the lower part of the brain under the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus is the section of the brain involved in the functions of the nervous system and in the endocrine system. It also seems to function in the part of the brain that affects people’s moods and motivational states.

According to the Journal, the study looked at the effects of a single dose of oral melatonin taken at 5 mg on exercise-induced growth hormone secretion.

Seven healthy males undertook an initial period of graded bicycle exercise to determine maximum workload and oxygen uptake.

Researchers also studied, on two other occasions, men receiving either melatonin or placebo at the onset of each study.

Researchers found that GH concentration increased after taking melatonin and was greater than those taking the placebo.

Stimulating growth hormone secretion can have the effect of improving mental alertness, vitality and strength. ™