Does Testosterone increase HGH?

[shawn diesel]

I have tried to research this and have got different opinions. I would think it does as when I used to train heavy my bones for sure got thicker, and my jaw increased in size? Anyone have any feedback?

 

[Gene Devine]

Testosterone does not increase HGH...wish it did...but it does not to any significant amount.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Endocrine Abstracts (2003) 5 P161



Testosterone enhances the effect of growth hormone (GH) to increase IGF-I but exerts an anabolic effect that is independent of GH action

J Gibney1, T Wolthers1, M Males1, G Smythe2, AM Umpleby3 & KKY Ho1

Growth hormone (GH) and testosterone are both potent anabolic hormones, but it is not known whether they interact to positively regulate protein metabolism. To address this question, we have carried out two studies, in which we have investigated the impact of GH alone, testosterone alone and combined GH+testosterone, on whole body protein metabolism in hypopituitary men.

In the first study, ten subjects received either GH (1.5 units daily) or GH+testosterone (250 milligrams intramuscularly) for one month, and then crossed over to the alternate treatment for the second month. In the second study, nine subjects received either testosterone or GH+testosterone for one month, and then crossed over for the second month. Protein turnover was studied using a 3-hour primed-constant infusion of 1-[13C]leucine, from which rates of protein breakdown, oxidation and synthesis were estimated. Ethical approval was obtained.

GH alone increased IGF-I (7.4 plus/minus 1.0 to 24.2 plus/minus 2.7 nanomoles per litre, p<0.01), reduced protein oxidation and increased protein synthesis (p<0.05). Addition of testosterone to GH resulted in a further increase in IGF-I (to 26.4 plus/minus 2.7 nanomoles per litre, p<0.05), a further reduction in oxidation and further stimulation of synthesis (p<0.05). Testosterone alone did not alter IGF-I (11.6 plus/minus 1.2 to 11.8 plus/minus 1.2 nanomoles per litre), but reduced oxidation and increased synthesis (p<0.05). Addition of GH to testosterone increased IGF-I (to 41.0 plus/minus 4.2 nanomoles per litre, p<0.05), and resulted in a further reduction in oxidation and further stimulation of synthesis (p<0.05).

In summary, testosterone replacement in hypopituitary adults increased circulating IGF-I, only during concomitant administration of GH. Testosterone and GH exerted independent and additive effects to reduce irreversible oxidative protein loss and increase protein synthesis. We conclude that testosterone enhances the effect of GH to increase IGF-I, but exerts a protein anabolic effect that is independent of GH action

 

[Neil Olson]

One thing I am trying to figure out. Since I am on both growth hormone and testosterone. On testosterone my igf-1 raises so my doc one time lowered my growth hormone dose. It was a little above the normal scale. So am I getting enough growth hormone because my igf-1 is affected by my testosterone replacement. Hope that makes sense. Is this a situation where it would be ok for igf-1 levels to be above normal range?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

DHEA has no influence on growth hormone in males but it seems to have an effect in females.

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2006 Nov;65(5):673-80.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement.



Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

GH dose requirement is lower in ACTH replete compared with ACTH deficient hypopituitary patients suggesting that adrenal androgens may augment IGF-I generation for a given GH dose. This study aimed to determine the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on GH dose requirements in hypopituitary adults.
DESIGN:

A double blind placebo controlled trial was conducted adding 50 mg DHEA to the standard replacement of hypopituitary patients, including GH, over an initial 6 months, followed by an open phase study of 6 months DHEA replacement and a final 2 month washout phase after DHEA withdrawal. The dose of GH was adjusted to achieve a constant serum IGF-I.
PATIENTS:

Thirty female and 21 male hypopituitary patients were enrolled. Data from 26 women and 18 men were analysed after patient withdrawal.
MEASUREMENTS:

The primary outcome objective was the GH dose required to achieve a stable serum IGF-I. Secondary outcome measures were lipoprotein profiles, insulin, insulin sensitivity, IGFBP-3, waist/hip ratio and indices of bone remodelling.
RESULTS:

DHEA replacement in female patients lead to a 14.6 +/- 20% reduction in the dose of GH for a constant serum IGF-I (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.8, 32.7). This was maintained for 12 months and there was a significant fall in serum IGF-I two months after withdrawal of DHEA. There was no change in the male group.
CONCLUSIONS:

DHEA replacement may reduce GH dose requirements in female hypopituitary patients.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

One thing I am trying to figure out. Since I am on both growth hormone and testosterone. On testosterone my igf-1 raises so my doc one time lowered my growth hormone dose. It was a little above the normal scale. So am I getting enough growth hormone because my igf-1 is affected by my testosterone replacement. Hope that makes sense. Is this a situation where it would be ok for igf-1 levels to be above normal range?

Higher than normal IGF-1 levels are anabolic and may even help with sex drive. But some physicians worry that they may also increase the risk of cancer (there is a lot of debate on this issue).