The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body. As one of the components of the circulatory system, the lymphatic system comprises a vast network of vessels, tissues, and organs that work collectively to facilitate numerous bodily functions. Some of these include maintaining fluid balance, removing waste and toxins, and strengthening the immune system. A healthy lymphatic system also supports proper endocrine function, including the regulation of human growth hormones (HGH). Of course, to understand where these hormones fit into this equation, it helps to know more about them.
What Are Human Growth Hormones?
Human growth hormones are peptide hormones secreted by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, both of which are glands that make up the body’s endocrine system. During childhood and adolescence, human growth hormone (HGH) works in tandem with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone produced by the liver, to facilitate growth and development.
Throughout childhood and adulthood, HGH helps regulate sugar and fat metabolism, heart function, body composition, and fluids in the body. It also regulates blood glucose levels and immune system function throughout both stages of life. When HGH levels fall too low, it can adversely affect all of these critical functions. It can also wreak havoc on the lymphatic system. Common contributors to low growth hormone (GH) levels include aging, poor nutrition, obesity, tumors, and radiation therapy to the head or brain.
Some of the symptoms associated with low growth hormone levels or a complete growth hormone deficiency include the following:
- A decline in cognitive function
- Anxiety and depression
- Changes in skin health and appearance
- Chronic fatigue
- Decreased libido or decreased sexual function
- Frequent headaches
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Mood swings and an inability to focus
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Reduced muscle mass, strength, and stamina
- Sagging skin
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
Symptoms of a Poorly Functioning Lymphatic System
Lymphatic system problems resulting from a decrease in human growth hormone production can trigger various symptoms, including lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling and fluid retention in the body. Such retention often causes swelling and pain in the arms, legs, fingers, toes, head, or neck. In addition to lymphedema, symptoms of lymphatic system dysfunction arising from low growth hormone levels include the following:
- Anxiety and depression
- Changes in skin texture, color, or thickness
- Fatigue
- Increased Infections
- Muscle aches
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
- Reduced range of motion in affected limbs
The Relationship Between Human Growth Hormones and the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system needs HGH as much as HGH needs the lymphatic system. According to endocrinologists, the lymphatic system and growth hormones have a unique and complex interplay. Human growth hormones promote lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, which supports fluid balance, immune response, and tissue repair. The lymphatic system, meanwhile, contributes to the overall effectiveness of human growth hormones and the body’s response to them. When someone has a growth hormone deficiency, it can hinder lymphangiogenesis, which, in turn, can lead to poor lymphatic function and the onset of associated symptoms.
How To Boost Low Growth Hormone Levels and Improve Lymphatic System Function
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way toward not only boosting low HGH blood levels but also improving lymphatic system function. Examples of these lifestyle habits include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming nutrient-dense foods, getting plenty of deep, restorative sleep each night, and staying hydrated.
For individuals diagnosed with extremely low growth hormone levels or those suffering from severe lymphatic dysfunction, a medicinal approach might be necessary. Some of the HGH for sale by prescription only drugs that physicians commonly prescribe to patients with a GH deficiency include Humatrope, Nutropin, Saizen, and Genotropin.
As far as prescription drugs to improve lymphatic system function, some of the ones physicians prescribe the most include antibiotics, pain relievers, and benzopyrones to help reduce protein buildup in specific areas of the body. Of course, pharmacotherapies and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are not the only ways to improve lymphatic system function. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a form of massage therapy that stimulates the flow of fluid in the lymphatic system and reduces swelling, can also help.
In summary, a growth hormone deficiency can disrupt many aspects of an individual’s health. The same applies to a poorly functioning lymphatic system. Bearing that in mind, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, consider scheduling an appointment with a physician as soon as possible.
