In the realm of body hormones in general, there are two ways to attempt to augment the amount of a hormone in circulation. The first, as already mentioned, is to give it directly, through injection. The second is to try to stimulate the body in such a way as to increase the amount of hormone that is produced by the body itself, or to enhance the function of hormone that has already been produced. Regarding hGH there are several ways to attempt this:

A secretagogue is a substance that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce hGH. This has been an intriguing avenue of research. Over the last twenty years, several short-chain, orally absorbable compounds have been investigated. 

Of the truly effective molecules, the pituitary gland was stimulated in a broad manner, and levels of other hormones  were also raised. 

Some claimed secretagogues are available in the over-the-counter market; these products are generally safe, but some of them do not demonstrate an important hGH response in every individual. Many seem to have their greatest effectiveness in young (under age 35) and highly athletic people, and require high dose to generate a meaningful response. 

Exceptions exist, and secretagogues are regarded as a safe category of compound to use. 

Containing as few as three (commonly six to eight) amino acid molecules, some compounds have been shown to stimulate the production of significant amounts of hGH.  (See Effective formulations)

For an effective result high doses of isolated secretagogues components should be required. About 50 to 100 grams per day. Many of these amino acids taste rather bad and such a dose of product should have to be ingested dissolved in water. Nobody could resist more than one intake due to this disgusting taste.

A studied formulation combining different components in order to multiply their effects from 10 to 20 times allows a  normal daily dose of about 5 grams per day. This dose can then be supplied in capsules avoiding the taste problem.

If, in addition to the proper compound, the product is developed for the two only moments of day when HGH is released by the organism, (morning workout and night sleep) the effect can be doubled again.

In a trial, after a baseline hormone level is established and, after a three- month course of secretagogues, additional retesting of hormone levels is done. A total reevaluation should be made after no more than 6 months to determine effectiveness. Only if there is objective as well as subjective improvement documented should use of the product be continued.  

The secretagogue market brings to mind an important caveat regarding any medical or health directed program: The most important aspect of any medical/health undertaking is the open exchange of information; people should know precisely what they put into their bodies. 

Even patented drugs must disclose what they contain so appropriate decisions can be made regarding safety. 

Rule number one with secretagogues should be that any marketing company must tell the consumer exactly what he or she is ingesting.