How does sauna increase growth hormone?

Saunas can significantly increase growth hormone levels through repeated heat exposure combined with cooling periods. Studies have shown remarkable increases in growth hormone—up to 16-fold—when subjects undergo sauna sessions of 30 minutes, four times per day, with cooling breaks in between at temperatures around 80°C (176°F) 1.

This dramatic spike in growth hormone is attributed to the stress imposed by high temperatures. Neurons in the hypothalamus respond to heat by promoting growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. However, the effect diminishes with repeated exposure; the initial 16-fold increase can reduce to 3-4 fold after several sessions within a short timeframe 2.

The mechanism involves alternating between hot and cool environments, which compounds to activate biological processes enhancing hormone release. The strategic cycling between these temperatures effectively builds upon itself, maximizing hormonal output 3.