Growth Hormone
HGH/Somatropin. Used for recovery, body composition, and anti-aging.
Overview
HGH/Somatropin. Used for recovery, body composition, and anti-aging.
Can elevate fasting glucose and HbA1c (insulin resistance), may improve T4-to-T3 conversion, increases IGF-1, can cause water retention, may worsen triglycerides
Compound Guide
Mechanism: Recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH/somatropin). Stimulates IGF-1 production from the liver, promotes lipolysis, enhances protein synthesis, and supports recovery.
Dosage:
- Health / Anti-aging: 1-2 IU/day
- Body composition / Recovery: 2-4 IU/day
- Bodybuilding (aggressive): 4-8+ IU/day (insulin resistance risk escalates above 4 IU)
Administration:
- Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection: 29-31g insulin needle, abdomen (rotate sites)
- Inject AM fasted for maximum fat-burning benefit (GH + fasted state = peak lipolysis)
- Can split dose: AM + pre-bed for higher doses (>4 IU)
Key Notes:
- Results are slow and cumulative -- minimum 3-6 months of consistent use to see body composition changes
- Monitor IGF-1 levels 4-6 weeks after starting or changing dose (target upper-normal range: 25-35 nmol/L)
- Insulin resistance is the primary health concern: monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c every 3 months
- Berberine (500mg 2-3x/day) or Metformin can mitigate insulin resistance
- Water retention (hands, face, feet) is common initially and usually subsides after 2-4 weeks
- Can cause carpal tunnel syndrome at higher doses (numbness/tingling in hands)
- Triglycerides may worsen; monitor lipids
GH raises fasting glucose 20-25% within weeks; the thresholds that should change what you do: How GH and MK-677 cause insulin resistance and what to do.
Usage History
Pairs With
How Growth Hormone behaves when it is run alongside other compounds.
Commonly stacked with
Used to offset
Stacks the risk
Marker Interactions
Compare With
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
How to Set Your Calories Using the 10/15/20 Rule
Set your calories from bodyweight in seconds, then correct the estimate against your 7-day weight trend. Metric and imperial, with the evidence.
Does IGF-1 LR3 Make Your Organs Grow?
IGF-1 LR3 and DES for bodybuilders: the real organ-growth and hypoglycaemia risks, what your IGF-1, glucose and insulin labs should show, and how to monitor.
How Tesamorelin Cuts Visceral Fat Without Raising Blood Sugar
Tesamorelin cuts visceral fat 15-18% in 26 weeks while keeping glucose neutral. Bloodwork protocol, decision tree, and how it compares to CJC and MK-677.
How to Lower Blood Pressure on Cycle With Telmisartan and Nebivolol
Evidence-based guide to managing high blood pressure on cycle. Telmisartan, nebivolol, ARBs, dosing, monitoring labs, and a decision tree by BP range.
Quick Reference
Category
GH
Half-Life
3-4 hours
Detection Time
N/A