HGH vs MK-677
FDA Approved vs Well Studied
avoid Researched · 95% Redundant effects without proportional benefits.
Molecular Data
HGH MK-677
Weight 22,124 Da 624.77 Da
Half-life 3-4 hours (SC), 20-30 minutes (IV) ~24 hours
Chain 191 amino acids —
Type Single-chain polypeptide with two disulfide bridges Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist
Key Benefits
HGH
01 Improved body composition (increased lean mass, decreased fat)
02 Enhanced bone mineral density
03 Improved lipid profile
04 Increased exercise capacity
05 Better quality of life and mood
06 Skin, hair, and nail improvements
07 Enhanced recovery and healing
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Dosing Protocols
HGH
1-4 IU daily (0.33-1.33mg); start low and titrate up / Once daily or split into 2 doses (morning and evening)
Medical GHD (Starting) 0.15-0.3mg/day (0.5-1 IU) Once daily
Medical GHD (Maintenance) 0.4-0.8mg/day (1.2-2.4 IU) Once daily
Anti-Aging/Wellness 1-2 IU/day (0.33-0.67mg) Once daily
Body Recomposition 2-4 IU/day (0.67-1.33mg) Once or twice daily
Performance (Higher Risk) 4-8 IU/day (1.33-2.67mg) Split twice daily
MK-677
Start 12.5mg daily, increase to 25mg based on tolerance / Once daily, preferably at bedtime on empty stomach
Side Effects
HGH
Water retention and fluid accumulation
Joint pain and stiffness
Carpal tunnel syndrome (usually resolves with dose reduction)
Headaches
Numbness/tingling in hands
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Contraindications
Active cancer (may accelerate tumor growth)
Acute critical illness (increased mortality in ICU patients)
Closed epiphyses in children (for growth promotion)
Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research Evidence
HGH MK-677
Status FDA Approved Well Studied
References 4 studies 7 studies
Latest 2024 July 2024
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.