HGH
Human Growth Hormone | Somatropin
Human Growth Hormone (HGH/Somatropin) is a 191-amino acid polypeptide hormone FDA-approved for pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency, HIV-associated wasting, and other conditions. It provides both direct and indirect (IGF-1 mediated) anabolic effects.
Mechanism of Action
Binds to GH receptors on target tissues, triggering JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway. Direct effects include lipolysis, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. Indirect effects via IGF-1 promote growth and anabolism. Half-life ~3 hours subcutaneously.
Key Benefits
- Improved body composition (increased lean mass, decreased fat)
- Enhanced bone mineral density
- Improved lipid profile
- Increased exercise capacity
- Better quality of life and mood
- Skin, hair, and nail improvements
- Enhanced recovery and healing
Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Pediatric GH Deficiency
FDA-approved for idiopathic and organic causes, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, SGA, Noonan syndrome, SHOX deficiency.
- Adult GH Deficiency
FDA-approved for childhood-onset or adult-onset causes (pituitary tumors, surgery, radiation, trauma).
- HIV-Associated Wasting
FDA-approved to increase lean body mass and body weight in cachexia.
Body Composition
- Fat Loss
Significant fat loss especially abdominal/visceral fat over 1-3 months.
- Lean Mass
Increased muscle mass and improved body composition.
- Recovery Enhancement
Enhanced exercise recovery and tissue healing.
Anti-Aging
- Skin and Hair Quality
Improved skin elasticity, texture, and hair/nail growth.
- Energy and Well-being
Improved energy, sleep, and quality of life.
Subcutaneous injection is the only effective route. Morning fasted injection maximizes fat-burning potential; evening mimics natural nocturnal GH pulse.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical GHD (Starting) | 0.15-0.3mg/day (0.5-1 IU) | Once daily | SubQ |
| Medical GHD (Maintenance) | 0.4-0.8mg/day (1.2-2.4 IU) | Once daily | SubQ |
| Anti-Aging/Wellness | 1-2 IU/day (0.33-0.67mg) | Once daily | SubQ |
| Body Recomposition | 2-4 IU/day (0.67-1.33mg) | Once or twice daily | SubQ |
| Performance (Higher Risk) | 4-8 IU/day (1.33-2.67mg) | Split twice daily | SubQ |
Reconstitution Instructions
- HGH lyophilized powder vial (typically 10 IU or 36 IU)
- Bacteriostatic water for injection
- Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol prep pads
- 1 Allow vial to reach room temperature (15-20 minutes)
- 2 Clean rubber stoppers with alcohol swab
- 3 Determine reconstitution volume (typical: 1mL BAC water per 10 IU)
- 4 Draw bacteriostatic water slowly, removing air bubbles
- 5 Insert needle at angle, aiming stream at vial wall - not directly on powder
- 6 Inject water slowly down inside wall, drop by drop
- 7 Remove needle and gently swirl in circular motion - never shake
- 8 Allow to sit if cloudy, then swirl again until crystal clear
- 9 Solution must be crystal clear; discard if cloudy or contains particles
- 10 Label with reconstitution date and concentration
- 11 Store refrigerated at 2-8°C; use within 14-28 days
HGH decreases insulin sensitivity; may require increased insulin doses in diabetics.
Synergistic but caution: enhanced effects with increased hypoglycemia and side effect risk.
Increases T4 to T3 conversion; unmasks hypothyroidism in 36-47% of patients.
GHRH analog can enhance effects though may be redundant with exogenous HGH.
Ghrelin mimetic works via different pathway.
Enhances natural pulsatile release.
Can unmask cortisol deficiency; replacement should precede HGH.
Commonly combined in hormone replacement therapy.
May manage insulin resistance; may reduce IGF-1 levels.
GLP-1 agonists help manage insulin resistance during HGH therapy.
Improved sleep quality, increased energy, possible water retention and joint stiffness
Enhanced exercise recovery, skin improvement, possible carpal tunnel symptoms
Noticeable fat loss (especially abdominal), improved skin elasticity and texture
Continued fat loss, lean mass improvements, hair/nail growth, reduced recovery time
Significant body composition changes, improved bone density, sustained energy/well-being
Maintained benefits; effects diminish weeks-months after discontinuation
Common Side Effects
- Water retention and fluid accumulation
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (usually resolves with dose reduction)
- Headaches
- Numbness/tingling in hands
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Severe or worsening carpal tunnel symptoms
- Signs of diabetes (increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision)
- Severe edema (facial, hand, or feet swelling)
- Severe joint/muscle pain unresponsive to dose reduction
- New lumps, masses, or rapidly growing moles
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in males)
- Hypothyroid symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance)
Contraindications
- Active cancer (may accelerate tumor growth)
- Acute critical illness (increased mortality in ICU patients)
- Closed epiphyses in children (for growth promotion)
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Good Signs
- White to off-white lyophilized powder or solid cake (not liquid/collapsed)
- Crystal clear reconstituted solution with no particles
- Intact vacuum in sealed vial (resistance when inserting needle)
- Pharmaceutical grade with certificate of analysis (Genotropin, Norditropin, Humatrope preferred)
Warning Signs
- Generic/underground lab products have highly variable quality and potency
- Common counterfeits exist; third-party testing recommended
Bad Signs
- Cloudy, discolored, or particles visible indicates degradation
- Powder appears melted or stuck to vial (improper storage)
- Yellow/brown coloring
- KIMS Long-Term Safety Study(2020)
15,809 patients, mean 5.3 years follow-up. Largest long-term safety study showing de novo cancer incidence comparable to general population (SIR 0.92).
- Long-term Efficacy and Safety in Adult GHD(2018)
Systematic review demonstrating improvements in body composition, muscle strength, quality of life, bone mass/density, and lipoprotein patterns.
- Effects on Morbidity - Systematic Review(2016)
Demonstrated positive effects on cardiovascular surrogate markers and bone metabolism.
- GH-Thyroid Hormone Interaction Study(2015)
GH replacement unmasks central hypothyroidism in 36-47% of apparently euthyroid patients.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.