HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), also known by its pharmaceutical name somatropin, is a recombinant version of the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It is approved for treatment of growth hormone deficiency and certain wasting conditions, and is widely studied and used off-label in contexts related to body composition, recovery, and anti-aging research. HGH influences growth, cell reproduction, and metabolism throughout the body, largely through stimulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production in the liver. It is one of the most extensively studied peptide hormones, with decades of clinical and research data available. Long-term use outside approved medical indications carries risks that are still being studied. Reported benefits include studied for growth hormone deficiency treatment, investigated for body composition changes, including fat reduction and lean mass support, explored for recovery and tissue repair support.

Reported ranges run 2-8 IU. A low protocol is 2 IU once daily, and a high protocol is 8 IU once daily. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.

Approximately 2-4 hours for exogenous recombinant HGH, though downstream IGF-1 effects persist much longer. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is ~30 min before bed, empty stomach.

Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Intramuscular injection is also used in some clinical settings, though subcutaneous is more common for daily dosing.

3-6 months on, followed by 1-2 months off. Clinical use for deficiency is often continuous under medical supervision; research/off-label use commonly follows extended cycling patterns.

Reported side effects include joint pain and swelling, fluid retention, insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose, carpal tunnel-like nerve symptoms, potential for organ growth with prolonged excess use. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.