HGH
Human Growth Hormone · Somatropin · rhGH · Growth Hormone · GH · Recombinant Human Growth Hormone
The master anabolic hormone — FDA-approved for body composition, recovery, and healthy aging
Typical Dose
2 IU once daily (anti-aging/wellness)
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
Once daily — morning on empty stomach or 30–60 min before bed
Cycle
12–24 weeks minimum; some protocols run 6+ months
Overview
Human Growth Hormone (HGH, somatropin) is a 191-amino acid peptide hormone produced naturally by the anterior pituitary gland. It is the master regulator of growth, body composition, cell repair, and metabolism throughout your entire life. Recombinant HGH (rhGH) is a bioidentical synthetic version used medically for GH deficiency and studied extensively for its effects on muscle mass, fat loss, bone density, and longevity. Unlike GH secretagogue peptides (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin), which stimulate your pituitary to produce its own GH, exogenous HGH delivers the hormone directly. Its primary downstream messenger is IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), produced in the liver, which drives most of the anabolic and regenerative effects. HGH is FDA-approved for adult GH deficiency, short bowel syndrome, and HIV-associated wasting, and is widely studied in the context of healthy aging and performance optimization.
Key Benefits
Mechanism of Action
HGH binds to GH receptors (GHR) on the surface of target cells, triggering receptor dimerization and activation of the JAK2-STAT5 signaling cascade. In the liver, this drives transcription of the IGF-1 gene, releasing IGF-1 into circulation where it binds IGF-1 receptors on muscle, bone, and other tissues to stimulate protein synthesis and cell proliferation. HGH also acts directly on adipose tissue to activate hormone-sensitive lipase, promoting lipolysis and free fatty acid release. In muscle, HGH promotes nitrogen retention and amino acid uptake. GH secretion is pulsatile and highest during deep sleep (Stage 3 NREM), which is why timing of exogenous HGH relative to sleep matters for physiological mimicry.
Dosing Protocol
Typical Dose
2 IU once daily (anti-aging/wellness)
Dose Range
1–6 IU/day depending on goal
Frequency
Once daily — morning on empty stomach or 30–60 min before bed
Route
Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
Cycle Length
12–24 weeks minimum; some protocols run 6+ months
CLINICAL NOTES
Anti-aging/wellness: 1–2 IU/day. Body composition: 2–4 IU/day. Performance: 4–6 IU/day (higher risk). Always start at 1 IU and titrate up over 2–4 weeks. Morning injection on empty stomach maximizes fat-burning effects (GH + fasted state = enhanced lipolysis). Pre-bed injection mimics the natural nocturnal GH pulse and may improve sleep quality. Monitor IGF-1 levels every 6–8 weeks and keep IGF-1 in the upper-normal range (not above). Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy.
Reconstitution Guide
Vial Size
10 IU (approximately 3.33 mg)
BAC Water
1 mL (100 units on a U-100 syringe)
Concentration
10 IU/mL
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Clean both the HGH vial stopper and the bacteriostatic water (BAC water) vial stopper with alcohol swabs and let dry. Draw 1 mL (100 units) of bacteriostatic water into a 1 mL insulin syringe. Insert the needle into the HGH vial at an angle and let the water run slowly down the inside wall of the vial — do not shoot it directly onto the powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder fully dissolves. Do not shake vigorously as this degrades the protein. The solution should be clear and colorless. Label with the date.
DRAW VOLUME REFERENCE
| Dose | Units (U-100) | Volume (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IU | 10 units | 0.10 mL |
| 2 IU | 20 units | 0.20 mL |
| 3 IU | 30 units | 0.30 mL |
| 4 IU | 40 units | 0.40 mL |
| 5 IU | 50 units | 0.50 mL |
STORAGE
Lyophilized powder: store at 2–8°C (refrigerator) or room temperature up to 25°C for short periods. Once reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 21–28 days. Never freeze reconstituted HGH. Protect from light.
Side Effects & Safety
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol. Individual responses vary and medical supervision is recommended.
Research References
Effects of Human Growth Hormone in Men over 60 Years Old (NEJM 1990)
1990
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults: 33 Years of Advances (NEJM 2019)
2019
HGH Body Composition Effects Meta-Analysis (JAMA 2007)
2007
Growth Hormone and IGF-1 in Aging (Endocrine Reviews 2013)
2013
Recombinant Human GH Therapy in Adults: A Review (Drugs 2010)
2010
GH and Body Composition in Athletes: A Systematic Review (Sports Medicine 2018)
2018
Safety of Long-Term GH Treatment in Adults (JCEM 2012)
2012
HGH on Examine.com — Evidence Summary
2024
Common Stacks
HGH works best when paired with peptides that protect joints, support metabolic health, and enhance the anabolic environment. Because exogenous HGH suppresses natural pulsatile GH release, some protocols add a low-dose secretagogue to maintain pituitary responsiveness.
Adding Ipamorelin at a low dose (100-200 mcg) maintains pulsatile GH signaling alongside exogenous HGH, supporting a more physiological GH profile and preserving pituitary sensitivity.
HGH's anabolic load increases stress on tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. BPC-157 directly supports connective tissue repair and reduces joint inflammation, making this a protective combination.
TB-500 complements HGH's systemic recovery effects with targeted anti-inflammatory action and stem cell mobilization, accelerating tissue repair during high-intensity training.
HGH therapy increases cellular metabolic demands. NAD+ supports mitochondrial function and energy production, helping the body keep up with the anabolic drive from HGH.
Sermorelin can be used on off-days from HGH to maintain pituitary responsiveness and prevent downregulation of endogenous GH production.
GHK-Cu adds skin, collagen, and anti-aging benefits that complement HGH's systemic regenerative effects, particularly for skin quality and wound healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Peptides
Compounds often researched alongside HGH
CJC-1295
A long-acting GHRH analog for sustained growth hormone release
Ipamorelin
A selective GH secretagogue with minimal side effects
Sermorelin
The original GHRH analog for natural growth hormone optimization
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved GHRH analog for visceral fat reduction