HGH (Human Growth Hormone / Somatotropin) is a natural peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The recombinant synthetic form (rhGH or somatropin), developed in 1985-1987 through recombinant DNA technology, is identical to the natural HGH secreted by the pituitary gland and is widely used in medicine and, controversially, in bodybuilding.
Main Benefits:
• Massive increase in lean muscle mass through protein synthesis
• Significant reduction in body fat (especially visceral fat)
• Improved post-workout muscle recovery
• Increased muscle strength and endurance
• Improved bone density and skeletal health
• Accelerated tissue regeneration and repair
• Increased production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor)
• Anti-aging effects (improved skin, hair, and energy)
• Improved body composition (more muscle, less fat)
• Improved metabolism and glucose homeostasis
• Increased collagen production
Typical Dosages:
Medical Use (GH Deficiency) :
Adults: 1-3 IU per day
- Children: As prescribed by a doctor.
Bodybuilding and Performance :
Beginner/Moderate: 2-4 IU per day
Advanced: 4-6 IU per day
- Elite/Professional: 6-10 IU per day (very high doses)
- Reported Illicit Use: 10-25 IU per day (3-4x per week)
Estimated Average Dose: 4 IU per day (when combined with other agents)
Administration Protocol :
- Method: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Frequency: Daily or every other day
Timing: Ideally in the morning (mimics natural elimination)
Cycle Duration: 6-24 weeks (average of 16 weeks in bodybuilding)
- Cycles: 4-6 weeks ON, period OFF (similar to steroids)
Reconstitution (100 IU/10ml Powder) :
Add 10ml of bacteriostatic water to the lyophilized powder vial.
- Final concentration: 10 IU/ml
Mix gently (DO NOT shake)
- Keep refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution.
- Shelf life after reconstitution: Approximately 2-4 weeks refrigerated
HGH works through multiple mechanisms. It binds to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating biochemical cascades. The most important effect is the stimulation of the liver to produce IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1), which plays a central role in muscle growth, bone density, and tissue repair. It promotes lipolysis (fat utilization), protein synthesis, and muscle hypertrophy. Circulating half-life: 20-30 minutes; Biological half-life: 9-17 hours (due to indirect effects via IGF-1).
Natural HGH Release:
• Released in short pulses throughout the day
• Peaks during deep sleep, exercise, stress
• Stimulated by: Sleep, exercise, hypoglycemia, amino acids
• Inhibited by: Hyperglycemia, IGF-1 (negative feedback)
• Natural decline with age (especially after adolescence)
Expected Results:
Medical Use (2-24 weeks) :
• Improved nitrogen balance
• Increase in lean body mass
• Reduction in body fat percentage
• Improved exercise capacity
• Reduction of fatigue and depression
Bodybuilding (Studies) :
• Average gain: 2.1 kg of lean mass (UCLA review, 44 trials, ~20 days)
• Increased muscle mass and strength (with testosterone)
• Reduction of body fat
• Improved recovery between sessions
• Visible results: Weeks to months (6+ months for full benefits)
Common Combinations (Bodybuilding):
• HGH + Testosterone: Classic stack for maximum gains
• HGH + Anabolic Steroids: Extreme mass and strength
• HGH + Peptides (IGF-1 LR3, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin): Anabolic synergy
• HGH + EPO: For endurance sports
Significant Side Effects:
Common :
• Fluid retention and edema
• Joint and muscle pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia
• Increased risk of diabetes mellitus
• Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth)
Graves :
• High blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular complications
• Organ growth (acromegaly with prolonged use)
• Increased tumor/cancer growth (via IGF-1 stimulation)
• "HGH Gut" - abdominal distension due to visceral fat/organ growth
• Osteoporosis (with very high doses)
• Menstrual irregularities (women)
• Impotence (men)
Additional Risks :
• Non-sterile injections: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis
• Cadaveric GH (rare): Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• Premature death from cardiovascular disease (acromegaly)
Contraindications:
• Active cancer or history of malignant tumors
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Acute respiratory failure
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Acute critical illness
Legal and Regulatory Status:
• **FDA**: Approved ONLY for specific medical indications (GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, HIV/AIDS)
• **US Law (1990)**: Distribution of HGH for NON-medical use (bodybuilding, anti-aging, athletic performance) is a FEDERAL CRIME (5 years in prison)
• **WADA**: Banned in all competitive sports since 1989
• **International Olympic Committee**: List of prohibited substances
Detection:
• Blood tests: Primary method of detection
• Urine tests: Possible but less sensitive (100-1000 times lower concentration)
• Detection window: Relatively short due to half-life
Important Note: Synthetic HGH is a strictly regulated prescription drug. Off-label use for bodybuilding, anti-aging, or performance enhancement is illegal in many countries and prohibited in professional sports. Significant health risks include diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. There are no FDA-approved HGH "pills" or "sprays"—only prescribed injections are legitimate. Requires strict medical supervision and monitoring of IGF-1, glucose, cardiac function, and other parameters. NOT recommended for recreational or cosmetic use.