HGH
Exogenous recombinant GH - the direct-injection option vs the pulsatile secretagogue approach.
191 residues· First described 1981
Full 191-residue recombinant human growth hormone; only the first 46 residues displayed
Overview
HGH is recombinant human growth hormone - structurally identical to the endogenous hormone. It's the "direct injection" alternative to GH secretagogues (tesamorelin, ipamorelin, sermorelin) which prod the pituitary to release natural GH. Advantages: predictable dose-response, bigger absolute IGF-1 elevation available. Disadvantages: suppresses natural GH production during use, more significant insulin-resistance risk, higher cost, greyer legal status.
Most optimization users run low-dose HGH (1–2 IU daily) rather than medical-replacement doses. At these lower doses, effects include improved recovery, body composition shifts, and IGF-1 elevation without crossing into supraphysiologic territory.
IGF-1 is the primary monitoring biomarker. Fasting glucose and HbA1c must be tracked because HGH reliably induces mild insulin resistance that progresses with dose and duration.
Mechanism of Action
Injected hGH binds the hepatic growth hormone receptor and stimulates IGF-1 production, plus direct receptor effects on adipose tissue (lipolysis), muscle, and bone. The pulsatile rhythm of endogenous GH is lost; instead, hGH produces tonic elevation during the drug's half-life window.
Community Usage Patterns
1–2 IU SC daily is typical optimization dose; some users split AM/PM. Higher-dose bodybuilding use (4+ IU) carries meaningfully higher side-effect risk. Cycles typically 12–26 weeks, often followed by a break. IGF-1 at baseline and every 6–8 weeks. Fasting glucose + A1c at 6 weeks minimum because insulin-resistance can creep in slowly.
Education only - not medical advice. Any protocol change should involve your licensed provider.
Biomarkers to Track
When running HGH, these are the biomarkers most commonly tracked to assess response and safety:
Reconstitution Calculator
Free calculator for HGH reconstitution math - vial size, BAC water volume, and exact syringe units.
Open HGH calculator →Side Effects & Monitoring
What HGH side effects are commonly reported, when they appear, the red flags worth a provider call, and the biomarkers that catch issues early.
HGH side effects & what to track →Results & What to Track
What HGH results actually look like in the data - the markers to measure, when they tend to move, and how to tell a real result from placebo.
HGH results & how to measure them →Related Reading
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HGH Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Start tracking →This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice. MyProtocolStack is a tracking and education platform. Work with a licensed provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol.