Muscle & Growth Hormone
HGH / Somatropin
Norditropin · Genotropin · Humatrope · recombinant human GH
What it is
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH, somatropin) is the actual GH molecule itself, produced via genetic engineering. Unlike GH-releasing peptides (Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, etc.) which signal the pituitary to release its own GH, somatropin is GH and bypasses the pituitary entirely. FDA-approved for adult growth hormone deficiency, pediatric growth disorders, and HIV wasting.
How it works
Direct GH supplementation. Binds GH receptors throughout the body, drives IGF-1 production in the liver, and produces the standard GH effects: improved body composition, recovery, sleep, skin, and connective tissue health. Because there's no pituitary involvement, the body's own GH production shuts down during use.
Benefits
- Significant lean mass and fat loss over months
- Improved skin, hair, nail quality
- Better recovery and joint health
- Deeper sleep
- Increased exercise capacity
- Reverses adult-onset GH deficiency symptoms
- Bone mineral density support
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Improved sleep; mild water retention.
- Week 4–6
- Body composition shifts visible; skin improvements.
- Month 3–6
- Major lean mass and fat loss.
- Month 6+
- Plateau; assess long-term continuation with bloodwork.
Dosing & titration
Adult GH deficiency (clinical)0.15–0.3 mg subQ daily
Off-label anti-aging1–2 IU subQ daily (~0.33–0.66 mg)
Off-label bodybuilding2–6 IU daily (controversial)
TimingPre-bed on empty stomach (mimics natural pulse)
When to titrate upStart at 1 IU for 4–6 weeks. Higher doses dramatically increase side effects (water retention, joint pain, insulin resistance).
Side effects & risks
- Water retention (often dramatic at higher doses)
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Joint pain / arthralgia
- Insulin resistance and elevated fasting glucose
- Suppressed natural GH production
- Possible enlargement of organs at high chronic doses
- Cancer-risk discussion (high IGF-1)
Get baseline IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c. Re-test at 3 months. Contraindicated in active malignancy, severe diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled diabetes.
Typical price
$500–$2,000/moHighly variable. Pharmacy-grade rhGH (Norditropin etc.) is the most expensive. Compounded somatropin is cheaper but quality varies.
Studies
- Liu H et al. Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly — Anti-aging context review. PubMedAnnals of Internal Medicine, 2007
- Search PubMed for somatropin — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.