Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone). Peptide Hormone, growth hormone.
This page describes what Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Peptide Hormone
- Legal status
- Schedule 4 (South Africa) / Prescription only (USA)
- Half-life
- 2-3 hours (but effects last longer)
- Liver strain
- Low
- Kidney strain
- Low
- Converts to estrogen
- None (but increases estrogen indirectly)
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Chronic kidney disease
- HIV/AIDS wasting
What it does in the body
Anabolic
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Fat loss (lipolysis)
- Enhanced recovery
- Improved skin quality
- Increased bone density
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced immune function
- Injury healing
Metabolic
- Increased metabolism
- Improved insulin sensitivity (initially)
- Increased IGF-1 levels
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Injectable (Subcutaneous) | 2-3 hours (but effects last longer) | Difficult to detect (short half-life) |
Side effects and health risks
Hormones and fertility
- Insulin resistance (long-term)
- Diabetes risk
- Thyroid suppression
- Gynecomastia (via increased estrogen)
Musculoskeletal
- Joint pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Muscle pain
Heart and blood vessels
- Increased blood pressure
- Cardiomegaly (heart enlargement)
- Edema (water retention)
Metabolic
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Increased blood glucose (long-term)
Other
- Acromegaly (bone/tissue growth)
- Organ enlargement
- Increased cancer risk (controversial)
- Numbness and tingling
Blood tests worth monitoring
From its known properties, these are the markers doctors commonly check. Getting blood work before, during and after is how problems are caught early.
- Affects blood sugar handling: Glucose (Fasting), HbA1c
Related compounds
- IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long R3)
- Insulin (Humalog, Novolog, Humulin R)
- HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
- HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)
Questions
What is the half-life of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
About 2-3 hours (but effects last longer). Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) detectable?
Testing windows of Difficult to detect (short half-life) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) legal?
Schedule 4 (South Africa) / Prescription only (USA). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
Based on its properties, these markers are commonly monitored: Glucose (Fasting) and HbA1c. A doctor can order and interpret them.
What are the side effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)?
Hormones and fertility: insulin resistance (long-term), diabetes risk and thyroid suppression. Musculoskeletal: joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and muscle pain. Heart and blood vessels: increased blood pressure, cardiomegaly (heart enlargement) and edema (water retention).
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.