HGH 191 AA (97%)

Half-life

~2.5 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Approved therapeutic

Risk

Moderate

Overview

Known for

Recombinant human growth hormone. The 'gold standard' for GH therapy. Promotes muscle growth, fat loss, improved sleep, skin quality, injury recovery, and anti-aging. 191 amino acid sequence identical to natural HGH.

Mechanism

Recombinant human growth hormone — identical to pituitary GH. Directly replaces/supplements endogenous GH.

Key facts

Format

Lyophilized powder

Mechanism targets

Classification

Authoritative

Supply & nature

ExogenousExogenous

FDA category

Approved (various brands)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base

Approved therapeutic

Risk level

Moderate

Best studies

4 references

Rudman et al. (1990) NEJM 323(1):1-6 — Landmark HGH & aging study
Liu et al. (2007) Ann Intern Med 146:104-15 — Meta-analysis of HGH in healthy elderly
FDA Approved: Multiple brands (Humatrope, Genotropin, Norditropin) for GHD, short stature
Well-established safety/efficacy profile spanning 40+ years of clinical use

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose

1-2 IU/day

Research range

1–4 IU

Cycle

5 days on / 2 days off

Onset

21 days first effects

Full effect

135 days

Half-life

~2-3h

~2-3 hours (SubQ) | ~20 min (IV)

Protocol

Anti-aging: 1-2 IU/day. Fat loss: 2-4 IU/day. Muscle growth: 4-6+ IU/day. SubQ or IM. AM or split AM/PM.

Time to effects

EARLY: 2-4 weeks

FULL: 3-6 months

Week 1-2: Improved sleep quality (often the first noticeable effect). Mild water retention.

Week 2-4: Better recovery from training. Skin may start looking fuller/healthier. Increased energy.

Month 2-3: Fat loss becomes visible (especially abdominal). Improved body composition. Joint and injury recovery.

Month 3-6: Full anti-aging effects — skin quality, hair, nails, muscle tone, cognitive clarity. Body composition significantly improved.

Minimum commitment: 3 months. Optimal: 6-12 months for anti-aging benefits.

Recommended vial

10 IU or 12 IU vials

At 2 IU/day, 10 IU = 5 days ✓, 12 IU = 6 days ✓. Small vials ensure fresh product. 24 IU at 2 IU/day = 12 days ✓ (also fine).

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility

Fully Reversible

Side effects

Joint pain/swelling (30%), edema/fluid retention (20-40%), carpal tunnel (5-15%), insulin resistance, headache, numbness/tingling

Interactions

Insulin (antagonizes — may need dose increase), corticosteroids (mutual interaction), thyroid hormones (may ↑T4→T3 conversion), estrogen (oral estrogen ↓GH response)

Do not combine

CJC-1295 DAC

CJC-1295 NO DAC

CJC-1295 NO DAC 5mg + Ipamorelin 5mg (Blend)

Handle with research caution

Do NOT combine with CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, Sermorelin, or Tesamorelin (exogenous HGH suppresses pituitary — secretagogues become ineffective)
Caution with IGF-1 LR3 (compounded growth factor load — advanced users only)
Monitor blood glucose — HGH causes insulin resistance

Storage & handling

Lyophilised

12–24 months

room temp after first use depending on brand

Reconstituted

4–6 weeks

2–8°C

Videos & talks

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians and science communicators — not affiliated with Pepnerd.

Educational resources only. Videos are independent third-party content. Pepnerd is not affiliated with these creators and does not endorse or make claims based on their content. All products are for in-vitro research.