Human growth hormone (HGH), also called somatropin, is produced in the anterior pituitary gland found deep within the brain. It is a single chain polypeptide comprised of 191 amino acids and is one of five basic pituitary hormones. The other four being adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). HGH is responsible for the rapid growth and high metabolic rate we experience as teenagers. It impacts how we synthesize protein to create muscle mass, red blood cells, and organ tissue. HGH is released during sleep and converted in the liver to a metabolite called insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF- 1), which is responsible for most of the benefits of HGH.

The first treatment of HGH was completed in 1958, however that was before recombinant DNA technology allowed for synthetic production of the hormone. These preparations were made by extracting HGH from the pituitary glands of cadavers. In 1985 the FDA banned cadaver GH, because they had been linked to the development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s disease (CJD). Fortunately at the same time the first synthetic HGH was approved. It was called somatrem, but not an exact clone of somatropin amino acid chain though, however with the same biological properties as the natural hormone. The slight variation caused a higher incidence of anti-body creation thus making somatrem less effective in patients. In 1987, however the first synthetic somatropin was produced with the exact amino acid sequence as that of endogenous growth hormone. Today the majority of HGH products are somatropin although somatrem is still available. HGH is suitable for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. One milligram of somatropin is equivalent to approximately 3 International Units (3 IU). Dosages range from 0,03IU/kg body weight to 0,06IU/kg per 24 hours. It is usually taken as two injections per day, the total daily dosage being divided. After injecting it will be metabolized by the liver into IGF-1, the release of IGF-1 will stop the natural production of HGH through a negative feedback loop similar to the one we experience with testosterone production. This negative feedback loop can be reduced by having high levels of circulating testosterone and low levels of estrogen.

It's only in growth retarded kids where the injected HGH can have a suppressing effect on the thyroid gland, and not in all of them. Less than 50% of these kids will need thyroid hormone supplementation. In adults it is very rarely the case and no thyroid supplementation is necessary. Only if your thyroid’s function on a blood assay shows the need for it. HGH should be used for at least 3 months before results will be seen. The fat-loss-promoting properties of somatropin are the most obvious. The drug can support muscle growth, strength gains, and increased athletic performance, but its effects are generally milder than those of anabolic steroids.

You will have to use HGH in a pulsate manner, meaning injections taken every second day gives better results than daily injections. Rather use the higher end of the dosage range on these days. For instance, instead of using 3IU's daily, rather opt for 6IU's every second day. Dosing should be at periods not close to sleep or training sessions, or close to supplement ingestion containing Arginine, OKG or GABA. It’s more effective to use it early morning and later again before lunch. Follow each dosage by ingestion of at least 50-60gr high quality hydrolyzed whey protein, taken in at temperature of about 4C this will improve gut emptying and by the time the IGF-1 is released to the gut, your whey is available for absorption. Do not use Insulin around the same time as your HGH, neither use IGF-LR3 or MGF close to HGH dosing.

You will have to be strict about estrogen suppression when using HGH. Use compounds that do not easily aromatase or use Arimidex or Letrozole as an ancillary during your cycle. Remember that most of the pure medical products must be kept at 2-8 C and the reconstituted solution cannot be shaken as the molecule is very fragile and easily damaged. Once reconstituted it should be used within 48 hours, preferably 24 hours.