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HGH

76
evidence score
hormonal
Prescription Only
291 studies
Human Growth HormoneSomatropinrHGH+4 more

Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is FDA-approved recombinant hGH identical to endogenous pituitary GH. Approved indications include adult GH deficiency, pediatric GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, HIV wasting, and short bowel syndrome. In healthy adults, GH drives IGF-1 production (primarily hepatic), promoting lipolysis, lean mass maintenance, and tissue repair. At supraphysiologic doses used in athletics, GH produces significant fat loss, tissue repair enhancement, and modest lean mass gains; direct muscle growth effects are largely IGF-1 mediated. Long-term supraphysiologic use carries risks of diabetes, acromegaly-like changes, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Strict prescription control; banned by WADA.

Evidence

Strong evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved

Research Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Dosing

Typical
2 IU
1 IURange6 IU
FrequencyOnce daily subcutaneous injection (typically evening or pre-sleep)

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Pharmacology

Half-life~20–30 minutes (endogenous-like pulsatile); effects persist hours via IGF-1
OnsetFat loss: 2–4 weeks. Tissue repair: weeks. Muscle changes: months.
DurationIGF-1 elevation persists 12–24 hours post-injection
Routes
subcutaneous
intramuscular

Evidence Score

76
Level A — Strong
291 studies indexed · 8 meta-analyses
Scoring Factors
Volume(40%)~49/100
Quality(30%)~50/100
Sample Size(10%)~100/100
Consistency(10%)~100/100
Replication(5%)~100/100
Recency(5%)~100/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels
AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs
BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis
CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only
DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

HGH is currently categorized as a hormonal compound.

Evidence is strong (76/100) with a relatively mature body of research (291 indexed studies).

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Binds GH receptor on hepatocytes → IGF-1 production; directly stimulates lipolysis in adipose; promotes nitrogen retention and tissue repair via IGF-1/mTOR/PI3K

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

  • Level A: Effects of low-dose growth hormone treatment on obesity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Level B: Efficacy of Somapacitan in Treatment-Fatigue Adult Patients With Growth Hormone Deficiency Previously Treated With Once-Daily Growth Hormone Injections: A 24-Week Randomized Active-Controlled Trial.
  • Level D: It is suggested that rhGH therapy in adult patients with severe GHD reduces OS and cardiovascular risk through the modulation of biomarkers and improved body composition through the modulation of biomarkers and improved body composition.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag

Compound Profile