GHRP-2 vs Somatropin (HGH)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
GHRP-2Growth Hormone PeptidesAnti-Aging & Longevity
Somatropin (HGH)- Summary
- GHRP-2 is a potent synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release by activating ghrelin receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus. It produces one of the strongest GH pulses among GHRPs, though unlike Ipamorelin it does cause modest increases in cortisol and prolactin.
- Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), identical in structure to the 191-amino acid pituitary-derived growth hormone. It is FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, short stature, and wasting conditions. Off-label, it is widely explored for body composition, anti-aging, and performance enhancement, though significant risks accompany unsupervised use.
- Half-Life
- 15–60 minutes
- 2-3 hours (subcutaneous); 20-30 minutes (intravenous)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular (less common)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 0.15-0.3 mg/day (adults); titrated to IGF-1 levels
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Strong GH pulse stimulation
- Increased IGF-1 levels
- Enhanced muscle growth and recovery
- Improved fat metabolism
- Better sleep quality
- Increased bone density
- Enhanced appetite (less pronounced than GHRP-6)
- Anti-aging effects via GH axis optimization
- Increases lean muscle mass and reduces body fat (particularly visceral)
- Restores growth hormone deficiency (FDA-approved)
- Improves bone mineral density
- Enhances exercise capacity and recovery
- Supports skin thickness and collagen synthesis
- Improves lipid profile in GHD patients
- Explored for anti-aging and cellular regeneration
- Side Effects
- Increased appetite
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Fluid retention and edema (common, dose-dependent)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle pain
- Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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