Somatropin (HGH) vs IGF-1 LR3
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesAnti-Aging & Longevity
Somatropin (HGH)Anabolic & IGF
IGF-1 LR3- Summary
- 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.
- IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic analog of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 with an extended half-life. It is one of the most potent anabolic peptides available, directly stimulating muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and is the downstream mediator of many of GH's anabolic effects.
- Half-Life
- 2-3 hours (subcutaneous); 20-30 minutes (intravenous)
- 20–30 hours
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular (less common)
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.15-0.3 mg/day (adults); titrated to IGF-1 levels
- 40–80 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once daily or split twice daily
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Direct muscle hypertrophy via IGF-1R stimulation
- Muscle hyperplasia (new fiber formation) — unique among peptides
- Rapid gains in lean muscle mass
- Accelerated recovery from training and injury
- Increased nutrient uptake by muscle cells
- Fat oxidation enhancement
- Bone density improvement
- Cartilage and connective tissue repair
- Side Effects
- Fluid retention and edema (common, dose-dependent)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle pain
- Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose
- +3 more
- Hypoglycemia (significant risk — insulin-like activity)
- Acromegaly-like effects with excessive long-term use
- Jaw and hand swelling
- Organ hypertrophy with extreme doses
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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