Somatropin (HGH) vs Tesamorelin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone PeptidesAnti-Aging & Longevity
Somatropin (HGH)Growth Hormone PeptidesFat Loss & Metabolic
Tesamorelin- 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.
- Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog specifically indicated for reduction of excess abdominal (visceral) fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. It is the only GHRH peptide with FDA approval for a fat-reduction indication and is studied off-label for metabolic syndrome and cognitive function.
- Half-Life
- 2-3 hours (subcutaneous); 20-30 minutes (intravenous)
- ~26 minutes
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular (less common)
- SubQ
- Research
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- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.15-0.3 mg/day (adults); titrated to IGF-1 levels
- 2 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once 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
- FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy
- Significant reduction in trunk/visceral fat (average 15–20% in trials)
- Improved triglyceride and lipid profiles
- Potential cognitive benefits and memory improvement
- Preserves lean mass while reducing fat
- Natural pulsatile GH stimulation
- Side Effects
- Fluid retention and edema (common, dose-dependent)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint and muscle pain
- Insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose
- +3 more
- Injection site reactions (redness, irritation)
- Arthralgia and joint pain
- Peripheral edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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