Protocol Overview
Dosing
Conservative
20-30 mcg/day
Daily, post-workout
Start here; assess glucose response
Standard
40-50 mcg/day
Most common research dose
Advanced
50-80 mcg/day
Higher risk; experienced users only
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or 0.6% acetic acid. IGF-1 LR3 is fragile — do not shake, store at 2-8C. Inject post-workout for maximum nutrient partitioning. Subcutaneous (bilateral abdomen) for systemic effects or intramuscular into target muscle group. Always have fast-acting carbs available for hypoglycemia management.
Timeline
Side Effects & Stacking
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia (most critical — monitor glucose closely)
Gut distension at high doses or long cycles
Joint pain / water retention
Organ growth risk with prolonged use
Potential tumor promotion (IGF-1 is proliferative — avoid with cancer history)
Lethargy and fatigue (glucose-related)
Numbness/tingling in extremities
Stacking
HGH (Somatropin): Synergistic GH+IGF-1 axis (classic combination)
BPC-157 + TB-500: Recovery and injury repair amplification
MK-677: Endogenous GH support (alternate to exogenous HGH)
Testosterone/TRT: Complementary anabolic pathways
Do NOT combine with: Insulin (extreme hypoglycemia risk)
Blood Work
GH/IGF Axis
IGF-1, IGFBP-3
Baseline, Week 4
Glucose
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR
Baseline, Week 2, Week 4
Organ Function
CMP (liver + kidney), CBC
Lipids
Full lipid panel
Tumor Markers
PSA (males), CEA (if applicable)
Baseline
Critical: Monitor blood glucose daily during the first week. Keep fast-acting carbohydrates accessible at all times. If fasting glucose drops below 70 mg/dL, reduce dose or discontinue. IGF-1 LR3 is contraindicated in individuals with any history of cancer due to its proliferative signaling.
Related Tools
Related Resources