Protocol Overview
Dosing
Anti-Aging / Wellness
1-2 IU/day
Daily, AM fasted
Low-dose longevity approach; fewer side effects
Body Recomposition
2-4 IU/day
Daily, split AM/pre-bed
Split dosing may improve tolerance
Recovery / Healing
2-3 IU/day
Enhanced tissue repair and recovery
Clinical GHD
0.2-0.5 mg/day
Daily, before bed
Physician-directed; mimics natural pulse
1 IU = 0.33 mg somatropin. Administer on empty stomach (insulin/food blunts GH release). Wait 30-60 min before eating. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm). Start at 1-2 IU and titrate based on IGF-1 levels.
Timeline
Side Effects & Stacking
Side Effects
Water retention and joint stiffness (common, dose-dependent)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness/tingling in hands)
Insulin resistance / elevated fasting glucose (critical to monitor)
Hypothyroid conversion (suppressed T4→T3; monitor free T3)
Edema, especially at higher doses
Rare: gynecomastia, acromegaly features at supraphysiologic doses
Stacking
Ipamorelin/CJC-1295: Synergistic GH axis (use on off-days or pulse)
Semaglutide/Tirzepatide: Counteract insulin resistance, fat loss synergy
BPC-157 + TB-500: Amplified tissue repair
Testosterone/TRT: Complementary anabolic signaling
Metformin: Offset insulin resistance (physician-directed)
Blood Work
GH Axis
IGF-1, IGFBP-3 (target IGF-1: 200-300 ng/dL)
Baseline, Week 4, then Q8-12 weeks
Glucose
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR
Baseline, Week 4, 8, then Q12 weeks
Thyroid
TSH, free T3, free T4
Baseline, Week 8, then Q12 weeks
Lipids
Full lipid panel, ApoB
Baseline, Week 12
Basic
CBC, CMP (liver/kidney function)
Baseline, Week 4, then Q12 weeks
Critical: If fasting glucose exceeds 100 mg/dL or HbA1c exceeds 5.6%, reduce dose or add metformin under physician guidance. Monitor IGF-1 to avoid supraphysiologic levels (>400 ng/dL).
Related Tools
Related Resources