Human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth, cell reproduction and regeneration. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less HGH. HGH peptide therapy involves injecting synthetic versions of growth hormone releasing hormones called secretagogues to help stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more HGH naturally.
Some key points about HGH peptide therapy:
- HGH peptides are shorter amino acid chains compared to natural HGH. Some common HGH peptides prescribed include Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Sermorelin, and GHRPs.
- They stimulate the pituitary gland to increase natural production of HGH to youthful levels, providing similar benefits without artificially raising levels as high as injecting synthetic HGH.
- Potential benefits of restoring HGH levels include:
- Increased muscle mass and reduced body fat
- Improved bone density
- Enhanced injury healing and tissue repair
- Increased energy and improved exercise capacity
- Improved skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction
- Strengthened immune function
- Improved sleep quality
- HGH therapy with peptides may help adults with clinically confirmed HGH deficiency due to natural aging or other medical conditions like pituitary issues or brain trauma. It should only be prescribed for legitimate medical uses.
- Safety and legality of peptides can be a concern if not properly prescribed and obtained from reputable sources. Illicit or unregulated use could pose health risks.
The most common route of administration for
HGH peptides is subcutaneous injection using very small insulin syringes. Injection sites typically include the abdomen, thighs or shoulders. Injection frequency can range from daily to a few times per week depending on the types peptides prescribed and health goals.
Here is a quick overview of some of the most common
HGH peptides:
Ipamorelin
- A pentapeptide made of five amino acids
- Considered very safe and side effect-free
- Can be used for long-term administration
- Increases release of growth hormone stimulators GHRH and GHRP
CJC-1295
- A tetracosapeptide made of 29 amino acids
- Modified to increase long-acting effects
- Can boost HGH and IGF-1 levels for 6-8 days per dose
- May help gain lean body mass while losing fat
Sermorelin
- A synthesized biomimetic peptide of natural GH releasing hormone (GHRH)
- Stimulates pituitary gland to increase natural HGH production
- Similar to body's own GHRH but has shorter half-life
- Helps restore more youthful pulsatile release of HGH
GHRPs (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides)
- Includes several short peptide chains like GHRP-2, GHRP-6 and Ipamorelin
- Bind to ghrelin receptors to help increase natural pulsatile HGH secretion
- Have appetite increasing, anti-aging and muscle building effects
- GHRP-6 is most common due to greater HGH release potential
The end goal of HGH peptide therapy is to safely restore optimal levels of growth hormones to obtain anti-aging and performance enhancing benefits. When prescribed and monitored properly under doctor supervision, many patients find it to be highly effective for health improvement, injury recovery, increased vitality and better quality of life.
