Understanding HGH
(HGH) is an essential hormone produced by the pituitary gland. HGH stimulates growth, cellular reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans. It is crucial for children and adolescents for their physical growth and development. Apart from this, it also has important roles in adults. HGH increases protein synthesis; and muscle mass and promotes lipolysis.
HGH is FDA-approved only for children with diagnosed growth hormone deficiency and in AIDS patients with muscle wasting. However, it is also used off-label as an anti-aging medication. Some athletes are also known to use HGH despite it being a restricted drug.
Usage
HGH effects on the body highly depend on the HGH dose you are taking, duration, and frequency of intake. The doses you need depend mainly on the purpose of taking HGH.
Human growth hormone is measured in IU (international units) and mg (milligrams). 1 mg equals approximately 3 IU while 1 IU equals approximately 0.33 mg.
2-3 IUs – Recommended dosage for anti-aging purposes and improvement of skin, bones, and joints. Low doses below 3 IU can produce the desired anti-aging effects with very few to no side effects. With 2-3 IUs, users can notice a progressive improvement in their skin. Users will also experience better sleep and an increase in energy.
4-8 IUs – Recommended HGH dosage for fat loss and building lean muscle mass. With these higher doses, the risks of side effects increase. Users may experience mild swelling in their fingertips, toe tips, and face due to increased water retention. A rare yet serious side effect of HGH at this dosage is carpal tunnel syndrome, in which a painful tingling sensation occurs in the wrist and hands which may be unbearable at times.
8-15 IUs – Recommended for muscle mass gain for bodybuilders and athletes.
The suggested dosages are for everyone however the effectiveness depends mostly on each individual’s personal diet and exercise regimen.
Experience with using HGH
1st-time users: For beginners, the results of HGH depend on the body structure. For lean individuals, beginning HGH with a low dosage is highly advised, about 4- IUs.
Long-term users: Many athletes and bodybuilders use HGH for long periods to assist them with building muscle. For experienced long-term users, the often-used dosage is approximately 10 IUs. This high dosage is used only by professional sportsmen and sportswomen before sporting competitions.
Timing and Duration
3 IUs and below: Injected once a day
4 IUs and above: Injected twice a day, 5-6 days a week. Be sure to not inject the 2nd dosage before you sleep. When you sleep, your body naturally secretes its own natural HGH and acts as the third dosage.
HGH Cycle Duration
1. Short cycle: 1-2 months
Recommended duration for improving the state of cartilage and skin; heal joint traumas. The cycle is repeated at least twice a year to see significant results.
2. Long cycle: 5-6 months
Not recommended in people without diagnosed growth hormone deficiency.
3. Optimal cycle: 3-4 months
Recommended repeating 3-4 months cycle once to twice a year.
Note: The longer duration of 3-4 months with a lower dosage is more recommended than a shorter duration with a higher dosage. Shorter durations with higher dosages can have more side effects.
HGH dosing protocol (ED, EOD, 3TW)
1. Every Day (ED): Most commonly used and recommended
2. Every Other Day (EOD): Recommended for people targeting muscle gain and for financially limited people.
3. 3 times a week (3TW): Used for children with growth deficiency, however, it is not a recommended protocol for muscle gain.