# HGH — dosage, half-life & reference guide | PepVault Source: https://pepvault.app/peptides/hgh Last updated: 2026-09-26 [Library](https://pepvault.app/peptides) [Growth hormone](https://pepvault.app/peptides#growth-hormone) reviewed September 2026 # HGH Dosage, half-life & reference guide Also known as GH · rHGH · Human Growth Hormone · Growth Hormone · Somatropin · hGH Recombinant human growth hormone — an identical copy of the GH your pituitary makes. It stimulates IGF-1 production, fat burning, muscle protein synthesis and tissue repair. FDA-approved since the 1980s for GH deficiency and several growth disorders, but not for aging or athletic use: in healthy adults, trials show about 2 kg of fat swapped for lean mass, with no strength gain and more side effects. - **Studied range:** 1–4 IU - **How often:** Daily - **Half-life:** ~3-4 hours - **Evidence:** Established - **Route:** SubQ injection Studied in research — not a recommendation. [HGH dose guide](https://pepvault.app/lab/dosage/hgh) ## How it works. Recombinant human growth hormone. Binds GH receptors to stimulate IGF-1 production, protein synthesis, and lipolysis. Promotes muscle growth, fat oxidation, and tissue repair. Structurally identical to pituitary GH, though injections don't reproduce its natural pulses. **Commonly reported:** Water retention, numb or tingling fingers, joint aches, and better sleep and skin. Requires careful dosing and IGF-1 monitoring — more is not always better. ## Where HGH works. - ### Appetite & metabolism **In people.** In healthy adults, trials show about 2 kg of fat swapped for lean mass, with no strength gain and more side effects. - ### Muscle **In people.** Promotes muscle growth, fat oxidation, and tissue repair. - ### Energy & longevity **In people.** Recombinant human growth hormone — an identical copy of the GH your pituitary makes. An area lights for what a peptide is used for and what people report, with the evidence beside it. It isn’t a promise that it works there. ## A typical run. ### Run notes - **Cycle:** Commonly reported starting dose 1-2 IU daily. Advanced users may run 3-4 IU split AM/PM. Cycles of 3-6+ months common. Monitor IGF-1 levels. Also run alongside peptide stacks; some advanced protocols add insulin, which isn't in this library. Community practice — opinions vary. Not a clinical recommendation. - **Timing:** Before bed preferred for fat loss (mimics natural nocturnal GH pulse). Morning dosing for muscle-building protocols. Fasting matters less than with secretagogues: food blunts your own GH release, but not the dose you inject. - **Route:** SubQ injection - **Stacks:** CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin, KLOW ## Safety. ### Common side effects - Water retention - Joint pain - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Morning fatigue - Injection site reactions ## Goes with. - CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin - KLOW ## Questions people ask. ### What is HGH? Recombinant human growth hormone — an identical copy of the GH your pituitary makes. It stimulates IGF-1 production, fat burning, muscle protein synthesis and tissue repair. FDA-approved since the 1980s for GH deficiency and several growth disorders, but not for aging or athletic use: in healthy adults, trials show about 2 kg of fat swapped for lean mass, with no strength gain and more side effects. ### How is HGH dosed in research? The research range for HGH is 1–4 IU, daily SubQ injection. Studied in research — not a recommendation. ### How long does HGH last? The half-life of HGH is ~3-4 hours (SubQ). ### What do people report on HGH? Commonly reported on HGH: water retention, numb or tingling fingers, joint aches, and better sleep and skin. Requires careful dosing and IGF-1 monitoring — more is not always better. ### Is HGH safe? The research basis for HGH is established: clinical trials or FDA-approved use exists. Common side effects in the library: water retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, morning fatigue and injection site reactions. ### What does HGH stack with? Common stacks for HGH: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin and KLOW. ## Research. The literature ### Search the latest research [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=HGH) [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=HGH) ## Reference. - **Cadence:** Daily Daily SubQ injection. - **Half-life:** ~3-4 hours ~3-4 hours (SubQ) - **Research basis:** Established Clinical trials or FDA-approved use exists ## More growth hormone peptides - [Ipamorelin 200–300 mcg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/ipamorelin) - [CJC-1295 with DAC 1–2 mg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/cjc-1295-with-dac) - [CJC-1295 no DAC 100–200 mcg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/cjc-1295-no-dac) - [Sermorelin 200–500 mcg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/sermorelin) - [Tesamorelin 1–2 mg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/tesamorelin) - [GHRP-2 100–300 mcg](https://pepvault.app/peptides/ghrp-2) ## Free tools - [HGH dose guide](https://pepvault.app/lab/dosage/hgh) - [Injection guide (3D)](https://pepvault.app/lab/injection) - [Peptide Sky (3D)](https://pepvault.app/lab/sky) - [Peptide tier list](https://pepvault.app/lab/tiers) - [Reconstitution calculator](https://pepvault.app/tools/reconstitution-calculator) - [Half-life & active level](https://pepvault.app/tools/peptide-half-life-calculator) PepVault for iPhone ## Track HGH in PepVault Log every dose, with reminders on your schedule. 7 days free on the yearly plan for new subscribers. [Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6779318649?pt=129020030&ct=peptides-cta&mt=8) [Explore the live demo](https://pepvault.app/login) Reviewed September 2026 [How we check the library](https://pepvault.app/about#library) PepVault is a research and tracking resource, not medical advice. Ranges are what studies used, never a dose for you. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; PepVault is independent of them. PepVault is a private research and tracking tool, not medical advice. The information here is reference material from published literature and community use — always verify it and discuss any protocol with a qualified clinician before changing it. © 2026 PepVault