Description
Somatropin is any form of synthetically created Human Growth Hormone(HGH). Synthetic HGH is simply a man made version of the naturally produced Growth Hormone (GH) by the human body. This is one of the most valuable and important hormones our body makes, and is perhaps the most sought out synthetic hormone on the market.
HGH became part of medicine in the 1950’s, and was first successfully used in treatment in 1958. The form of GH used as this time was extracted from the pituitary of human cadavers. This was practiced worldwide but banned by the FDA in the U.S. in 1985. The use of GH extract had been linked to CJD and shown to be potentially fatal. Only 1% of all GH users fell prey to CJD, but that was enough for the FDA and almost ended any hope of improving methods. When the FDA makes its mind up it can be very difficult for anyone in the U.S. to even attempt improvements.
Once extract had been banned a variant hormone in Somatrem would shortly replace it. This was a contaminant free product but nowhere near as effective as GH. Soon after, Kabi Vitrum of Sweden found the means to synthesize pure GH, one that is contaminant free. The synthetic form of GH became known as Somatropin. All brands of synthetic HGH are known as Somatropin.
Important Note: Somatropin (HGH) is not an anabolic steroid. It is also referred to as an anabolic steroid in news reports, but is not an anabolic steroid in any shape or form.
Somatropin Functions & Traits
HGH is a protein based hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. This is a hormone produced by all people regardless of sex or age, although in very low amounts in adulthood. This is a hormone that affects the entire human body and is essential to our wellbeing, out health and how we function. Somatropin is simply a synthetic version of this naturally produced hormone.
Somatropin (HGH) functions by sending a signal to the cells in our muscles, bones and fat tissue. This signal promotes muscle growth and affects fat loss. The functions of the hormone also increase gluconeogenesis and promote insulin resistance thereby providing reduced sensitivity to insulin. All of this results in an increase rate of fat loss.
There are numerous forms of Somatropin on the market, or we should say “supposed” Somatropin. There are many variants and fragments but they are not Somatropin. Only the 191 amino acid sequence that is identical to naturally produced GH can be labeled true Somatropin. Any variation, even if effective, is not Somatropin.
Important Note: Somatropin not only affects muscle and fat, but the effects go into bone and organs and almost all areas of the human body.
Effects of Somatropin
The effects of Somatropin cover a wide range of areas and can lead to dramatic improvements all over the human body. This is a compound that’s most commonly used to treat pituitary dwarfism or GH deficiency in adults in medical settings, which can occur for numerous reasons. It is also used in HIV and AIDS treatment, burn victims, short bowel syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. However, in recent years the most common reason for use (medically) has become anti-aging. Anti-aging use is common worldwide but far more common outside the U.S. The drug is very expensive (heavily in the U.S.) and laws still make anti-aging practices somewhat difficult in the U.S.
For the athlete, Somatropin is a highly beneficial compound although not commonly one that’s used alone. When used alone the primary benefit is anti-aging and most athletes are looking for a lot more. This is an anabolic hormone, but not well known for promoting significant growth. However, when combined with anabolic steroids the results can be incredible. Somatropin and anabolic steroids appear to work very well with one another. You can take a steroid alone and then take it with Somatropin in the same dose and the cycle that included Somatropin will always yield superior results.
One of the best traits of Somatropin for the athlete is in its ability to promote recovery. Recovery is when progress is made and without it no progress is made. The more we can improve on the recovery process the greater our progress can be. This can make use alone and without other hormones very valuable, but there are things that must be understood. It takes months and months for these types of benefits to become truly beneficial. You can’t take Somatropin for a few weeks and expect to hold a benefit. And if recovery is the only benefit you’re after (truly valuable) because it’s not as “visual” as mass and strength some become frustrated too quickly.
Another important effect of Somatropin is its effect on the metabolism. For the bodybuilder this is extremely important. Off-season use of Somatropin will allow for less fat to be gained during a period of growth. It becomes even more valuable during a cutting cycle designed for contest prep as the individual will burn fat at a much greater rate, preserve far more muscle tissue and protect from injuries that occur at far greater frequencies during this period of training.
The benficial effects of Somatropin do not end there. HGH is directly involved and related to another powerful naturally produced hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). This is another hormone that affects nearly every cell in the human body, is essential for recovery and bodily function. Increases in HGH levels will increase IGF-1 levels in the body.
Important Note: IGF-1 can be an antagonist to the effects of HGH. This can make the use of exogenous IGF-1 damaging to the individual who supplements with exogenous GH in some cases.
Overall, and it’s not hard to see why, Somatropin has often been called “The Fountain of Youth.” This is not something that will prevent aging, but it will most certainly slow down the effects. It is nearly impossible for any adult not to benefit from Somatropin use. Whether for the purpose of athletics, bodybuilding or anti-aging and whether male or female, the effects of Somatropin include:
- Decreased Body Fat
- Enhanced Ability to Maintain Proper Body Fat Levels
- A Tighter Physique
- Enhanced Metabolic Rate
- Enhanced Sense of Wellbeing
- Healthier Skin
- Improved Sleeping Patterns
- Increased Bone Strength
- Increased Energy
- Increased Joint Strength
- Increased Lean Tissue Growth
- Increased Rate of Physical Recovery
- Increased Tendon Strength
This is only the tip if the iceberg when it comes to Somatropin, it can provide even more than the above list shows. But the above list alone should give you a very good idea of how valuable this hormone is.
Side Effects of Somatropin
Somatropin is one of the friendliest hormones anyone can use. There are possible side effects of Somatropin use, but they are not common. The side effects of Somatropin are most commonly associated with dose, meaning too much can lead to a higher probability of negative effects. When the individual first starts using Somatropin this too can also be a time when minor side effects occur, but they will normally fade as the body adapts.
The most common side effect of Somatropin is water retention. This most commonly occurs in the ankles and wrists. This will normally subside after the body accustoms but can be problematic with high doses. Headaches and joint discomfort can also be fairly common, but most users should not have a long-term issue with proper use. Although rare, flu like symptoms are possible during the early stages of Somatropin use.
The side effects of Somatropin may also include carpal tunnel syndrome when water retention is severe. This is most common with performance enhancement level doses. A deficiency in thyroid production is also possible, particularly with performance level doses. If this is an issue it can be remedied by the use of Liothyronine Sodium, better known as Cytomel (T3). Other possible yet rare side effects include nausea, dizziness, respiratory infection and a numbing of the skin.
The most serious side effects of Somatropin revolve around abuse and can be highly problematic. Enlargement of the hands and feet, jaw line and even internal organs can occur with long-term high dose use. Somatropin can and should be used long-term (indefinitely) for a true benefit, but should be used responsibly with proper doses in order to avoid these issues. Short-term Type 2 diabetes is also possible due to the hormone’s affect on blood sugar. Diet adjustments may need to be made.
The final possible side effect of Somatropin is irritation at the injected area. An itchy feeling or small lumps around the injection area are possible. Rotating injection sites is important. You may find certain areas of the body respond better than others.
Somatropin Administration
Somatropin is an injectable hormone and can be administered intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SubQ). The function of the hormone will vary depending on the area injected, but both IM and SubQ have their advantages:
- SubQ: Bioavailability is approximately 75% – Half-life is approximately 3.8 hours
- IM Bioavailability is approximately 63% – Half-life is approximately 4.9 hours
Important Note: Regardless of the type of injection, IM or SubQ the increase in IGF-1 production will last more than 24 hours.
For medical use male Somatropin doses will fall in the 1-3iu per day range. 4iu’s will sometimes be prescribed, but it is not common. For female Somatropin use, doses will normally fall in the 1-2iu per day range. In some cases doses may be slightly less than 1iu per day in anti-aging plans.
For the athlete doses can vary quite a bit. 2-4iu per day can be tremendously beneficial for recovery and fat loss. Even if used at this dose in the off-season, with anabolic steroids the synergy provided will be significantly high. Females can receive the same benefits in the 1-2iu per day range.
For true growth to be had, off-season cycles, 6-8ius is normally standard but must be used long term. More is used in hardcore circles; doses beyond 10iu per day are not uncommon but greatly increase the risk of side effects. Females who desire a larger more anabolic dose will normally dose the hormone at 3-4iu per day.
Regardless of the dose, Somatropin is not something that will produce results or significant benefits quickly. Use must be long-term. The shortest amount of time the hormone could be used beneficially is 8-12 weeks in order to promote fat loss and recovery with 16 weeks being far more beneficial. For a strong anabolic effect, six months of use will be necessary. If used for the purpose of anti-aging, use will last indefinitely, possibly for life.
Before you receive somatropin, tell your doctor about all your past and present medical conditions, especially allergies, trauma, surgery, diabetes, cancer, breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, scoliosis, high blood pressure, pancreas disorder, underactive thyroid, or a brain tumor.
Also tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially steroids or diabetes medications. Your dosages of these medicines may need to be changed when you start using somatropin. Do not stop using a steroid suddenly or change any of your medication doses without your doctor’s advice.
If you have Prader-Willi syndrome and are using somatropin, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.
Call your doctor at once if you have sudden and severe pain in your upper stomach with nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, weight loss, or vision changes and sudden, severe pain behind your eyes.
