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I've gotten questions from women regarding HGH use. I've been taking it every day for 6 months now. I know QT takes it, too. Here's an excellent read on the how, what & why. IMPORTANT. The dosages listed below are for men, and this article was aimed at usage for men. This is not a "how to" for usage - just an informative read if you're interested in HGH.
--- Originally posted by ripper911 from elitefitness ---
Growth Hormone ...
How, Why, What, When & Where
I tend to get a lot of emails about Growth Hormone (GH), when compared to other drugs such as steroids for example. I guess it's probably because not as many people have experimented with this hormone when compared to Testosterone or various other steroids. The main reason for the lack of knowledge or experience with GH is because:
It's "newer" than steroids. It hasn't been around as long, so less real world feedback.
It's super expensive, which limits general use, and again, limits feedback and experience.
A lot more counterfeit and "fake" GH because it is so darn expensive and hence, the profit margin is huge. There is a lot more profit made selling a fake EXPENSIVE drug then a fake "cheap" drug like Testosterone Cypionate for example.
GH is a very sensitive hormone. Once it's been "reconstituted" (mixed with water), it needs to be refrigerated and used up within a week. Because of this heat and shelf-life sensitivity, even if you were to have REAL GH, who knows what happened to it by the time it left the pharmacy to when it got into your hands. Maybe your "dealer" stopped by McDonald's for a couple Big Macs on the way to your place one hot, summer afternoon and those $600+ GH kits just sat in the hot sun for 30 minutes while he ate. If that doesn't render the GH useless, it sure will reduce potency.
And lastly, there are so many contradictory statements made about GH from a variety of so-called "experts" that are only rewriting someone else's original statements that it really can confuse most readers.
So in order to clarify, I'm going to clear some misconceptions about GH, and discuss the best ways to utilize this hormone for safety and cost, and some other cool tricks. The following topics will be covered:
What's the best way to use GH, either by itself or in a cycle with other drugs?
How to take GH ... once a day, twice daily, sub-q, in the muscle, etc.?
What's the best brand or kind of GH ... aren't they all the same?
What do I do about GH's side-effects?
Anyway, before getting started, if you want to know what GH is, what it does and some of the scientific "geek" talk about this hormone and gain more general knowledge, please read or reread Chemical Muscle Enhancement as it covers the basics, cycles, and etc.
Also, this article is NOT for the "newbie". I'm assuming you have read Chemical Muscle Enhancement because if you haven't, go do so NOW! That covers the basics and then some.
I'm going to lay down the "street talk" about this powerful hormone .. you know, one-on-one with a friend. So don't email me asking questions that are already answered in Chemical Muscle Enhancement because I'm not going to answer them. Sorry ... but with a few hundred emails a day, I gotta draw the line some where.
What's the best way to use GH, either by itself or in a cycle with other drugs?
If you use GH by itself, you will mainly notice a fat burning effect. Yes, you will notice mild "anabolic" effects as well, but GH is best used in conjunction with steroids, insulin and/or thyroid. There is an obvious synergy with this hormone, even more so then others ... and due to the higher cost, you might as well use it correctly in a proper stack.
Using It With Steroids:
If you are going to use it with a steroid stack, let's say, Testosterone and Winstrol, or some other steroids, you can use less and still get a great effect. I would say the minimum is about 3 ius taken daily, to as much as your wallet can afford.
Using It With Insulin/T3 Thyroid:
Most have heard about the synergy combination of using GH along with insulin and T3 thyroid. The reason is when these hormones are used correctly together, they'll produce the most amount of IGF in your body, the main hormone responsible for growth due to or through GH.
When using it with insulin/T3, you should probably take a higher amount ... let's say 6 ius or more daily of GH. As with the insulin, start with 4 ius twice daily of Humalog and work your way up to NO MORE then 10 ius, 2x daily.
Again, just for added clarification, IGF mainly causes ANABOLIC muscle growth and the GH is better at burning fat. Those that inject IGF (specifically Long R-3 IGF-1) see more muscle growth. While those that inject GH see more of its fat burning effects.
Now, thyroid is VITAL for GH, I would say more important then the insulin. The more GH you take and the longer you are on it, the more your own natural thyroid will shut down and lower production. And you WILL HAVE TO increase T3 levels back up to normal range to allow GH to work properly.
So it's "ideal" to have blood work done BEFORE you start your cycles and gauge it that way. But I know most don't do this. So, a very crude method is to just check your body temperature weekly. Always around the same time, morning is good. Again, do this BEFORE you begin your cycle so that you have a nice base-line to work with.
For example, if you are normally 98.6 F degrees ... and after a couple of weeks on GH you notice you are a bit colder, your skin is kinda dry and your body temp is now down to 97.6 for a few days in a row, it's time to add in the T3.
Start with 12.5 mcg daily and after 3-5 days, see how you are doing and feeling and check temp again. If not, raise it to 25 mcg for another 3-5 days until you get to YOUR normal range or right around it. You really shouldn't ever need to go above 50 mcg a day unless you are taking 12-18 ius of GH DAILY for weeks on end.
Again, some people's thyroid shuts down faster while on GH, and some take a long time. So, listen to your body and pay attention to detail. There are no set rules here.
Also, every-other-week, you should add in some Guggulsterones and/or Forskolin to get the thyroid gland working again. They help, but are NOT a substitute for adding T3 to your cycle.
How to take GH ... once a day, twice daily, sub-q, in the muscle, etc.?
GH is best taken through out the day. If you are taking 3 ius daily, take 1.5 in the morning and the other 1.5 ius later on in the day. If you are taking 6 ius daily, take 2 ius, 3x daily.
GH is best taken on an empty stomach, 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal. Some of the *better* times of the day to take it is in the middle of night like 4 or 5 am. Maybe when you get up to piss, take a shot and go back to sleep. Another time is early afternoon like 2-3 pm. It's not going to make a massive difference, but it helps in the long run.
If you want some fat spot-reduction, like in the "love-handles" or abs for example, it's best to take the GH under the skin, "sub-q". Just shoot up in different areas and rotate the shots. For example, upper abs, middle abs, lower abs, love-handles and then repeat. Again, do it under the skin, sub-q ... NOT actually IN the abdominal muscle.
If you want some site-specific muscle growth ... let's say you want bigger shoulders, then shoot up in the muscle. If you're not fat, all you need is a half-inch needle, 27-29 gauge will do. Rotate between front, side and rear delts for example.
In fact, shooting GH in a "weak" muscle while dieting will GREATLY REDUCE catabolism in that specific muscle. This you'll notice for sure. I have a friend who loses bicep size real fast whenever he diets. It's his "weak" body part. I told him to shoot in his biceps, 2 ius, 2x daily while dieting ... He pretty much kept all his size and rather then losing an inch like he normally does, he only list about 1/4 of an inch. I think that's a HUGE difference, don't you?
What's the best brand or kind of GH ... aren't they all the same?
Well, I use to think that all GH was the same. As long as its had a chain of 191 aminos, what do I care who makes it. BUT, I've discovered that it DOES make a difference. For example, many people use Serostim brand because it is, or use to be, readily available due to all the AIDS patients selling their kits to bodybuilders. But Serono, the makers of Serostim, caught on and regulated their drug better and slowly the Serostim source dried out for the bodybuilders.
So, many people started using Jinotropin and generic Chinese GH. Guess what, most noticed much better results all of a sudden. Now, I'm not sure why, and truthfully, nobody is sure. But one can speculate that by the time the Serostim kit leaves Serono labs ... hits the pharmacy ... an AIDS patient gets it ... sells it to dealer A who then sells it to another dealer ... and by the time it gets to your hands, the stuff has gotten a bit old.
Remember, GH is a protein and it can degrade VERY easily with light and heat. It should be refrigerated at all times, ESPECIALLY when it's been reconstituted. Maybe your local drug dealer at your gym stopped by McDonald's to eat before he met up with you. As he is sitting at McDonalds' enjoying his burger, your GH kits are sitting in his car....dying.
I know that sounds lame, but it happens, and a lot worse things have happened that can really degrade the GH. But many people are getting Chinese GH directly from the lab as "research" usage and hence, it's nice and fresh.
Oh, also ... Serostim GH tends to be counterfeited a LOT more then others. So that's another reason why it's not as effective, or the user reports minimal effects. Plus, a lot of bastards out there re-label vials and sell you 6 iu vials as 18 iu vials. Again, another potential reason for the lack of effects with Serono brand GH.
Anyway, I don't know the real reason, but feedback is that Jinotropin and Chinese GH work best and they are cheaper too. Just something to think about ...
What do I do about GH's side-effects?
Like all drugs, GH has its share of negative side-effects, but just not as much as other drugs. One common side-effect is joint pain and stiffness. A simple way around it is reconstitute the GH with Bacteriostatic Water versus the regular saline water the GH kits come with.
I'm not going to get into all the technical scientific reasons, but just know that joint stiffness is GREATLY reduced and the GH lasts longer and stays more potent.
Another problem associated with GH is higher prolactin levels. Not many people know of this side-effect, but it's true. Some are more sensitive than others...but it happens to everyone if you take a high enough dose.
To counter this, simply take some Bromocriptine (Parlodel®) at 2.5 to a maximum of 5 mgs daily.
Now, with Bromo, you have to start off REALLY SLOWLY or you'll get crazy headaches and you'll feel like you've got a horrible nasal cold. Start off at a 1/4 tablet (0.625 mgs), twice daily for the first 3 days. Then up it to 1/4 tablet, 3x daily for the next 3 days. Then 1/4 tablet, 4x daily, spread out evenly for next 7 days.
That will cover 2 weeks and you should be okay since your body should be used to the Bromo by now. If you are taking 9 ius or more of GH daily, you may want to increase the Bromo dose to 1/2 tablet, 3x daily. And if you are like some pros and are taking 18+ ius daily, then take 1/2 tablet, 4x daily.
I know there are people who say take Bromo all at once or take it in the morning, blah, blah, blah. Sorry, it doesn't work like that my friend. If you don't believe me, then start off with 5 mgs first thing in the morning and you'll believe me (but I do NOT recommend it, unless you want a mind-numbing headache lasting 24 hours!).
Lastly, as stated earlier, with longer usage and higher dosages of GH, your thyroid will tend to reduce output. Please pay attention, either with blood work (preferred), and/or with body temperature, and add thyroid accordingly. Use T3 Cytomel brand between 12.5 mcg to a maximum of 75 mgs daily.
Well, there you have it ... Simple and to the point. Hopefully I've cleared up some misconceptions about GH and gave you a couple new ideas to think about. On a final note, some people don't respond to GH or IGF (specifically Long R-3 IGF-1) and some respond really well. And there are some that respond to one, and not the other for some reason. Nobody knows why ... it's just a genetic thing and you'll need to find out through trial and error assuming you have bought REAL drugs and are using them correctly.
Again, if you are new to all this or don't know some of the drugs I've mentioned or whatever else, I urge you to PLEASE read Chemical Muscle Enhancement so you can have a basic foundation and knowledge. You'll make more gains, stay healthier and save money in the long run as well, by being able to use the correct protocols and cycles.
Stay healthy and motivated ...
A lot of you guys want a GH FAQ so here it is. Please feel free to add or give constructive criticism, and keep this BUMPED UP!!! for a while.
1. Cost. HGH is very expensive and is not usually recommended for bodybuilders new to AAS use. Often, for a 128 I.U. kit it can cost as much as $700. However, starting with HGH use early can ward off training injuries that come with testosterone useage. This is due to HGH's effect on collagen syn.
2. IGF-1. HGH will only increase IGF-1 for a very limited time, approx a couple weeks. After that, unless it is combined with something such as insulin, T3, or testosterone, do not expect to see much skeletal muscle growth. It has been proven inferior to testosterone as a weight promoting agent in AIDS patients for this reason.
3. Duration. Ideally, HGH is used for approx 3 months at between 3.6 I.U./DAY - 9.0 I.U./DAY. The average human male age 20 YRS old will produce between 0.8 I.U./DAY - 1.4 I.U./DAY of HGH NATURALLY. For this reason you may want to make sure you are getting plenty more HGH than this. When you supplement with exogenous HGH you will drastically reduce your own natural production. HGH will cause you to hold tremendous amounts of water and it is often painful, far more painful than testosterone. Those who use 6.0 I.U. a day or more often cannot take it and have to lower their doseage. Many bodybuilders ideally want to take huge amounts, ie, 16.0 I.U.'s a day, but cannot physically handle anywhere near that amount due to the water gain hurting their wrists, ankles, and joints.
4. Effect on Insulin. As Hogg has noted several times, HGH will make you tired during the day. This is due to HGH's antagonistic relationship with insulin. Almost always, except during intense exercise or sprints, when HGH is soaring, insulin is plummeting, and vice-versa. For safety reasons HGH injections at night are optimal. An injection right before bed on an empty stomach will antagonize cortisol, increase IGF-1 levels, and give you a good nights sleep. IF you choose to use in the morning or afternoon, your normally high insulin-levels will plummet and you will need to eat quickly or risk feeling very tired. Also, taking glucophage will help make your insulin more effective, offsetting HGH's effects on it.
5. Injection. HGH can be injected I.M., Sub-Q, or even I.V. However, Sub-Q seems the easiest and also, the most effective. HGH injected Sub-Q will increase IGF-1 levels 12-16 HRS after injection. For this reason, some choose both A.M. and P.M. injections to keep IGF-1 chronically elevated while others choose only nightly injections.
6. Side Effects. The most common is musculoskeletal discomfort due to water retention. Still other common sides with HGH use are: fever, diarrhea, numbing of the nerves, fatigue (remember insulin resistance, more common with morning or afternoon use), headache, and hyperglycemia.
7. Primary effects of HGH. Growth Hormone can offer you what no AAS can. It can cause hyperplasia, muscle satellite cells splitting into two! AAS only causes a cell to grow bigger, but HGH can do that as well as split them, upping your supposedly fixed genetic potential. Hyperplasia has a lot to do with IGF-1, so to achieve it you may want to be using it with test, insulin or at least glucophage, and T3. These additional substances will elevate IGF-1 levels past the two weeks that HGH can only do by itself. However, HGH will increase collagen for months, even if taken by itself. Its effects on collagen last longer than its ability to increase IGF-1 by itself. For this reason, many bodybuilders like to use HGH to repair damaged, joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, or other things affected by collagen production. It is speculated that HGH has growth effects on bone, and internal organs which are independant of IGF-1. For this reason, it is not for the beginner. It can thicken the intestinal wall, organ size, and increase bone density.
8. Like anything, HGH use should only be considered after years of careful study. Exogenous HGH will shut down natural production and therefore should be used cautiously. It may be wise to use proven growth hormone releasing peptides like GHRP-2 or GHRH itself, after HGH use is terminated. This should help increase natural levels when they are low after exogenous HGH use.
I AM NOT ADVOCATING HGH USE. ONLY USE HGH AFTER CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR. THANKS
Where to Inject, How, and How to Make:
You can site inject anywhere you can reach the subcutaneous layer. Pinch the flesh and pull back, then insert the needle in the "pocket" underneath. Doesn't absorb quick enough if you inject into the adipose tissue. Do not inject intra-muscular, though it can be done, it is not recommended. GH is a site injection, where it is shot is where it will burn the most noticeable fat. Most people do it in the stomach since that is a typical sub q shot with most of the fat being in that area. GH should be kept in a fridge; freezing will destroy the GH. On your kit it probably says to use the kit in 18-24 hours, remember these are for AIDS patients, not bodybuilders or athletes. Mixing the GH can either be done with sterile water or bacteriostic water. The kit with water will be fine for 3 days in the fridge, even with the sterile water, but you should not take this chance, rather you should use bacteriostic water and play it safe. This will keep it fine for a couple of weeks. When mixing the GH, let the water slide down the side as to not pulverize the GH wafer. Do not spray it directly against the wafer with any force. Before reconstitution and even after GH is fragile!!! Also once the water is injected into the bottle gently swirl the vial to reconstitute, do not shake or swirl violently!!!!
Conversions:
1 ml = 1 cc -/+
100 units per 1 cc
6 mg = 18iu
1 ml = 18iu
.50 ml = 9iu
.25 ml = 4.5iu
Some people choose to only do it in cc’s but here is how you can do it in units on a slin dart
5.5 = 1iu, so 2iu = 11 on a slin dart
Differences Between Kits:
The main difference between kits is how many iu’s they make when reconstituted. For example, Serostim re-constitutes to make 126iu, while a Saizen kit.... also made by Serono.... makes up 15iu. Another of their kits makes 54iu. It better be way cheaper than a Serostim kit! Humatrope is fine, but costs too much. The other main concern would be fakes; Lilly is the most often faked one. Some older GH kits do not have holograms on them and are legit, but they are usually only less than 100 dollars than new GH kits with holograms, and I would rather be assured of the hologram and legitimacy of the kit. Best buy currently is Serostim 126 iu kits. These are made for people with wasting diseases like AIDs. Many of these patients got infected because they are IV drug addicts..........they sell the Serostim on the street for drug money.
Dose:
4 to 6 iu ed is sufficient. Most people take it 5 days on 2 days off at their designated dosage. There is no reason or evidence why you cannot stay on for various lengths of time; there is no need to go 5 on 2 off other than cost. Considering that our natural production is only .5 to 1.5iu a day, this is still a huge bump for the body. Research has shown that the body's natural defense systems render mega doses of GH ineffective, anyway. GH does not cause gains in mass...it allows you to put on a great deal of lean mass in combination with proper steroid and insulin use. The user before taking must know this. One or two kits are not enough, you need at least 3 to make you happy, GH takes a while to make its effects, but remember they are long lasting, what you see is what you keep. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to notice a dramatic change in body comp using GH on an ED or 5/2 split. Lighter doses for long periods of time are better than large doses for short cycles. Like any other drug, the more you take the more the benefits, but likewise also more risks. 4-6 iu is a standard dose but many people take more, the most repulsing side effects happen at or beyond 12 iu a day but like anything else it depends on your predisposition for it.
How to Stack:
GH is best taken in conjunction with insulin, anabolic steroids, and t3. Insulin is extremely effective with GH, as anyone here who has tried it will testify. This is because GH injections cause a down regulation of insulin sensitivity in the body.
GH alone causes little growth of lean mass, however, when combined with insulin and steroids (and IGF-1 if you can find it), the results can be down right remarkable...esp. in the older bodybuilder. Start light with the humulin...5iu...and work up 1 iu a day till you get use to it. 7 to 10iu in the AM and 7 to 10 iu in the late afternoon, with split doses of GH is your best bet. When splitting GH/insulin doses, I use mid-morning and late afternoon after lifting.... both flat times in our natural GH production. The insulin overcomes the insulin-resistance caused by exogenous GH supplementation. If you are scared to take insulin thought, then Gh with Test and Glucophage is good. GH is good for cutting if used alone. Glucophage allows for improved glucose and amino acid absorption by the muscle tissue and does it safely. This is what you want. The half-life of GH is only 2 hours so spread it out. Avoid bedtime injections since we produce the bulk of our own GH in the first two hours of sleep. Since exogenous GH suppresses this, you should not take it before bed. For best results, use a 17aa oral during the cycle to stimulate the release of natural insulin growth factors. I would run the test throughout. GH/insulin/test is the proven synergistic combination.
It is also wise to preload with testosterone before starting GH if you are going to do it. You should preload with the amount of time it takes for that testosterone to kick in, since most of us take longer acting esters for testosterone you should usually start taking the test 2 weeks before GH use. Likewise, you can accommodate it to fit your needs; the key is for the test to be kicking in the same time you are starting to run your GH. You can cycle you steroids however you want to depending on your goals, if you are going for a more massive look than you would run insulin for most of the cycle and use high androgens, but if you are looking for additional leanness at the end of a cycle you should stop the androgens and run a higher dose of GH or run less androgens. T3 is also another substance that should be used during GH cycling since GH lowers thyroid hormones. T3 should be used for shorter periods though, because it can permanently alter the endocrine system. The magic of GH for men is the ability to gain mass without fat or bloating when stacked properly with insulin, and steroids. GH also makes for amazing improvements in skin...smoothes wrinkles, burns stubborn spots of adipose tissue, gives that paper-thin contest look...and also gives one a real mood lift, a feeling of well being.
Major Difference Between GH and Steroids:
Steroids can increase the size of your muscle cells, but cannot I repeat CAN NOT increase the number of muscle cells in your body, which to start with is governed by your genetics. However Growth hormone CAN increase the number of muscle cells in your body, which goes beyond genetics.
Half-Life of GH:
Exogenous (injected) GH has a "half-life" of approximately 2 hours . . . a 4-hour period of activity during which there is a suppression of naturally produced GH.
GH Naturally Produced:
We release the most of our naturally produced GH during the first two hours of deep sleep...you may take a little time to adjust.... your body thinks you should be in bed when that big influx hits. It is good to take a nap, that’s when you grow anyway. It always helps to take naps after workouts and injections everyday.
GH Causing Acromeglia:
Acromeglia is a disease...you either have it or you don't. Supplementing GH will not cause it. Persons suffering from acromeglia, like Andre the Giant, lack the natural defense mechanisms of the body to regulate the production and effects of GH secretion in he pituitary. It is well established in the medical literature that exogenous GH will not cause the disease.... of course it would worsen the condition in those who had it.
GH Gut: Myth or Reality?:
Some researchers claim that any gains in weight experienced by subjects using GH alone was due to growth of internal organs and connective tissue, which could cause some problems. Most studies do not agree with this theory and consider "GH gut" to be a myth. Some people are allergic to synthetic test, this is something you have to find out for yourself. Some people also feel intestinal discomfort from time to time, if so take it down to one item at a time to see what is causing you discomfort; creatine, glutamine, protein products, orals, and dirty gear have all been known to cause this, so find the problem early.
GH and IGF-1:
Perhaps the most relevant effect of IGF-1 is the ability of IGF-1 to increase protein synthesis by increasing cellular mRNA formation (mRNA makes protein) as well as increasing uptake of amino acids. This effect on protein synthesis can lead to increased lean mass. The research indicates that this effect is dependent on GH presence as well. So IGF-1 alone does not promote such effects. Nor does GH. It appears the combination of the two most consistently lead to increased protein synthesis.
GH and IGF-1 are negative regulators of GH release so an increase in either (from a GH injection) reduces the secretion of GH. IGF-1 is very difficult to obtain in a useable condition.... it must be handled very gently and have bee kept at a rather precise temperature at all times. One can stimulate IGF production through the use of an oral steroid during cycle. Dbol, for example, causes a rather extensive release of IGF during the first pass through the liver.
The leading studies in this area: (Ney, 1999, Yarasheski, 1994.... Am J. App. Phys.)
In the Yarasheski study, no increase in lean muscle mass was noticed in the subjects using GH alone, but significant gains were found in subjects that supplemented with IGF and GH...add in the steroids and look out! Yarasheski studied weight trained athletes, supplementing one group with GH alone, and one group with GH and IGF. "So IGF-1 alone does not promote such effects. (Leanness and increased lean mass) Nor does GH. It appears the combination of the two most consistently lead to increased protein synthesis." Both seem to negatively downregulate the other over time, so as to lead to diminishing returns. Cycling would be in order for that reason. Also supplementing both is necessary because one or the other alone will suppress the natural production of the non-supplemented Latest study by Yarashevski - with GH alone...8 to 12% change in lean body composition. 6% increase in muscle mass.
This is a very common question, and instead of retyping this in every PM, I'll just make a sticky. This will be applicable to any brand of GH and any vial size.
OK, you have your vial of lyophilized GH (powder). No matter the brand, you know how many IUs are in each vial, as that will be noted on the vial. If it's in terms of mgs, just assume (estimate) that 1mg = ~3IU.
It does NOT matter how much water (BW or sterile water) you use. I tend to use more than what most kits include, because this makes it more dilute and means that you're less likely to leave some behind in the vial and syringe.
Pick a volume of water to add to your vial....I don't care what it is. For a 10IU vial, I use 2mL, but between 1 and 2mLs is good IMO.
use a syringe with a 1" or better yet a 1.5" needle attached to reconstitute. Load the syringe with water (BW ideally, but sterile water is fine, despite popular belief). Hold the plunger so that when inserting the needle into the GH vial the vacuum doesn't suck the water out. Once the needle is inserted, angle it so that the needle tip is pointed at the side of the vial....not directly at the powder. Now, simply release the plunger and allow the vacuum force to suck the water out into the vial. Remove the needle and gently swirl the GH vial until fully reconstituted.
Now measuring....this is much easier than people make it out to be. Just use this generic formula:
You know how many IUs are in your vial. You also know how much water was used to reconstitute it (since you just added it). how many IUs do you want to inject? 2IU? Fine, so be it. say your vial was a 10IU vial, 2IU is 20% of 10IU, so you simply draw up 20% of the total volume used to reconstitute your GH. If you used 1mL for a 10IU vial, and you want to draw 2IU, then you simply draw 0.2cc. if you used 2mL for a 10IU vial, you'd draw 0.4cc (since 20% of 2mL is 0.4cc). Most everyone is using a U-100 insulin syringe for GH injections. Each 10IU mark is 0.1cc, so the 20IU mark is 0.2cc, you can figure out the rest.
That's it....it's easy, if you think of it this way.
Where can I give a subQ shot? There are many sites on the body that are safe to give subQ shots. Following is a list of the sites where subQ shots may be given:
Upper Arm: Uncover the arm to the shoulder to see the whole arm. Have the person getting the shot stand with hand on hip. Stand next to and a little behind the person. Find the area in the middle part of the arm, halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Gently grasp the skin at the back of the arm between your thumb and first 2 fingers. You should have 1-2 inches of skin.
Abdomen: Uncover the abdomen to see the whole area. Find the waist area. You may give a shot bounded by these landmarks: below the waist, to just above the hip bone, and from where the body curves at the side to about 2 inches from the middle of the abdomen. Avoid the bellybutton. Use the natural line in the middle of the body as a marker. It may be hard to see, but it is there unless it was removed by surgery.
Thigh: Uncover the entire leg. Find the area between the knee and hip. The middle of the thigh, from mid-front to mid-side, on the outside part of the thigh is a safe site. Gently grasp the area to make sure you can pinch one to two inches of skin.
Lower back: Uncover the back from the waist to the top of the rear-end. A shot may be given just below the waist to a line that runs across the back above the crack between rear end cheeks. Give the shot between the area where the body curves at the hip and a few inches from the spine.
How do I choose a good place for the shot? Any of these sites--upper arm, abdomen, thigh, and lower back--may be used. It is important to keep track of the sites you use and to use a different site each time you give a shot. Some sites are preferred for certain medicines. Ask your caregiver if the medicine you are taking has a preferred site. If you are giving shots to yourself you may not be able to use your back or your arm.
To keep track of where you are giving shots, make a list of the sites you use. Write down the date, time, and the site each time you give a shot.
The sites where shots are given should be at least 1 inch away from each other. Picture 1 inch squares, like a checkerboard. A shot may be given into each of those squares. You may choose to rotate your shots through one area, like the left thigh, then begin again in the same area. Or you may rotate through one area then go to another.
It is very important to rotate sites. Giving a shot in the same site can make the site scarred and hard. Hard areas will keep you from using all the medicine.
What do I need to give a subQ shot?
One alcohol wipe wrapped in foil.
One sterile 2x2 gauze pad.
An ampule, vial, or pre-filled syringe containing the medicine.
The correct size syringe and needle. Your caregiver should give you this information.
How do I inject medicine into subcutaneous tissue? Please read this section all the way through before giving the shot. It is important to get the general idea of what you are about to do before you begin. You may read this step-by-step procedure again as you do it.
SubQ shots can be given straight in at a 90 degree angle, or at a 45 degree angle. Give the shot straight in at a 90 degree angle if 2 inches of skin can be grasped between your thumb and first (index) finger. If only 1 inch of skin can be grasped, give the shot at a 45 degree angle.
Open the foil covering the first alcohol wipe.
Wipe the area where you plan to give the shot. Let the area dry.
Take the cover off the needle. Hold the syringe with your writing hand and pull the cover off with your other hand--like taking a cap off a pen.
If you will give the shot at a 45 degree angle, hold the syringe with your writing hand.
Place the syringe between your thumb and your index and second fingers. The needle should be pointing upwards or downwards at the 45 degree angle you plan to use.
If you will give the shot at a 90 degree angle, hold the syringe with your writing hand.
Hold the syringe under your thumb and first finger. Let the barrel of the syringe rest on your second finger. Many people hold a pen this way when they write.
Grasp the skin with the hand not holding the syringe. Holding the syringe barrel tightly with your writing hand, use your wrist to inject the needle. Sometimes the needle goes in easily. Some people have tougher skin and a little more pressure or quickness must be used.
Once the needle is all the way in, push the plunger down to inject the medicine.
Remove the needle at the same angle you put it in.
--- Originally posted by ripper911 from elitefitness ---
Growth Hormone ...
How, Why, What, When & Where
I tend to get a lot of emails about Growth Hormone (GH), when compared to other drugs such as steroids for example. I guess it's probably because not as many people have experimented with this hormone when compared to Testosterone or various other steroids. The main reason for the lack of knowledge or experience with GH is because:
It's "newer" than steroids. It hasn't been around as long, so less real world feedback.
It's super expensive, which limits general use, and again, limits feedback and experience.
A lot more counterfeit and "fake" GH because it is so darn expensive and hence, the profit margin is huge. There is a lot more profit made selling a fake EXPENSIVE drug then a fake "cheap" drug like Testosterone Cypionate for example.
GH is a very sensitive hormone. Once it's been "reconstituted" (mixed with water), it needs to be refrigerated and used up within a week. Because of this heat and shelf-life sensitivity, even if you were to have REAL GH, who knows what happened to it by the time it left the pharmacy to when it got into your hands. Maybe your "dealer" stopped by McDonald's for a couple Big Macs on the way to your place one hot, summer afternoon and those $600+ GH kits just sat in the hot sun for 30 minutes while he ate. If that doesn't render the GH useless, it sure will reduce potency.
And lastly, there are so many contradictory statements made about GH from a variety of so-called "experts" that are only rewriting someone else's original statements that it really can confuse most readers.
So in order to clarify, I'm going to clear some misconceptions about GH, and discuss the best ways to utilize this hormone for safety and cost, and some other cool tricks. The following topics will be covered:
What's the best way to use GH, either by itself or in a cycle with other drugs?
How to take GH ... once a day, twice daily, sub-q, in the muscle, etc.?
What's the best brand or kind of GH ... aren't they all the same?
What do I do about GH's side-effects?
Anyway, before getting started, if you want to know what GH is, what it does and some of the scientific "geek" talk about this hormone and gain more general knowledge, please read or reread Chemical Muscle Enhancement as it covers the basics, cycles, and etc.
Also, this article is NOT for the "newbie". I'm assuming you have read Chemical Muscle Enhancement because if you haven't, go do so NOW! That covers the basics and then some.
I'm going to lay down the "street talk" about this powerful hormone .. you know, one-on-one with a friend. So don't email me asking questions that are already answered in Chemical Muscle Enhancement because I'm not going to answer them. Sorry ... but with a few hundred emails a day, I gotta draw the line some where.
What's the best way to use GH, either by itself or in a cycle with other drugs?
If you use GH by itself, you will mainly notice a fat burning effect. Yes, you will notice mild "anabolic" effects as well, but GH is best used in conjunction with steroids, insulin and/or thyroid. There is an obvious synergy with this hormone, even more so then others ... and due to the higher cost, you might as well use it correctly in a proper stack.
Using It With Steroids:
If you are going to use it with a steroid stack, let's say, Testosterone and Winstrol, or some other steroids, you can use less and still get a great effect. I would say the minimum is about 3 ius taken daily, to as much as your wallet can afford.
Using It With Insulin/T3 Thyroid:
Most have heard about the synergy combination of using GH along with insulin and T3 thyroid. The reason is when these hormones are used correctly together, they'll produce the most amount of IGF in your body, the main hormone responsible for growth due to or through GH.
When using it with insulin/T3, you should probably take a higher amount ... let's say 6 ius or more daily of GH. As with the insulin, start with 4 ius twice daily of Humalog and work your way up to NO MORE then 10 ius, 2x daily.
Again, just for added clarification, IGF mainly causes ANABOLIC muscle growth and the GH is better at burning fat. Those that inject IGF (specifically Long R-3 IGF-1) see more muscle growth. While those that inject GH see more of its fat burning effects.
Now, thyroid is VITAL for GH, I would say more important then the insulin. The more GH you take and the longer you are on it, the more your own natural thyroid will shut down and lower production. And you WILL HAVE TO increase T3 levels back up to normal range to allow GH to work properly.
So it's "ideal" to have blood work done BEFORE you start your cycles and gauge it that way. But I know most don't do this. So, a very crude method is to just check your body temperature weekly. Always around the same time, morning is good. Again, do this BEFORE you begin your cycle so that you have a nice base-line to work with.
For example, if you are normally 98.6 F degrees ... and after a couple of weeks on GH you notice you are a bit colder, your skin is kinda dry and your body temp is now down to 97.6 for a few days in a row, it's time to add in the T3.
Start with 12.5 mcg daily and after 3-5 days, see how you are doing and feeling and check temp again. If not, raise it to 25 mcg for another 3-5 days until you get to YOUR normal range or right around it. You really shouldn't ever need to go above 50 mcg a day unless you are taking 12-18 ius of GH DAILY for weeks on end.
Again, some people's thyroid shuts down faster while on GH, and some take a long time. So, listen to your body and pay attention to detail. There are no set rules here.
Also, every-other-week, you should add in some Guggulsterones and/or Forskolin to get the thyroid gland working again. They help, but are NOT a substitute for adding T3 to your cycle.
How to take GH ... once a day, twice daily, sub-q, in the muscle, etc.?
GH is best taken through out the day. If you are taking 3 ius daily, take 1.5 in the morning and the other 1.5 ius later on in the day. If you are taking 6 ius daily, take 2 ius, 3x daily.
GH is best taken on an empty stomach, 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before a meal. Some of the *better* times of the day to take it is in the middle of night like 4 or 5 am. Maybe when you get up to piss, take a shot and go back to sleep. Another time is early afternoon like 2-3 pm. It's not going to make a massive difference, but it helps in the long run.
If you want some fat spot-reduction, like in the "love-handles" or abs for example, it's best to take the GH under the skin, "sub-q". Just shoot up in different areas and rotate the shots. For example, upper abs, middle abs, lower abs, love-handles and then repeat. Again, do it under the skin, sub-q ... NOT actually IN the abdominal muscle.
If you want some site-specific muscle growth ... let's say you want bigger shoulders, then shoot up in the muscle. If you're not fat, all you need is a half-inch needle, 27-29 gauge will do. Rotate between front, side and rear delts for example.
In fact, shooting GH in a "weak" muscle while dieting will GREATLY REDUCE catabolism in that specific muscle. This you'll notice for sure. I have a friend who loses bicep size real fast whenever he diets. It's his "weak" body part. I told him to shoot in his biceps, 2 ius, 2x daily while dieting ... He pretty much kept all his size and rather then losing an inch like he normally does, he only list about 1/4 of an inch. I think that's a HUGE difference, don't you?
What's the best brand or kind of GH ... aren't they all the same?
Well, I use to think that all GH was the same. As long as its had a chain of 191 aminos, what do I care who makes it. BUT, I've discovered that it DOES make a difference. For example, many people use Serostim brand because it is, or use to be, readily available due to all the AIDS patients selling their kits to bodybuilders. But Serono, the makers of Serostim, caught on and regulated their drug better and slowly the Serostim source dried out for the bodybuilders.
So, many people started using Jinotropin and generic Chinese GH. Guess what, most noticed much better results all of a sudden. Now, I'm not sure why, and truthfully, nobody is sure. But one can speculate that by the time the Serostim kit leaves Serono labs ... hits the pharmacy ... an AIDS patient gets it ... sells it to dealer A who then sells it to another dealer ... and by the time it gets to your hands, the stuff has gotten a bit old.
Remember, GH is a protein and it can degrade VERY easily with light and heat. It should be refrigerated at all times, ESPECIALLY when it's been reconstituted. Maybe your local drug dealer at your gym stopped by McDonald's to eat before he met up with you. As he is sitting at McDonalds' enjoying his burger, your GH kits are sitting in his car....dying.
I know that sounds lame, but it happens, and a lot worse things have happened that can really degrade the GH. But many people are getting Chinese GH directly from the lab as "research" usage and hence, it's nice and fresh.
Oh, also ... Serostim GH tends to be counterfeited a LOT more then others. So that's another reason why it's not as effective, or the user reports minimal effects. Plus, a lot of bastards out there re-label vials and sell you 6 iu vials as 18 iu vials. Again, another potential reason for the lack of effects with Serono brand GH.
Anyway, I don't know the real reason, but feedback is that Jinotropin and Chinese GH work best and they are cheaper too. Just something to think about ...
What do I do about GH's side-effects?
Like all drugs, GH has its share of negative side-effects, but just not as much as other drugs. One common side-effect is joint pain and stiffness. A simple way around it is reconstitute the GH with Bacteriostatic Water versus the regular saline water the GH kits come with.
I'm not going to get into all the technical scientific reasons, but just know that joint stiffness is GREATLY reduced and the GH lasts longer and stays more potent.
Another problem associated with GH is higher prolactin levels. Not many people know of this side-effect, but it's true. Some are more sensitive than others...but it happens to everyone if you take a high enough dose.
To counter this, simply take some Bromocriptine (Parlodel®) at 2.5 to a maximum of 5 mgs daily.
Now, with Bromo, you have to start off REALLY SLOWLY or you'll get crazy headaches and you'll feel like you've got a horrible nasal cold. Start off at a 1/4 tablet (0.625 mgs), twice daily for the first 3 days. Then up it to 1/4 tablet, 3x daily for the next 3 days. Then 1/4 tablet, 4x daily, spread out evenly for next 7 days.
That will cover 2 weeks and you should be okay since your body should be used to the Bromo by now. If you are taking 9 ius or more of GH daily, you may want to increase the Bromo dose to 1/2 tablet, 3x daily. And if you are like some pros and are taking 18+ ius daily, then take 1/2 tablet, 4x daily.
I know there are people who say take Bromo all at once or take it in the morning, blah, blah, blah. Sorry, it doesn't work like that my friend. If you don't believe me, then start off with 5 mgs first thing in the morning and you'll believe me (but I do NOT recommend it, unless you want a mind-numbing headache lasting 24 hours!).
Lastly, as stated earlier, with longer usage and higher dosages of GH, your thyroid will tend to reduce output. Please pay attention, either with blood work (preferred), and/or with body temperature, and add thyroid accordingly. Use T3 Cytomel brand between 12.5 mcg to a maximum of 75 mgs daily.
Well, there you have it ... Simple and to the point. Hopefully I've cleared up some misconceptions about GH and gave you a couple new ideas to think about. On a final note, some people don't respond to GH or IGF (specifically Long R-3 IGF-1) and some respond really well. And there are some that respond to one, and not the other for some reason. Nobody knows why ... it's just a genetic thing and you'll need to find out through trial and error assuming you have bought REAL drugs and are using them correctly.
Again, if you are new to all this or don't know some of the drugs I've mentioned or whatever else, I urge you to PLEASE read Chemical Muscle Enhancement so you can have a basic foundation and knowledge. You'll make more gains, stay healthier and save money in the long run as well, by being able to use the correct protocols and cycles.
Stay healthy and motivated ...
A lot of you guys want a GH FAQ so here it is. Please feel free to add or give constructive criticism, and keep this BUMPED UP!!! for a while.
1. Cost. HGH is very expensive and is not usually recommended for bodybuilders new to AAS use. Often, for a 128 I.U. kit it can cost as much as $700. However, starting with HGH use early can ward off training injuries that come with testosterone useage. This is due to HGH's effect on collagen syn.
2. IGF-1. HGH will only increase IGF-1 for a very limited time, approx a couple weeks. After that, unless it is combined with something such as insulin, T3, or testosterone, do not expect to see much skeletal muscle growth. It has been proven inferior to testosterone as a weight promoting agent in AIDS patients for this reason.
3. Duration. Ideally, HGH is used for approx 3 months at between 3.6 I.U./DAY - 9.0 I.U./DAY. The average human male age 20 YRS old will produce between 0.8 I.U./DAY - 1.4 I.U./DAY of HGH NATURALLY. For this reason you may want to make sure you are getting plenty more HGH than this. When you supplement with exogenous HGH you will drastically reduce your own natural production. HGH will cause you to hold tremendous amounts of water and it is often painful, far more painful than testosterone. Those who use 6.0 I.U. a day or more often cannot take it and have to lower their doseage. Many bodybuilders ideally want to take huge amounts, ie, 16.0 I.U.'s a day, but cannot physically handle anywhere near that amount due to the water gain hurting their wrists, ankles, and joints.
4. Effect on Insulin. As Hogg has noted several times, HGH will make you tired during the day. This is due to HGH's antagonistic relationship with insulin. Almost always, except during intense exercise or sprints, when HGH is soaring, insulin is plummeting, and vice-versa. For safety reasons HGH injections at night are optimal. An injection right before bed on an empty stomach will antagonize cortisol, increase IGF-1 levels, and give you a good nights sleep. IF you choose to use in the morning or afternoon, your normally high insulin-levels will plummet and you will need to eat quickly or risk feeling very tired. Also, taking glucophage will help make your insulin more effective, offsetting HGH's effects on it.
5. Injection. HGH can be injected I.M., Sub-Q, or even I.V. However, Sub-Q seems the easiest and also, the most effective. HGH injected Sub-Q will increase IGF-1 levels 12-16 HRS after injection. For this reason, some choose both A.M. and P.M. injections to keep IGF-1 chronically elevated while others choose only nightly injections.
6. Side Effects. The most common is musculoskeletal discomfort due to water retention. Still other common sides with HGH use are: fever, diarrhea, numbing of the nerves, fatigue (remember insulin resistance, more common with morning or afternoon use), headache, and hyperglycemia.
7. Primary effects of HGH. Growth Hormone can offer you what no AAS can. It can cause hyperplasia, muscle satellite cells splitting into two! AAS only causes a cell to grow bigger, but HGH can do that as well as split them, upping your supposedly fixed genetic potential. Hyperplasia has a lot to do with IGF-1, so to achieve it you may want to be using it with test, insulin or at least glucophage, and T3. These additional substances will elevate IGF-1 levels past the two weeks that HGH can only do by itself. However, HGH will increase collagen for months, even if taken by itself. Its effects on collagen last longer than its ability to increase IGF-1 by itself. For this reason, many bodybuilders like to use HGH to repair damaged, joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, or other things affected by collagen production. It is speculated that HGH has growth effects on bone, and internal organs which are independant of IGF-1. For this reason, it is not for the beginner. It can thicken the intestinal wall, organ size, and increase bone density.
8. Like anything, HGH use should only be considered after years of careful study. Exogenous HGH will shut down natural production and therefore should be used cautiously. It may be wise to use proven growth hormone releasing peptides like GHRP-2 or GHRH itself, after HGH use is terminated. This should help increase natural levels when they are low after exogenous HGH use.
I AM NOT ADVOCATING HGH USE. ONLY USE HGH AFTER CONSULTATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR. THANKS
Where to Inject, How, and How to Make:
You can site inject anywhere you can reach the subcutaneous layer. Pinch the flesh and pull back, then insert the needle in the "pocket" underneath. Doesn't absorb quick enough if you inject into the adipose tissue. Do not inject intra-muscular, though it can be done, it is not recommended. GH is a site injection, where it is shot is where it will burn the most noticeable fat. Most people do it in the stomach since that is a typical sub q shot with most of the fat being in that area. GH should be kept in a fridge; freezing will destroy the GH. On your kit it probably says to use the kit in 18-24 hours, remember these are for AIDS patients, not bodybuilders or athletes. Mixing the GH can either be done with sterile water or bacteriostic water. The kit with water will be fine for 3 days in the fridge, even with the sterile water, but you should not take this chance, rather you should use bacteriostic water and play it safe. This will keep it fine for a couple of weeks. When mixing the GH, let the water slide down the side as to not pulverize the GH wafer. Do not spray it directly against the wafer with any force. Before reconstitution and even after GH is fragile!!! Also once the water is injected into the bottle gently swirl the vial to reconstitute, do not shake or swirl violently!!!!
Conversions:
1 ml = 1 cc -/+
100 units per 1 cc
6 mg = 18iu
1 ml = 18iu
.50 ml = 9iu
.25 ml = 4.5iu
Some people choose to only do it in cc’s but here is how you can do it in units on a slin dart
5.5 = 1iu, so 2iu = 11 on a slin dart
Differences Between Kits:
The main difference between kits is how many iu’s they make when reconstituted. For example, Serostim re-constitutes to make 126iu, while a Saizen kit.... also made by Serono.... makes up 15iu. Another of their kits makes 54iu. It better be way cheaper than a Serostim kit! Humatrope is fine, but costs too much. The other main concern would be fakes; Lilly is the most often faked one. Some older GH kits do not have holograms on them and are legit, but they are usually only less than 100 dollars than new GH kits with holograms, and I would rather be assured of the hologram and legitimacy of the kit. Best buy currently is Serostim 126 iu kits. These are made for people with wasting diseases like AIDs. Many of these patients got infected because they are IV drug addicts..........they sell the Serostim on the street for drug money.
Dose:
4 to 6 iu ed is sufficient. Most people take it 5 days on 2 days off at their designated dosage. There is no reason or evidence why you cannot stay on for various lengths of time; there is no need to go 5 on 2 off other than cost. Considering that our natural production is only .5 to 1.5iu a day, this is still a huge bump for the body. Research has shown that the body's natural defense systems render mega doses of GH ineffective, anyway. GH does not cause gains in mass...it allows you to put on a great deal of lean mass in combination with proper steroid and insulin use. The user before taking must know this. One or two kits are not enough, you need at least 3 to make you happy, GH takes a while to make its effects, but remember they are long lasting, what you see is what you keep. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to notice a dramatic change in body comp using GH on an ED or 5/2 split. Lighter doses for long periods of time are better than large doses for short cycles. Like any other drug, the more you take the more the benefits, but likewise also more risks. 4-6 iu is a standard dose but many people take more, the most repulsing side effects happen at or beyond 12 iu a day but like anything else it depends on your predisposition for it.
How to Stack:
GH is best taken in conjunction with insulin, anabolic steroids, and t3. Insulin is extremely effective with GH, as anyone here who has tried it will testify. This is because GH injections cause a down regulation of insulin sensitivity in the body.
GH alone causes little growth of lean mass, however, when combined with insulin and steroids (and IGF-1 if you can find it), the results can be down right remarkable...esp. in the older bodybuilder. Start light with the humulin...5iu...and work up 1 iu a day till you get use to it. 7 to 10iu in the AM and 7 to 10 iu in the late afternoon, with split doses of GH is your best bet. When splitting GH/insulin doses, I use mid-morning and late afternoon after lifting.... both flat times in our natural GH production. The insulin overcomes the insulin-resistance caused by exogenous GH supplementation. If you are scared to take insulin thought, then Gh with Test and Glucophage is good. GH is good for cutting if used alone. Glucophage allows for improved glucose and amino acid absorption by the muscle tissue and does it safely. This is what you want. The half-life of GH is only 2 hours so spread it out. Avoid bedtime injections since we produce the bulk of our own GH in the first two hours of sleep. Since exogenous GH suppresses this, you should not take it before bed. For best results, use a 17aa oral during the cycle to stimulate the release of natural insulin growth factors. I would run the test throughout. GH/insulin/test is the proven synergistic combination.
It is also wise to preload with testosterone before starting GH if you are going to do it. You should preload with the amount of time it takes for that testosterone to kick in, since most of us take longer acting esters for testosterone you should usually start taking the test 2 weeks before GH use. Likewise, you can accommodate it to fit your needs; the key is for the test to be kicking in the same time you are starting to run your GH. You can cycle you steroids however you want to depending on your goals, if you are going for a more massive look than you would run insulin for most of the cycle and use high androgens, but if you are looking for additional leanness at the end of a cycle you should stop the androgens and run a higher dose of GH or run less androgens. T3 is also another substance that should be used during GH cycling since GH lowers thyroid hormones. T3 should be used for shorter periods though, because it can permanently alter the endocrine system. The magic of GH for men is the ability to gain mass without fat or bloating when stacked properly with insulin, and steroids. GH also makes for amazing improvements in skin...smoothes wrinkles, burns stubborn spots of adipose tissue, gives that paper-thin contest look...and also gives one a real mood lift, a feeling of well being.
Major Difference Between GH and Steroids:
Steroids can increase the size of your muscle cells, but cannot I repeat CAN NOT increase the number of muscle cells in your body, which to start with is governed by your genetics. However Growth hormone CAN increase the number of muscle cells in your body, which goes beyond genetics.
Half-Life of GH:
Exogenous (injected) GH has a "half-life" of approximately 2 hours . . . a 4-hour period of activity during which there is a suppression of naturally produced GH.
GH Naturally Produced:
We release the most of our naturally produced GH during the first two hours of deep sleep...you may take a little time to adjust.... your body thinks you should be in bed when that big influx hits. It is good to take a nap, that’s when you grow anyway. It always helps to take naps after workouts and injections everyday.
GH Causing Acromeglia:
Acromeglia is a disease...you either have it or you don't. Supplementing GH will not cause it. Persons suffering from acromeglia, like Andre the Giant, lack the natural defense mechanisms of the body to regulate the production and effects of GH secretion in he pituitary. It is well established in the medical literature that exogenous GH will not cause the disease.... of course it would worsen the condition in those who had it.
GH Gut: Myth or Reality?:
Some researchers claim that any gains in weight experienced by subjects using GH alone was due to growth of internal organs and connective tissue, which could cause some problems. Most studies do not agree with this theory and consider "GH gut" to be a myth. Some people are allergic to synthetic test, this is something you have to find out for yourself. Some people also feel intestinal discomfort from time to time, if so take it down to one item at a time to see what is causing you discomfort; creatine, glutamine, protein products, orals, and dirty gear have all been known to cause this, so find the problem early.
GH and IGF-1:
Perhaps the most relevant effect of IGF-1 is the ability of IGF-1 to increase protein synthesis by increasing cellular mRNA formation (mRNA makes protein) as well as increasing uptake of amino acids. This effect on protein synthesis can lead to increased lean mass. The research indicates that this effect is dependent on GH presence as well. So IGF-1 alone does not promote such effects. Nor does GH. It appears the combination of the two most consistently lead to increased protein synthesis.
GH and IGF-1 are negative regulators of GH release so an increase in either (from a GH injection) reduces the secretion of GH. IGF-1 is very difficult to obtain in a useable condition.... it must be handled very gently and have bee kept at a rather precise temperature at all times. One can stimulate IGF production through the use of an oral steroid during cycle. Dbol, for example, causes a rather extensive release of IGF during the first pass through the liver.
The leading studies in this area: (Ney, 1999, Yarasheski, 1994.... Am J. App. Phys.)
In the Yarasheski study, no increase in lean muscle mass was noticed in the subjects using GH alone, but significant gains were found in subjects that supplemented with IGF and GH...add in the steroids and look out! Yarasheski studied weight trained athletes, supplementing one group with GH alone, and one group with GH and IGF. "So IGF-1 alone does not promote such effects. (Leanness and increased lean mass) Nor does GH. It appears the combination of the two most consistently lead to increased protein synthesis." Both seem to negatively downregulate the other over time, so as to lead to diminishing returns. Cycling would be in order for that reason. Also supplementing both is necessary because one or the other alone will suppress the natural production of the non-supplemented Latest study by Yarashevski - with GH alone...8 to 12% change in lean body composition. 6% increase in muscle mass.
This is a very common question, and instead of retyping this in every PM, I'll just make a sticky. This will be applicable to any brand of GH and any vial size.
OK, you have your vial of lyophilized GH (powder). No matter the brand, you know how many IUs are in each vial, as that will be noted on the vial. If it's in terms of mgs, just assume (estimate) that 1mg = ~3IU.
It does NOT matter how much water (BW or sterile water) you use. I tend to use more than what most kits include, because this makes it more dilute and means that you're less likely to leave some behind in the vial and syringe.
Pick a volume of water to add to your vial....I don't care what it is. For a 10IU vial, I use 2mL, but between 1 and 2mLs is good IMO.
use a syringe with a 1" or better yet a 1.5" needle attached to reconstitute. Load the syringe with water (BW ideally, but sterile water is fine, despite popular belief). Hold the plunger so that when inserting the needle into the GH vial the vacuum doesn't suck the water out. Once the needle is inserted, angle it so that the needle tip is pointed at the side of the vial....not directly at the powder. Now, simply release the plunger and allow the vacuum force to suck the water out into the vial. Remove the needle and gently swirl the GH vial until fully reconstituted.
Now measuring....this is much easier than people make it out to be. Just use this generic formula:
You know how many IUs are in your vial. You also know how much water was used to reconstitute it (since you just added it). how many IUs do you want to inject? 2IU? Fine, so be it. say your vial was a 10IU vial, 2IU is 20% of 10IU, so you simply draw up 20% of the total volume used to reconstitute your GH. If you used 1mL for a 10IU vial, and you want to draw 2IU, then you simply draw 0.2cc. if you used 2mL for a 10IU vial, you'd draw 0.4cc (since 20% of 2mL is 0.4cc). Most everyone is using a U-100 insulin syringe for GH injections. Each 10IU mark is 0.1cc, so the 20IU mark is 0.2cc, you can figure out the rest.
That's it....it's easy, if you think of it this way.
Where can I give a subQ shot? There are many sites on the body that are safe to give subQ shots. Following is a list of the sites where subQ shots may be given:
Upper Arm: Uncover the arm to the shoulder to see the whole arm. Have the person getting the shot stand with hand on hip. Stand next to and a little behind the person. Find the area in the middle part of the arm, halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Gently grasp the skin at the back of the arm between your thumb and first 2 fingers. You should have 1-2 inches of skin.
Abdomen: Uncover the abdomen to see the whole area. Find the waist area. You may give a shot bounded by these landmarks: below the waist, to just above the hip bone, and from where the body curves at the side to about 2 inches from the middle of the abdomen. Avoid the bellybutton. Use the natural line in the middle of the body as a marker. It may be hard to see, but it is there unless it was removed by surgery.
Thigh: Uncover the entire leg. Find the area between the knee and hip. The middle of the thigh, from mid-front to mid-side, on the outside part of the thigh is a safe site. Gently grasp the area to make sure you can pinch one to two inches of skin.
Lower back: Uncover the back from the waist to the top of the rear-end. A shot may be given just below the waist to a line that runs across the back above the crack between rear end cheeks. Give the shot between the area where the body curves at the hip and a few inches from the spine.
How do I choose a good place for the shot? Any of these sites--upper arm, abdomen, thigh, and lower back--may be used. It is important to keep track of the sites you use and to use a different site each time you give a shot. Some sites are preferred for certain medicines. Ask your caregiver if the medicine you are taking has a preferred site. If you are giving shots to yourself you may not be able to use your back or your arm.
To keep track of where you are giving shots, make a list of the sites you use. Write down the date, time, and the site each time you give a shot.
The sites where shots are given should be at least 1 inch away from each other. Picture 1 inch squares, like a checkerboard. A shot may be given into each of those squares. You may choose to rotate your shots through one area, like the left thigh, then begin again in the same area. Or you may rotate through one area then go to another.
It is very important to rotate sites. Giving a shot in the same site can make the site scarred and hard. Hard areas will keep you from using all the medicine.
What do I need to give a subQ shot?
One alcohol wipe wrapped in foil.
One sterile 2x2 gauze pad.
An ampule, vial, or pre-filled syringe containing the medicine.
The correct size syringe and needle. Your caregiver should give you this information.
How do I inject medicine into subcutaneous tissue? Please read this section all the way through before giving the shot. It is important to get the general idea of what you are about to do before you begin. You may read this step-by-step procedure again as you do it.
SubQ shots can be given straight in at a 90 degree angle, or at a 45 degree angle. Give the shot straight in at a 90 degree angle if 2 inches of skin can be grasped between your thumb and first (index) finger. If only 1 inch of skin can be grasped, give the shot at a 45 degree angle.
Open the foil covering the first alcohol wipe.
Wipe the area where you plan to give the shot. Let the area dry.
Take the cover off the needle. Hold the syringe with your writing hand and pull the cover off with your other hand--like taking a cap off a pen.
If you will give the shot at a 45 degree angle, hold the syringe with your writing hand.
Place the syringe between your thumb and your index and second fingers. The needle should be pointing upwards or downwards at the 45 degree angle you plan to use.
If you will give the shot at a 90 degree angle, hold the syringe with your writing hand.
Hold the syringe under your thumb and first finger. Let the barrel of the syringe rest on your second finger. Many people hold a pen this way when they write.
Grasp the skin with the hand not holding the syringe. Holding the syringe barrel tightly with your writing hand, use your wrist to inject the needle. Sometimes the needle goes in easily. Some people have tougher skin and a little more pressure or quickness must be used.
Once the needle is all the way in, push the plunger down to inject the medicine.
Remove the needle at the same angle you put it in.
