Human growth hormone, a natural hormone that declines with age, is promoted as a manufactured injection to restore a youthful physique. It adds lean tissue and removes fat, without improving strength or function in healthy older adults. Swelling, joint pain, hand numbness and rising blood sugar appear quickly; during serious acute illness it sharply raised death risk. Lifespan effects are unresolved; a confirmed shortage makes the balance considerably more favorable. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 | 120–200 ng/mL (middle of age-adjusted range) | Confirms dose; flags excess |
| Fasting glucose | 70–90 mg/dL | Detects GH-induced hyperglycemia |
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Tracks average glucose |
| Fasting insulin | 2–6 µIU/mL | Early insulin resistance |
| LDL cholesterol | < 100 mg/dL | Tracks lipid benefit |
| Free T4 | 1.0–1.5 ng/dL | Detects unmasked hypothyroidism |
| Morning cortisol | 10–18 µg/dL | Detects unmasked adrenal insufficiency |
| PSA (men) | < 1.5 ng/mL and stable | Screens IGF-1-driven prostate growth |
| Blood pressure and body weight | < 120/80 mmHg; weight stable | Detects fluid retention |
| DEXA body composition | No established target; rising lean mass and falling visceral fat versus own baseline | Measures main expected benefit |
Cadence: IGF-1 at 4–8 weeks after each dose change, then every 6 months; fasting glucose and HbA1c at 3 months, then every 6–12 months; lipids and free T4 at 6 months, then yearly; PSA and DEXA yearly; weight and home blood pressure weekly during the first 3 months