An oral compound that raises the body's own growth hormone by mimicking the hunger hormone. The best-supported effect is a modest lean-mass gain in older adults, but these hormonal changes rarely improve strength, function, or thinking. Downsides include strong hunger, worse blood-sugar control, and fluid retention. Unapproved, unregulated, and banned in sport. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 | Mid-to-upper age-adjusted reference range; avoid exceeding the top of range | Confirms the compound is working and flags supraphysiological exposure |
| Fasting glucose | 70–90 mg/dL | Detects the expected worsening of blood-sugar control |
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Captures sustained glucose impairment missed by single readings |
| Fasting insulin / HOMA-IR | Fasting insulin < 6 µIU/mL; HOMA-IR < 1.5 | Detects insulin resistance before fasting glucose rises |
| ALT / AST | ALT < 25 U/L (men) / < 20 U/L (women) | Screens for the rare drug-induced liver injury reported with this compound |
| Blood pressure | < 120/80 mmHg | Monitors fluid-retention-related hypertension |
| Fasting lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) | LDL context-dependent; triglycerides < 90 mg/dL | Tracks the modest, inconsistent lipid effects |
Cadence: Baseline, then at 4 weeks, then every 3 months during use