In addition to the Instagram post about growth hormone, I'm providing a list of medications with my reviews of each. Let's start with recombinant growth hormone medications. I'll start by saying that this isn't theory, but rather practical experience. This may be news to some, but these medications are used by athletes, from amateurs to those you've seen on TV. The following medications are (or were) available on the Ukrainian pharmacy market:
1) Genotropin
2) Jintropin
3) Zomacton
4) Somatin
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Of these, the most popular and most expensive (approximately $100-150 for 16 IU) is Genotropin from Pfizer. This assessment is, of course, very subjective, but Genotropin produced more positive effects with fewer side effects when used at the same dose compared to other medications.
I'd give second place to Jintropin. Sly Stallone also likes this medication.
Unfortunately, the original Jintropin has disappeared from the Ukrainian market, and finding a genuine replacement is quite difficult.
I'd give third place to Zomacton and Somatin. Zomacton is made in Fering, Germany, and Somatin is made in Bila Tserkva. However, both apparently use the same technologies or materials from China. These medications sometimes cause increased intracranial pressure, which I haven't seen with the first two. They also require higher doses (probably because they're diluted). But domestic Somatin was dirt cheap; I remember prices as high as 300 UAH for 4 IU. That covered all its shortcomings. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, it's now gone from pharmacies and can only be purchased secondhand.
Peptides
All peptides available online are experimental drugs and not approved for human use . They are also likely made only in China. Therefore, the quality leaves much to be desired in some batches, and there are many counterfeits. BUT, despite all this, people buy and use them. The following peptides are available on the market that increase growth hormone levels:
— Ipamorelin (Ipamorelin)
— GHRP-6
— Hexarelin (Hexalerin)
— CJC-1295 (somatocrinin)
Of these, Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are the most effective. However, the former must be purchased pegylated (PEG). The latter has the prefix DAC. These are chemical modifications that extend the peptide's lifespan in the body. Without them, the immune system will simply destroy these peptides, thinking they are peptide poisons.
Speaking of which, peptides like these can cause a severe allergic reaction (similar to a wasp sting), so good luck to anyone who decides to use them—it's at their own risk! I don't recommend GHRP-6 and Hexarelin, as they can increase prolactin, cortisol, and insulin. Which isn't good.
Also, if you're a millionaire, you can buy the only official peptide for treating GH deficiency— tesamorelin (trade name Egrifta SV) . One course costs about $4,000, if I remember correctly. It was supposedly invented for HIV patients losing weight, but for those like me, it was clearly a ploy to make more money. Later, Hollywood stars and other wealthy people began using it. There was even a movie about it—"Dallas Buyers Club"—starring my favorite actor, Matthew McConaughey .
SARMs
There are only two SARMs here: Ibutamoren (lab code MK-677) and Anamorelin (lab code Ono-764). Both mimic hunger by interacting with the ghrelin receptor. This triggers the secretion of growth hormone. Essentially, they're the same peptides in action, but without the injections. These medications shouldn't be taken every day! They'll become addictive, and the effect will wear off within a week. Take them only between meals. For example, early in the morning, an hour and a half before eating. Or during work (ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is also a good nootropic). There are counterfeits, so check.
Epilogue
For someone with growth hormone deficiency, such drugs are expensive. Another problem is that recombinant growth hormones require frequent injections (daily or every other day), while peptides require less frequent injections (every 3-5 days), but this can lead to problems with the immune response. SARMs, however, don't produce significant GH secretion, so they can only be used to reduce the frequency of injections. A recombinant GH that can be injected once a week ( lonapegsomatropin-tcgd, Ascendis ) has recently appeared on the Western market. I think this is an excellent option, but it's currently unavailable to people from the former CIS and is likely quite expensive.
