GROWTH HORMONE: The ULTIMATE Guide (Uses, Dosages, Biggest Mistakes)

Summary

In this RX Muscle supplement and science review, Dave Palumbo discusses the role of growth hormone (GH) in muscle growth and its distinction from anabolic steroids. He clarifies that GH, a peptide hormone, stimulates liver production of IGF-1 leading to muscle hyperplasia, rather than directly building muscle like steroids. Palumbo emphasizes the ideal dosage for GH, suggesting 1-2 IU per day for women and 2-5 IU for men, with 4 IU being optimal. He also addresses common questions about GH, including its timing and the need for insulin, warning of potential side effects like insulin resistance and fluid retention. The video aims to educate on the proper use and expectations from GH in bodybuilding.

Takeaways

• 💊 Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone, not a steroidal compound, and is naturally produced in the pituitary gland.
• 🏋️‍♂️ GH does not directly build muscle but stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, which contributes to muscle hyperplasia and recovery.
• 🚫 GH lacks masculinizing effects and is not as effective alone as it is when used synergistically with anabolic steroids.
• 👩‍🔬 Ideal GH dosage varies by gender, with women typically using 1-2 IU per day and men starting at 2 IU per day with a sweet spot around 4 IU for enhanced effects.
• ⏳ Consistent, long-term use of GH is more effective than short cycles of high dosage, aligning with the body's natural GH release patterns.
• 🚫 High GH dosages can lead to side effects like fluid retention, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
• 💉 The timing of GH administration is crucial; it's often best to take it in the morning to counteract the body's natural catabolic state.
• 🩸 Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential when using GH, as it can impact insulin sensitivity and overall health.
• 💊 The quality of GH matters; it's important to ensure the product is genuine and properly dosed to avoid underdosing or wasting money on ineffective fakes.
• ⚖️ Balancing GH and insulin use is key to maximizing muscle growth while minimizing health risks, especially for bodybuilders in the off-season.

Q & A

What is the difference between anabolic steroids and growth hormone?

Anabolic steroids are steroidal compounds related to testosterone, while growth hormone is a peptide hormone made from protein and does not have masculinizing effects.

How does growth hormone contribute to muscle growth?

Growth hormone indirectly stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, which causes muscle hyperplasia, the production of new muscle cells, and aids in recovery of muscle tissue broken down during exercise.

Why do bodybuilders take growth hormone?

Bodybuilders take growth hormone to stimulate the production of new muscle cells and aid in recovery, but it is more effective when used synergistically with anabolic steroids.

What is the recommended dosage of growth hormone for women?

For women, the ideal dosage of growth hormone is one to two International Units (IUs) per day to avoid unwanted facial bone growth.

What is the sweet spot dosage for growth hormone in adult men?

For adult men, a sweet spot dosage of growth hormone is about 1.5 to 2 IUs per day, with 2 IUs being effective and minimizing side effects.

What are some side effects of taking too much growth hormone?

Excessive growth hormone can lead to fluid retention, pins and needles in the hands, sleepiness during the day, increased blood pressure, and antagonistic effects on insulin, potentially causing insulin resistance.

Why is it important to monitor blood sugar levels when taking growth hormone?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is important because growth hormone can increase insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can strain the pancreas and lead to long-term health issues.

What is the role of insulin when taking growth hormone?

Insulin can be used to help manage blood sugar levels and support the body's ability to absorb nutrients, especially when taking growth hormone, which can increase insulin resistance.

How often should growth hormone be taken for optimal results?

Growth hormone is more effective when taken every day over longer periods rather than in short cycles of high doses, with the ideal dosage being two to five IUs per day.

What is the best time to take growth hormone injections?

It is recommended to take growth hormone in the morning to counteract the body's natural catabolic state and potentially after training to aid in muscle recovery.

How can one ensure they are getting real growth hormone and not a fake product?

One can use a growth hormone testing kit to verify the authenticity of the product, as there are many counterfeit products in the market.