Peptide Comparison
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)vsIGF-1 LR3
The master hormone that acts as your body's repair crew—building lean muscle, burning stubborn fat, strengthening bones, and helping you recover like you did in your younger years.
A supercharged version of your body's own growth factor that stays active 2-3 times longer than regular IGF-1, making it a powerhouse for muscle growth, recovery, and cellular regeneration.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
1–4 IU
IGF-1 LR3
20–100 mcg
Frequency
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Once daily
IGF-1 LR3
Once daily
Administration
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Subcutaneous injection
IGF-1 LR3
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
12+ weeks
IGF-1 LR3
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
IGF-1 LR3
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence Level
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
IGF-1 LR3
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Body Composition
Recovery & Healing
Anti-Aging Effects
Muscle Growth
Recovery Speed
Nutrient Utilization
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Molecular Formula
C990H1529N263O299S7
Molecular Weight
22,124 Da (22.124 kDa)
Half-Life
2-4 hours (endogenous), varies by formulation for synthetic
Bioavailability
70-90% (subcutaneous injection)
CAS Number
12629-01-5
IGF-1 LR3
Molecular Formula
C400H625N111O115S9
Molecular Weight
9111.4 g/mol
Half-Life
20-30 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly
CAS Number
946870-92-4
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
IGF-1 LR3
Applications
Best
suited for
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Anti-Aging and Longevity Seekers
HGH naturally declines as you age—by 60, you may have only 20% of what you had at 20. Replacement therapy can help restore youthful energy, improve skin quality, maintain muscle mass, and support overall vitality. Think of it as giving your body back the building blocks it's been missing.
Body Recomposition Goals
HGH is one of the few compounds that helps you build lean muscle while simultaneously burning fat. It enhances protein synthesis for muscle growth while mobilizing fat stores for energy. The result? A leaner, more muscular physique—especially when combined with proper training and nutrition.
Recovery and Healing
Whether you're recovering from surgery, a sports injury, or just intense training, HGH accelerates tissue repair. It promotes collagen synthesis, speeds wound healing, and helps tendons and ligaments recover faster. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts particularly value this benefit.
Sleep Quality Improvement
Many HGH users report significantly better sleep—falling asleep faster, sleeping deeper, and waking up feeling more refreshed. This makes sense because growth hormone is naturally released in pulses during deep sleep. Better sleep means better recovery, mood, and cognitive function.
IGF-1 LR3
Serious Muscle Builders
If you're pushing hard in the gym and want to maximize every rep, IGF-1 LR3 helps your muscles grow through both hypertrophy (bigger cells) AND hyperplasia (more cells). That's a one-two punch that few other compounds offer.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Train hard, recover faster. IGF-1 LR3 accelerates tissue repair and reduces the time you need between intense sessions. It's particularly valuable during high-volume training blocks or when preparing for competition.
Body Recomposition Goals
Looking to build muscle while losing fat? IGF-1 LR3 helps shuttle nutrients into muscle cells while improving how your body uses fat for fuel. Combined with proper diet, it supports that lean, muscular physique.
Post-Injury Rehabilitation
IGF-1 is your body's natural repair signal. The LR3 version stays active longer, potentially helping injured tissues heal more completely. Athletes recovering from muscle strains or tears may find it particularly beneficial.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Common
- Water retention and swelling
- Joint and muscle pain
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Headaches
Uncommon
- Elevated blood sugar
- Gynecomastia (in men)
Serious
- Intracranial hypertension
IGF-1 LR3
Common
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Headaches
Uncommon
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Numbness or tingling
Serious
- Severe hypoglycemia
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Recombinant human growth hormone has been FDA-approved since 1985 and has extensive safety data from decades of clinical use. When used at appropriate replacement doses, it has a well-established safety profile. Most side effects are dose-dependent and reversible by reducing the dose. Long-term monitoring of blood sugar, IGF-1 levels, and overall health markers is recommended.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xDiabetic retinopathy (eye damage from diabetes)
- xSevere respiratory illness or breathing problems
- xKnown hypersensitivity to growth hormone or any excipients
- xClosed epiphyses in children when used for growth
IGF-1 LR3
Evidence Level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
IGF-1 LR3 has been extensively studied in research settings and shows a predictable side effect profile when used responsibly. The primary concern is hypoglycemia, which is manageable with proper nutrition timing. Long-term safety data in humans is limited since it's used as a research compound. Joint discomfort and water retention are generally mild and resolve when cycling off.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xDiabetic retinopathy or uncontrolled diabetes
- xKnown hypersensitivity to IGF-1 or related peptides
- xChildren and adolescents (can affect growth plates)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Human Growth Hormone (HGH) if...
- Body recomposition (building muscle while losing fat)
- Anti-aging and longevity
- Recovery from injury or surgery
- Improved sleep quality
Choose IGF-1 LR3 if...
- Muscle growth and hypertrophy
- Post-workout recovery
- Body recomposition
- Athletic performance enhancement