Somatropin
Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone)
Also known as: rhGH, HGH, Genotropin, Norditropin
FDA-approved recombinant human growth hormone used for growth hormone deficiency and several other approved indications.
Overview
Somatropin is biosynthetic human growth hormone, identical to the pituitary hormone. It is FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency in children and adults and for several other conditions such as Turner syndrome and short bowel syndrome. Unlike the secretagogues that prompt the body to release its own GH, somatropin is the hormone itself, given by injection. It is prescription only and misuse in sport is banned.
Mechanism of action
Directly activates growth hormone receptors, raising IGF-1 and driving growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic effects.
Key studies & citations
- Human1989
The effects of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone on body composition and metabolism in adults with growth hormone deficiency
Six months of rhGH in 24 GH-deficient adults raised lean mass by 5.5 kg and cut fat mass by 5.7 kg versus placebo, with no change in body weight.
New England Journal of Medicine - Review2011
Evaluation and treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline
Guideline: GH therapy benefits body composition, exercise capacity, skeletal integrity and quality of life in confirmed adult GH deficiency.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Frequently asked questions
Is somatropin the same as peptides like ipamorelin?
No. Somatropin is growth hormone itself. Secretagogues like ipamorelin instead prompt your own pituitary to release GH in natural pulses.