Human Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone Secretagogues

aka hGH · rhGH · Somatropin

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Formula

MW (Da)

Half-life

~20–30 min (IV); 2–3 hours (SC)

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Overview

"Human growth hormone" in modern therapeutics refers to recombinant somatropin. Approved somatropin products such as Omnitrope cover pediatric growth hormone deficiency, Prader–Willi syndrome, small-for-gestational-age children, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and adult growth hormone deficiency. It is one of the most well-characterized peptide hormone therapies in modern endocrinology.

Mechanism

Somatropin binds a dimeric GH receptor on target-cell membranes and triggers intracellular signaling, primarily through JAK2/STAT5. Many pharmacodynamic effects — especially skeletal growth and protein synthesis — are mediated by IGF-1 produced in the liver and peripheral tissues. Some actions, such as lipolysis, reflect more direct GH effects on adipocytes. The clinically relevant biology is dose- and indication-specific, with dose ranges very different for pediatric growth indications vs adult replacement.

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Reported benefits

Stimulation of linear growth in pediatric GH-related disorders

Labels identify stimulation of linear growth as the primary, best-studied effect of somatropin, with documented efficacy across pediatric short-stature syndromes including GHD, PWS, SGA, Turner syndrome, and idiopathic short stature.

[hgh-omnitrope-label]

clinical

Adult growth hormone deficiency replacement

In adults with documented GH deficiency, somatropin replacement is FDA-approved and improves body composition, lipid profiles, and quality of life when properly titrated to IGF-1 and clinical response.

[hgh-omnitrope-label]

clinical

Mechanism: GH receptor and IGF-1 axis

GH binds its dimeric receptor and drives both direct anabolic / lipolytic effects and indirect effects via hepatic IGF-1 production, providing a clear, validated mechanistic basis for the approved indications.

[hgh-omnitrope-label]

clinical

Reported side effects

Fluid retention, arthralgia, myalgia, carpal tunnel
clinical
Adults commonly develop fluid retention with edema, joint and muscle pain, and carpal tunnel symptoms, typically dose dependent and improved with dose reduction.
Reduced insulin sensitivity and new diabetes
clinical
Somatropin reduces insulin sensitivity and can unmask or precipitate type 2 diabetes in susceptible patients. Glucose monitoring is part of normal management.
Intracranial hypertension, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, neoplasm concerns
clinical
Intracranial hypertension typically appears within the first 8 weeks of therapy. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a recognized pediatric risk. Increased second-neoplasm concern in previously irradiated childhood-cancer survivors. Somatropin is contraindicated in active malignancy and in certain severely affected Prader–Willi patients (severe obesity, severe respiratory impairment).

Dosing notes

Pediatric dosing is indication-specific: 0.16–0.24 mg/kg/week for pediatric GHD, 0.24 mg/kg/week for Prader–Willi, up to 0.48 mg/kg/week for SGA, 0.33 mg/kg/week for Turner syndrome, and up to 0.47 mg/kg/week for idiopathic short stature — each divided into 6–7 subcutaneous injections weekly. Adults start at ≤0.04 mg/kg/week or about 0.15–0.30 mg/day, with titration to clinical response and IGF-1.

Research use only. Information on this page is editorial reference, not medical or dosing advice. Always consult qualified medical guidance before use.

Storage

Omnitrope is refrigerated at 2-8°C, protected from light, and not frozen. Cartridges are generally discarded after 28 days of in-use refrigeration. Reconstituted 5.8 mg vials are used within 21 days; the solution should be swirled gently, not shaken. Storage details vary by brand — always defer to the specific somatropin label in use.

Vendors carrying Human Growth Hormone

No approved vendors are listing this peptide yet. Check back later or browse the full vendor directory.

Discussion

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References

[hgh-omnitrope-label]
Omnitrope (somatropin) prescribing information
Sandoz · DailyMed
Source

Reported benefits

Stimulation of linear growth in pediatric GH-related disorders

Adult growth hormone deficiency replacement

Mechanism: GH receptor and IGF-1 axis

Fluid retention, arthralgia, myalgia, carpal tunnel

Reduced insulin sensitivity and new diabetes

Intracranial hypertension, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, neoplasm concerns

Discussion