Pastor Peptide
← Encyclopedia Growth Hormone Secretagogues & Analogues

IGF-1

🔹 What is IGF-1?

Class: Naturally occurring peptide hormone, produced mainly in the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. Mechanism:

  • Drives cellular proliferation, differentiation, and repair in muscle, bone, and cartilage.
  • Enhances muscle protein synthesis, accelerating recovery and growth following training or injury.
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and supports broader glucose metabolism.

Primary focus:

  • Lean muscle development and accelerated recovery from injury.
  • Bone density support, relevant to osteoporosis and fracture recovery contexts.
  • General anti-aging and tissue longevity support as a downstream mediator of GH activity.

🔹 Note on IGF-1 vs. IGF-1 LR3: This entry covers native/recombinant IGF-1. IGF-1 LR3, covered separately on this site, is a modified long-acting analog engineered to resist binding proteins and remain active far longer in circulation. Native IGF-1 has a much shorter half-life and more closely mirrors the body’s natural GH-IGF-1 signaling pattern.

🔹 Oral Dosage: Not viable; IGF-1 is a peptide hormone and does not survive oral administration.

🔹 Injectable / Subcutaneous Dosage (only practical route) Range:

  • Commonly referenced doses are 50–100 mcg daily, often paired with GH or GH-secretagogue peptides for synergistic effect.

Frequency:

  • Daily dosing during an active protocol.

Rationale: Because native IGF-1 clears quickly, consistent daily dosing is used to maintain a steady anabolic and repair signal.

🔹 Cycle Length Common cycle length: 4–12 weeks depending on individual goals and response. Off-cycle: Breaks allow reassessment of insulin sensitivity and glucose markers before resuming.

🔹 Optimal Dosing Window

  • Post-workout dosing is commonly discussed to align with periods of heightened tissue repair demand.
  • Consistency of timing matters more than a specific clock-time rule.

✅ Educational Integration Example (injectable / subcutaneous)

  • Example protocol: 60 mcg subcutaneous daily for 6–8 weeks, paired with a GH secretagogue for synergistic anabolic support.
  • Blood glucose monitoring is a reasonable part of any such protocol given IGF-1’s insulin-like activity.

🔹 Stacking Strategy (Educational / Complementary) Since IGF-1 sits downstream of the GH axis, complementary stacks tend to focus on amplifying the same anabolic and recovery pathways: 🔸 GH-Axis Synergy:

  • CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Hexarelin: GH secretagogues that increase endogenous GH, which in turn drives natural IGF-1 production — a complementary rather than redundant approach.

🔸 Recovery & Tissue Repair:

  • BPC-157, TB-500: Support connective tissue and general recovery alongside IGF-1’s proliferative effects on muscle and cartilage.

🔸 Metabolic Monitoring Support:

  • Attention to glucose regulation is warranted given IGF-1’s insulin-like signaling, particularly when stacked with other metabolic compounds.

Rationale: IGF-1 amplifies the anabolic output of the GH axis; stacking aims to support that same axis and its downstream repair demands without stacking multiple strong insulin-mimetic agents simultaneously.

Studied in Humans? Yes

FDA Approved? Yes — as mecasermin (Increlex), approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency in a clinical pediatric context, distinct from general research/performance use.

Allowed for 503a Compounding Pharmacy? No

Disclaimer: Do not rely on any dosing information provided, this is for educational and research only. Always double and triple check alternative references for education. Please consult with healthcare provider for your specific dosing and protocol if applicable.