Growth hormone secretagogues
IGF-1
Written by the Elevate Clinical Team
Citations independently verified against PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA sources on . Independent clinical review pending.
Also known as Insulin-like growth factor 1, somatomedin C
The downstream growth factor that growth-hormone therapy is titrated against, and the single most useful lab marker for anyone on a GH-axis protocol.
What it is
IGF-1 is a hormone produced mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone. Because growth hormone is released in pulses and clears quickly, IGF-1 — which is stable across the day — is what clinicians actually measure to judge how much growth-hormone signaling a person is getting. Analogs such as IGF-1 LR3 are separate research compounds and are not the same thing as measuring or supporting your own IGF-1.
What it's studied for
- Muscle protein synthesis and satellite-cell activity
- Connective tissue and bone turnover
- As a monitoring marker during growth-hormone and secretagogue therapy
- Associations between lifetime IGF-1 exposure and age-related disease risk
How it's used in practice
- Measured at baseline and again after starting sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295 or tesamorelin
- Dosing of GH-axis peptides is titrated to keep IGF-1 in an age-appropriate range, not maximized
- Interpreted alongside fasting glucose, HbA1c and insulin rather than in isolation
What you should know before asking about it
- Injectable IGF-1 analogs are research use only, not FDA-approved, and not prescribed as medical care here
- Chronically elevated IGF-1 is associated with adverse long-term outcomes, which is why we titrate down as readily as up
- Anyone with an active or prior cancer diagnosis should treat GH-axis therapy as contraindicated pending physician review
- Prohibited in competitive sport
Frequently asked questions.
- What is IGF-1?
- IGF-1 is a hormone produced mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone. Because growth hormone is released in pulses and clears quickly, IGF-1 — which is stable across the day — is what clinicians actually measure to judge how much growth-hormone signaling a person is getting. Analogs such as IGF-1 LR3 are separate research compounds and are not the same thing as measuring or supporting your own IGF-1.
- What is IGF-1 studied for?
- Published and ongoing research looks at muscle protein synthesis and satellite-cell activity; connective tissue and bone turnover; as a monitoring marker during growth-hormone and secretagogue therapy; associations between lifetime IGF-1 exposure and age-related disease risk. These are areas of study, not promised outcomes.
- Is IGF-1 FDA-approved?
- IGF-1 has not been evaluated by the FDA. Elevate Chicago lists it for education and research reference only — it is not prescribed as medical care and is not intended for human consumption.
- How is IGF-1 typically used?
- Measured at baseline and again after starting sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295 or tesamorelin Dosing of GH-axis peptides is titrated to keep IGF-1 in an age-appropriate range, not maximized Interpreted alongside fasting glucose, HbA1c and insulin rather than in isolation Any specific dose, frequency or duration comes from a prescription written for you after labs — never from this page.
- What are the risks and unknowns with IGF-1?
- Injectable IGF-1 analogs are research use only, not FDA-approved, and not prescribed as medical care here Chronically elevated IGF-1 is associated with adverse long-term outcomes, which is why we titrate down as readily as up Anyone with an active or prior cancer diagnosis should treat GH-axis therapy as contraindicated pending physician review Prohibited in competitive sport
Sources
- 1.Published literature on IGF-1 Insulin-like growth factor 1, somatomedin C— PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- 2.Compounding and the FDA: questions and answers— U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 3.Bulk drug substances nominated for use in compounding under section 503A— U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 4.Test directory and patient service center locator— Quest Diagnostics
About this page
Written by the Elevate Clinical Team
Citations independently verified against PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA sources on . Independent clinical review pending. Educational content only — not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any prescription product.
This page is educational reference material. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell any product. Prescription therapies are dispensed only through licensed, FDA-registered compounding pharmacies after a physician evaluation. Compounds identified as research use only are not FDA-approved, are not prescribed as medical care, and are not intended for human or animal consumption. Availability, formulations and regulatory status change over time.
More in Growth hormone secretagogues
Sermorelin
A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that prompts your own pituitary output rather than replacing it.
Ipamorelin
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue studied for GH release without meaningful cortisol or prolactin rise.
CJC-1295
A GHRH analog with extended half-life, studied to raise baseline growth-hormone and IGF-1 signaling.