INSULIN LIKE GROWTH HORMONE 1 (IGF-1)

The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) is one of the endocrine hormones that is produced in the liver. The release of this hormone increases in the presence of Human Growth Hormone. Numerous cells throughout the muscles of the human body are equipped with cell receptors that have a high affinity for Insulin-like Growth Factor. This makes this hormone one of the best growth hormones and a facilitator of general cell growth, which it does by targeting different specific tissues, and in more autocrine cell communication processes, it facilitates cell division.

Optimal IGF-1 and growth hormone levels are crucial to bone development during childhood and throughout adult life.

Read on to learn about the additional benefits of IGF-1, proper dosage, and potential side effects. 

Optimal IGF-1 levels

Optimal Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 levels include:

• Improved protein synthesis in the body
• Fat storage is channeled for energy production, which results in a noticeable fat loss.
• Positive effects on metabolism, increasing lean body mass and decreasing fat
• Increased regenerative properties of the body’s nerve tissues
• Upregulated antioxidant benefit and ligament strength
• Improved hyperplasia in muscle cells, which leads to fuller muscle tissues.
• Improved cognitive function

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IGF-1 LR3 and how is it different from regular IGF-1?

IGF-1 LR3 is a modified, synthetic version of IGF-1, a growth hormone your liver naturally produces. The "LR3" version has 13 extra amino acids added (making it "Long") and one amino acid swapped at position 3 (arginine replaces glutamic acid).

These changes make it much more powerful and longer-lasting. Regular IGF-1 stays active for about 12-15 hours and gets quickly bound by proteins in your blood. IGF-1 LR3 stays active for 20-30 hours and remains "free" to work on your tissues, making it about 2-3 times more potent than regular IGF-1.

What are the benefits of IGF-1 LR3?

Muscle Growth: Unlike steroids that just enlarge existing cells, IGF-1 LR3 encourages creation of new muscle cells (hyperplasia), potentially leading to more sustainable gains.

Fat Loss: It helps your body burn fat for energy while building muscle, creating a "leaning out" effect.

Faster Recovery: Speeds up tissue repair and reduces inflammation for quicker bounce-back from workouts or injuries.

Other reported benefits: Improved skin elasticity, better wound healing, stronger connective tissues, and increased energy.

How long does it take to see results from IGF-1 LR3?

Early effects (1-2 weeks): Improved muscle fullness, better recovery, less soreness, increased energy.

Noticeable changes (2-4 weeks): Visible improvements in muscle definition, fat loss, and body composition. Strength increases become apparent.

Optimal results (4-6 weeks): Most pronounced effects appear. Research suggests effects comparable to 3-6 months of growth hormone in 2-4 weeks.

Can IGF-1 LR3 be stacked with other peptides?

Yes, IGF-1 LR3 is commonly stacked with other peptides to enhance results. Popular combinations include:

IGF-1 LR3 + Growth Hormone Secretagogues (like CJC-1295 or Ipamorelin): This creates both systemic and localized growth signals. The secretagogues boost your natural growth hormone production while IGF-1 LR3 provides direct muscle-building effects.

IGF-1 LR3 + BPC-157 or TB-500: Excellent for recovery and injury repair. BPC-157 supports gut and soft tissue healing, while TB-500 enhances blood flow and reduces inflammation. This combination is ideal for addressing injuries or chronic pain.

IGF-1 LR3 + MK-677: MK-677 stimulates natural growth hormone release, creating synergy with IGF-1 LR3's direct tissue effects.

Important considerations: When stacking, watch for overlapping side effects like hypoglycemia and water retention. Work with a healthcare provider to monitor your response. Stacking increases both potential benefits and risks, so proper medical supervision is essential.

What are the side effects and risks?

Common side effects:

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Dizziness, shakiness, sweating, weakness—the biggest concern. Always eat carbs around injection time. Injection site pain, redness, swelling are possible. Higher doses may lead to water retention, bloating, joint/muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue.

It is highly debated that IGF-1 can increase the size of a tumor in cancer patients. Even though this factor might be true in patients with existing cancer cases, IGF-1 does not cause cancer when used safely. In fact, the human body requires IGF-1 to regulate heart functions, brain cell stimulation and to improve the functioning of the nervous system.

IGF-1 Vs HGH

When we check on facts, the growth hormone is actually a precursor to the IGF-1, but why choose IGF-1 over the Growth Hormones? Growth Hormones do not cause direct muscle growth but facilitate muscle growth by signaling the release of the IGF-1.

Human Growth Hormone can be very difficult to obtain. To have it prescribed to you by a physician, you have to be diagnosed with Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Syndrome. You must take and fail a Growth Hormone Stimulation Test, which indicates that your body is not producing growth hormone in response to a stimulus. This makes IGF-1 and its variants a much more viable solution for an athlete, someone losing to drop body fat, or even those looking to get back into shape.

Changes in Weight During IGF-1 Therapy

The weight gain you will experience from using IGF-1 is not due to water weight. All your weight gain will be caused by actual muscle growth, which is a long-term effect.

Compared to steroids which are overly known for putting on water weight and often leading to adverse side effects, you will acquire solid muscle gain after every one or two weeks, composed of actual heavy muscle.

The most important feature of IGF-1 is its ability to cause hyperplasia in the human body. The body of a person who is on steroids goes through hypertrophy; this means that they will only be increasing the size of the existing cells in their muscles. Instead, IGF-1 leads to hyperplasia, which promotes the growth and development of new muscle cells.

IGF-1 Therapy Consultations

If you have additional questions about growth hormone therapy or if you would like to be tested for your levels of IGF-1, call 480-839-4131 to schedule your consultation with one of our licensed physicians and transformyou today.

All patients always work directly with one of our licensed physicians to ensure patient safety and confidentiality.

It is important to remember that any program or treatment we offer at transformyou carrying the phrase 'Anti-Aging’ is not intended to stop or prevent one from aging. Rather, our services and products are designed to help individuals effectively manage and navigate the aging process, yielding the best possible levels of health and wellness.

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Research

Miescher I, Rieber J, Calcagni M, Buschmann J. In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of IGF-1 Delivery Strategies on Tendon Healing: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 25;24(3):2370. doi: 10.3390/ijms24032370. PMID: 36768692; PMCID: PMC9916536.

Garoufalia Z, Papadopetraki A, Karatza E, Vardakostas D, Philippou A, Kouraklis G, Mantas D. Insulin-like growth factor-I and wound healing, a potential answer to non-healing wounds: A systematic review of the literature and future perspectives. Biomed Rep. 2021 Aug;15(2):66. doi: 10.3892/br.2021.1442. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34155450; PMCID: PMC8212444.

Lu H, Huang D, Saederup N, Charo IF, Ransohoff RM, Zhou L. Macrophages recruited via CCR2 produce insulin-like growth factor-1 to repair acute skeletal muscle injury. FASEB J. 2011;25:358–369. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-171579.

Antoine Salzmann, Sarah-Naomi James, Dylan M Williams, Marcus Richards, Dorina Cadar, Jonathan M Schott, William Coath, Carole H Sudre, Nishi Chaturvedi, Victoria Garfield, Investigating the Relationship Between IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 Concentrations and Later-Life Cognition and Brain Volume, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 106, Issue 6, June 2021, Pages 1617–1629.

Provenzano PP, Alejandro-Osorio AL, Grorud KW, Martinez DA, Vailas AC, Grindeland RE, Vanderby R Jr. Systemic administration of IGF-I enhances healing in collagenous extracellular matrices: evaluation of loaded and unloaded ligaments. BMC Physiol. 2007 Mar 26;7:2. doi: 10.1186/1472-6793-7-2. PMID: 17386107; PMCID: PMC1851714.

Scavo LM, Karas M, Murray M, Leroith D. Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates both cell growth and lipogenesis during differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89:3543-3553.

Higashi Y, Quevedo HC, Tiwari S, et al. The interaction between IGF-1, atherosclerosis and vascular aging. Front Horm Res. 2014;43:107-124

Higashi Y, Pandey A, Goodwin B, Delafontaine P. Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Regulates Glutathione Peroxidase Expression and Activity in Vascular Endothelial Cells: Implications for Atheroprotective Actions of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013;1832:391–399.

Kasemkijwattana C, Menetrey J, Bosch P, Somogyi G, Moreland MS, Fu FH, Buranapanitkit B, Watkins SS, Huard J. Use of growth factors to improve muscle healing after strain injury. Clin Orthop. 2000;370:272–285.

Schiaffino S, Mammucari C. Regulation of skeletal muscle growth by the IGF1-Akt/PKB pathway: insights from genetic models. Skelet Muscle. 2011;1(1):4. Published 2011 Jan 24. doi:10.1186/2044-5040-1-4

Junilla RK, List EO, Berryman DE,et al. The GH/IGF-1 axis in aging and longevity. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2013;9(6):366-76

Cappola AR, Bandeen-Roche K, Wand GS, et al. Association of IGF-1 levels with muscle strength and mobility in older women.

Aguirre GA, Rodriguez J, de la Garza RG, et al. Insulin-like growth factor-1 deficiency and metabolic syndrome. J Transl Med. 2016;14:3.

Kawai M, Rosen CJ. The IGF-I regulatory system and its impact on skeletal and energy homeostasis. J Cell Biochem. 2010;111(1):14-19. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(9):4139-46.