Growth hormoneEditorially reviewed · 30. Mai 2026

Somatropin (HGH)

Also known as Somatropin, HGH, rhGH et al.

prescription-onlyEvidence · clinically established2 studies citedWADA-listed

Structure · schematic

Peptide chain of 191 amino acids · Wachstumshormon

Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid (shown truncated).

Research areas*

Muscle growth
Metabolism
Anti-aging

* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.

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Mechanism of action

  • Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (hGH), a 191-amino-acid protein that matches the body's own pituitary growth hormone in structure and action.
  • It binds to the growth hormone receptor and mediates its effects partly directly and partly via the release of IGF-1, predominantly in the liver.
  • Described effects include longitudinal growth (in childhood), protein synthesis, lipolysis and carbohydrate metabolism.
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Research status

  • Somatropin is an established, approved medicine with decades of clinical experience.
  • Approved indications include growth hormone deficiency in children and adults and certain genetic syndromes.
  • Reviews address the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency and the benefits and risks of replacement therapy in adults.
  • Use for anti-aging or performance purposes is not approved and not scientifically supported.

Evidence level

PreclinicalEarly clinicalEstablished
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Cited studies

  1. 2021
    Growth hormone deficiency and replacement therapy in adults: Impact on survival
  2. 2023
    Diagnosis and testing for growth hormone deficiency across the ages: a global view of the accuracy, caveats, and cut-offs for diagnosis
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Known risks

  • 01Fluid retention, peripheral oedema, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • 02Arthralgia and myalgia
  • 03Insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk
  • 04Theoretical risk of promoting growth of pre-existing tumours
  • 05Acromegaly-like changes with long-term excess
  • 06Legal risk: WADA ban, ADBG/DmMV relevance
  • 07Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
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Frequently asked questions

What is Somatropin (HGH)?

Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (hGH), a 191-amino-acid protein that matches the body's own pituitary growth hormone in structure and action.

What type of peptide is Somatropin (HGH)?

Somatropin (HGH) belongs to the Growth hormone class.

Is Somatropin (HGH) legal in Germany?

Somatropin (HGH) is prescription-only in Germany and may only be obtained with a medical prescription. It is additionally relevant under the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV).

Where can I buy Somatropin (HGH)?

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Somatropin (HGH) is "prescription-only" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

Is Somatropin (HGH) banned in sport (WADA)?

Yes. Somatropin (HGH) is on the WADA Prohibited List and is therefore banned in competitive sport.

What are the known risks of Somatropin (HGH)?

Documented risks include: Fluid retention, peripheral oedema, carpal tunnel syndrome; Arthralgia and myalgia. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Somatropin (HGH)?

The evidence is classified as “clinically established”. 2 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Somatropin (HGH)?

Somatropin (HGH) has a molar mass of about 22124 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~3–4 hours (s.c.).

Which peptides are related to Somatropin (HGH)?

Closely related entries: CJC-1295, Tesamorelin, IGF-1, Sermorelin. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

Related entries

Legal status

Germany

prescription-only

Austria

prescription-only

Switzerland

prescription-only

EU

approved medicine

USA

prescription-only

Canada

prescription-only
WADA-listed · S2DmMV-relevant

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

Sources & methodology

  • 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
  • Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature.
  • Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.

Last editorially reviewed: 30 May 2026

Legal assessment

Somatropin is an approved, prescription-only medicine. As a growth hormone it is on the WADA Prohibited List (S2) and falls under the German Anti-Doping Act (ADBG) and the German Doping Agent Quantity Ordinance (DmMV). Possession of more than a minor quantity may be punishable; obtaining it without a prescription is illegal.

Important notice

This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.

This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.

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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.