A to Z / Growth hormone

Somatropin

Also known as rHGH, recombinant human growth hormone, HGH, Genotropin, Norditropin.

Best known for Human growth hormone itself, the benchmark for every secretagogue

Evidence★★★★★

Safety dataWell characterised

Route injectable (subcutaneous)

United StatesFDA approved

AustraliaSchedule 4 + Appendix D, clause 5

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone: the hormone itself, manufactured biotechnologically. It is an approved medicine with decades of clinical use.

It is in this book because every peptide in the growth hormone section is discussed in relation to it: “raises your own growth hormone”, “safer than HGH”, “the natural alternative”. Knowing what somatropin does, and its side effects, is the reference point for understanding those compounds.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with Sermorelin, Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 (with DAC), MK-677

Related entries

SermorelinThe GHRH analogue once approved, now compounded · Evidence ★★★★☆
TesamorelinThe only GHRH analogue with a current approval · Evidence ★★★★☆
CJC-1295 (with DAC)Half of the classic clinic growth hormone stack · Evidence ★★☆☆☆
MK-677The oral growth hormone secretagogue · Evidence ★★★☆☆

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about Somatropin. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.