Hormones & TRT/HRT Adjuncts

HGH 191AA (Somatropin)

Also known as HGH 191AA · Human Growth Hormone · Somatropin · 191 amino acid HGH · recombinant HGH

Clinically studiedSubcutaneous injectionFDA-approved as a prescription-only finished drug under multiple brand names for specific indications (growth hormone deficiency, certain pediatric short-stature conditions, HIV-associated wasting, short bowel syndrome). It is not a controlled substance, but under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 333(e)) distribution or possession with intent to distribute growth hormone for non-medical uses (such as anti-aging or athletic performance) is a federal offense. Because somatropin is an FDA-approved finished drug rather than a compounding bulk substance, it is largely outside the scope of the April 2026 FDA 503A/503B bulks-list changes affecting compounded peptides. Prohibited at all times in sport by WADA (S2.2, peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics).

Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone with a 191-amino-acid sequence identical to the growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland (distinct from the secretagogues that prompt the body to release its own growth hormone). Unlike most compounds discussed in this space, it is supplied as the hormone itself and has a long, well-established clinical record, with multiple FDA-approved brand-name products (such as Genotropin, Norditropin, Humatrope, Saizen, Omnitrope, Serostim, and Zorbtive). It is approved for specific conditions including growth failure from inadequate growth hormone in children and growth hormone deficiency in adults, with additional approvals for HIV-associated wasting and short bowel syndrome. Its effects on growth, body composition, and metabolism are mediated largely through growth hormone signaling and downstream IGF-1. Non-medical use for anti-aging, bodybuilding, or athletic performance is not an FDA-approved use and is subject to unusually strict federal restrictions.

Studied / used for

FDA-approved for growth failure due to inadequate endogenous growth hormone in children
FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency in adults (e.g., from pituitary or hypothalamic disease, surgery, radiation, or trauma)
FDA-approved for HIV-associated wasting or cachexia (Serostim)
FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome in adults receiving nutritional support (Zorbtive)
FDA-approved for short stature in conditions such as Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, SHOX deficiency, and children born small for gestational age

Commonly reported side effects

Fluid retention and peripheral edema (swelling of hands or feet) commonly reported
Joint and muscle pain (arthralgia, myalgia) and stiffness commonly reported
Paresthesia (tingling or numbness) and carpal tunnel syndrome commonly reported
Injection-site reactions and headache commonly reported
Effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity noted in product labeling; rare serious hypersensitivity reactions reported post-marketing

Clinically studied. Supported by human clinical trials. This reflects the strength of the research base, not effectiveness or a recommendation.

Not medical advice.

This is an educational reference. Peptalk does not recommend, prescribe, endorse, or rate any compound, and provides no dosing information. Do not start, stop, or change any peptide, hormone, supplement, or therapy based on this page. All clinical decisions must be made with your licensed healthcare provider.

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