Follistatin vs Gonadorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), supporting natural hormone production.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Gonadorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Binds to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, triggering pulsatile release of LH and FSH. This stimulates testicular or ovarian function and natural sex hormone production. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Men: 100-200mcg subcutaneously 2-3 times daily. Women (fertility): Per clinical protocol. HRT support: Often combined with other therapies. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Pulsatile administration mimics natural GnRH release patterns. Often used during or after testosterone therapy. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Headache, flushing, injection site reactions. In women may cause ovarian hyperstimulation. Generally well-tolerated. |
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