Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
Full details →SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. It has been studied extensively for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 200 mcg–2 mg | 20 mg–40 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | Concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it binds to cardiolipin, stabilizing electron transport chain function, reducing reactive oxygen species, and improving ATP production efficiency. |
| Typical Dosage | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Clinical trials have used IV infusions of 0.25mg/kg for acute conditions. Subcutaneous dosing protocols for research use typically range from 1-5mg daily. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Can be administered IV or subcutaneously. Most clinical research has used IV administration for cardiac conditions. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials reported injection site reactions and occasional headache. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), SS-31 (Elamipretide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Recovery & Healing: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger research support.
- Anti-Aging & Longevity: SS-31 (Elamipretide) has stronger research support.
| Goal | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery & Healing | high | medium |
| Anti-Aging & Longevity | medium | high |
Key Studies
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Transgenic Artifacts Caused by Passenger Human Growth Hormone.
Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM, 2018
- [Human growth hormone and Turner syndrome].
Anales de pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003), 2017
- Significance of the disulphide bonds of human growth hormone.
Endokrynologia Polska, 2013
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
- Elamipretide: First Approval.
Drugs, 2026
- Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction With Elamipretide (SS-31) Improves Skeletal Muscle Performance in a HFpEF Rat Model.
Circulation. Heart failure, 2026
- Elamipretide (SS-31) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Combination Therapy Targets TREM2 to Mitigate Post-ischemic Brain Injury in Mice.
Neurochemical research, 2026
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