Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs Teriparatide
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 →Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | Teriparatide |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. |
| 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. | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Teriparatide are commonly used for: