Tesamorelin: The Safer, Smarter Growth Hormone Alternative (Plus My 2-Week Results)
How this peptide boosted my GH 35-fold without the side effects of GH.
The Problem with GH
Growth hormone (GH) has its place in performance and longevity circles, but it comes with baggage—namely, insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar, and potential long-term risks like organ growth and cancer promotion (but mainly at higher doses). I wanted the benefits of high IGF-1, but without the side effects.
IGF-1:
Increases LH receptors in the Leydig cells
Stimulates 5-alpha reductase. DHT upregulates 5AR, and the mechanism of action is by increasing IGF-1. Blocking the IGF-1 receptor prevents DHT from increasing 5AR.
Increasing androgen receptors
Prevent mitochondrial dysfunction
Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis (more mitochondria)
Stimulates mitophagy (mitochondrial autophagy - the process of removing damaged mitochondria, which is important for maintaining mitochondrial health and function and extending health span.
Decreases cell senescence, prevents DNA telomere shortening, and reduces mitochondrial DNA damage, suggesting an anti-aging effect.
Reduces free radical production and increases anti-oxidant enzymes like catalase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase.
Enhances thyroid hormone production
Promotes hair growth and enhances skin health (elasticity, thickness, hydration, etc.)
Leans out the liver
Enter tesamorelin.
It’s a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and it's one of the cleanest ways to stimulate your own GH and IGF-1 production without disrupting metabolic homeostasis.
I decided to test it for 2 weeks at 2mg/day to see how it would affect my GH/IGF-1 axis. But before I dive into my experience, let’s look at the science.