IGF-1 or insulin like growth factor-1 is a hormone similar in structure like insulin. It is an endocrine hormone produced by liver and is primarily responsible for growth. This works in tandem with the growth hormones in the body to reproduce and regenerate cells. In other words we can say that these act as powerful precursor to cell growth. This hormone is of great interest to body builders and athletes as well as they promote muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia. In other words one can say that it boosts the muscle mass by formation of new muscle cells.
The IGF-1 hormone comes in two variants i.e. IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES. These are basically the modifications of the base protein and are more potent. The base variant i.e. IGF-1 has a very short half life of less than 10 minutes hence it was modifies to produce the above variants. The former has a half life of a day and the later around 30 mins. When we talk about the IGF-1 we are actually referring to IGF-1 L3 as out of the two it possesses superior qualities and can circulate around the body for a longer time frame. Whereas IGF1-DES can be used as site specific injections owing to a shorter half life. Here are some helpful insights.
IGF-1L3 cycle
The IGF-1L3 cycle can be taken for a time period of roughly four weeks with a daily dose of 50-150mcg. This is generally injected intramuscularly and site specific injections are not required. If we stack the IGF-1L3 with other androgenic steroids, results could be enhanced to a great extent. For administering IGF-1 DES a dosage of 20-40mcg per day would be sufficient. Now since these are site specific it is important to split the dosage for both sides of the body muscles.
There are various other advantages associated with the use of IGF-1 like it may have anti aging properties by promoting new cell growth in the brain. It also increases anti oxidants thereby protecting the cells exposed to radiation. This can be a potential hindrance in case of cancer as they may shield the cancer cells. It also decreases inflammation and auto immune diseases thereby delaying the onset of disease. Research conducted on animal models has shown that administering IGF-1 greatly improves memory and learning. In other studies it also has shown to be acting as an anti depressant.
Medical conditions like muscle wastage can be treated by using the hormone. Infusion of IGF-1 also helps maintain a good balance of blood sugars by improving the insulin sensitivity and lowering triglycerides. These are also good for the skin (protection against aging) and immune system( increase in natural killer cell activity).
IGF-1 might be a very powerful hormone but it comes with its own share of side effects as well. High doses could potentially cause hypoglycaemia and even increased tumour size in cancer patients but however these do not cause cancer. Another side effect is that it sometimes can cause enlargement of internal organs. Apart from these there are certain mild side effects like headache and nausea which are likely to arise if the hormone is abused.
