- Somatropin (HGH) is a prescription drug in Canada for growth hormone deficiency and a few other conditions. It isn’t listed in the CDSA.
- In healthy adults, it reduces fat and adds lean mass that’s partly water; strength gains are small.
- Side effects include fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel and higher blood sugar.
- Counterfeit HGH is common; IGF-1 bloodwork is the practical way to check it’s working.
Human growth hormone has a near-mythical reputation for anti-aging, fat loss and muscle. Some of that is grounded in real effects; much of it isn’t. This guide explains what HGH is, how it’s used medically in Canada, what research shows in healthy adults, and the risks.
What is HGH?
Growth hormone is a 191-amino-acid protein made by the pituitary gland. It drives growth in childhood and regulates metabolism, body composition and tissue repair throughout life, mostly by triggering the liver to produce IGF-1. Pharmaceutical somatropin is made by recombinant DNA technology and is identical to the natural hormone.
Medical use in Canada
Somatropin is prescribed by specialists for growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease in children and some other conditions. Adult deficiency is confirmed with stimulation testing by an endocrinologist. Brands available by prescription in Canada include Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Omnitrope and Saizen. It’s expensive, and coverage depends on provincial and private plans.
Effects in healthy adults
Studies giving growth hormone to healthy adults consistently show:
- Less body fat, especially abdominal fat
- More lean body mass, partly from fluid
- Little or no improvement in strength on its own
Combined with testosterone, the body composition changes are larger. See testosterone vs HGH.
Side effects
- Fluid retention and swelling in hands and feet
- Joint and muscle aches; carpal tunnel symptoms (numb, tingling hands)
- Insulin resistance and higher blood sugar
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- With high doses over long periods: features of acromegaly (enlarged hands, feet and jaw) and organ growth
Anyone with diabetes, prediabetes or a history of cancer should not use growth hormone without specialist supervision.
IU, mg and mixing
HGH is measured in international units (IU); approximately 3 IU equals 1 mg. It comes as a powder that’s mixed with bacteriostatic water before injection under the skin. Unmixed, it’s best kept in the fridge; once mixed, it must be refrigerated and used within the period stated by the maker. Never shake the vial; swirl gently. Our peptides page has a mixing calculator.
Checking it works
Counterfeit and underdosed HGH is common. An IGF-1 blood test a few weeks in shows whether it’s having an effect: genuine HGH raises IGF-1. Also check fasting glucose or HbA1c. Book through your doctor or LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Legal status in Canada
Somatropin is a prescription drug in Canada. Unlike anabolic steroids, it isn’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It’s prohibited in sport, and dedicated blood tests can detect it.
Buying HGH in Canada
We stock Human Growth Hormone: 10 vials of 10 IU (100 IU total), with bacteriostatic water. See live prices on the peptides page, and our peptides guide for growth hormone-releasing peptides.
Frequently asked questions
Is HGH legal in Canada?
It’s a prescription drug, but it isn’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Does HGH build muscle?
In healthy adults it mainly reduces fat and adds lean mass that’s partly water. Strength gains on its own are small.
How many IU are in 1 mg of HGH?
Approximately 3 IU per mg.
How do I know if HGH is real?
An IGF-1 blood test after a few weeks of use shows whether it’s raising IGF-1 as genuine HGH should.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
