What Is IGF-1 LR3?
Insulin-Life Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone essential for development during puberty, and is responsible for anabolism, bone strength, neurological preservation, and overall health.
IGF-1 is also one of the most anabolic hormones in the body, which is why many athletes and bodybuilders use it.
IGF-1 LR3 is one of the two forms of injectable IGF-1, IGF-1 DES being the other. It is the longer lasting of the two and yields promising properties like hyperplasia, fat loss, stronger bones, better sleep, skin, anti-inflammation properties and increased muscle growth.
This article is a comprehensive guide and breakdown of IGF-1 LR3 in the sense of performance enhancement. It is based on the latest academic data as well as the analysis of hundreds upon hundreds of anecdotal reports and experiences online. Enjoy.
Benefits [1][A]
The benefits of supraphysiological IGF-1 via IGF-1 LR3 administration are many, but the main performance enhancing properties bodybuilders and athletes are after include:
- Increased Muscle Growth
- Increased Strength
- Increased Bone Density
- Hyperplasia
- Fat Loss
- Improved Sleep
- Better Skin
- Better Hair
- Anti-aging
- Anti Inflammation
The most interesting thing about injectable IGF-1 (IGF-1 LR3) is that it can lead to gains on a specific injection site.
This means that whatever muscle one injects IGF-1 LR3 into, would experience a higher degree of growth than the rest.
The logic behind this is the natural way of IGF-1 secretion. Your body secretes IGF-1 from many tissues, and its actions are determined by the secretory site.
If you inject IGF-1, it makes sense that the effects be localized, like they are under natural conditions.
This occurrence has also been consistent across many of the anecdotal reports I’ve seen.
On the other hand, many others claim that IGF-1 LR3 did nothing for them. This may be attributed to the fact that, unfortunately, IGF-1 LR3 and IGF-1 DES are two of the most faked and expensive peptides on the market.
P.S. Legit IGF-1 LR3 is scarce and costly. These are my recommended sources for the highest quality IGF-1 LR3 available:
- Use: “POP10” for 10% OFF (Highest Possible)
Side Effects [1][A]
High IGF-1 levels are linked with cancer.
But it’s unclear whether IGF-1 actively causes certain types of cancer, or if it simply accelerates the growth of existing tumors (which it does).
Other side effects include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Headaches
- Hyperandrogenism
- Snoring
- Joint Pain
- Acromegaly (For Extended HIGH Dose Use)
The extent of these side effects is heavily dependent on the dose, but also on a user’s individual response, genetics, lifestyle, etc.
Most people don’t experience any of these side effects, but just to be safe, I always recommend starting with a small dose and working up.
If you work your way up from a small dose you’ll know in advance if you are prone to any of these side effects before fully experiencing them.
Proper Usage & Dosage Protocol
IGF-1 LR3 has a half-life of 20 – 30 hours. It is injected once a day, at the same time every day. Ideally in the morning after breakfast.
Or, if you’re fasting after lunch or dinner.
The recommended dose range is:
- 50-150mcg/day
The standard cycling protocol that most users tend to run is 6 weeks on, followed by 20 – 40 days off, before starting again.
So, 6 weeks on, 3 to 6 weeks off.
It’s also recommended that you consume a bit of protein and carbs 30 minutes to an hour before your daily dose.
That’s it.
Now, about properly administering it.
Administration
IGF-1 LR3 is administered subcutaneously into any fleshy part of your body, typically the lower belly fat area.
Alternatively, it can also be administered intramuscularly (like AAS).
Subcutaneous injections are preferred by most and are easier and less painful to do.
So here’s how to do one with IGF-1 LR3:
- Get a clean and sterile syringe and needle: I recommend using 31G, 8-12mm needles for subcutaneous injections
- Hold the IGF-1 LR3 vial upright and insert the syringe into the bottle at a 90-degree angle
- Turn the vial and needle upside down with the syringe and needle inside until it is completely vertical
- Draw out your desired amount, while making sure no major air bubbles form, and remove the syringe
- Chances are there will be a few small bubbles that you can get rid of by pointing the needle upwards and carefully pushing them out
- Clean the injection site with alcohol
- Pinch and lift up the skin of the injection area with two fingers, essentially grabbing a fold of skin/fat
- Hold the needle at a 90-degree, or 45-degree angle if you are low body fat, and gently insert the needle into the fold of skin/fat you are pinching
- Slowly press the plunger of the syringe and inject the IGF-1 LR3
- Swiftly remove the needle, and dispose of it accordingly
- Massage the injection site with an alcohol wipe for a few minutes
- Success, you made it!
Conclusion
Whilst many peptides and GH secretagogues increase IGF-1 significantly, some users prefer to inject it in the form of IGF-1 LR3.
IGF-1 LR3 is very popular, and many users use it for recovering from injuries, and prepping for events, shows, competitions, and even as an offseason PED.
My recommendation would be to use it sparingly and methodically according to your personal goals and needs.
Sources
- Mechanisms of IGF-1-Mediated Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy and Atrophy
- The role of hormones in muscle hypertrophy
- Signals from the Niche: Insights into the Role of IGF-1 and IL-6 in Modulating Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis
- Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture: A Mendelian Randomization Study
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) in immunity and inflammation
- IGF-1 Levels Across the Spectrum of Normal to Elevated in Acromegaly: Relationship to Insulin Sensitivity, Markers of Cardiovascular Risk and Body Composition
- Cardiovascular complications in acromegaly
- Complications of acromegaly: cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic comorbidities
