IGF-1 Cycle Length, Dosages and Results Guide

Using an IGF-1 cycle as a part of a bodybuilding supplementation routine can be a short-cut to massive permanent gains and accelerated fat loss. This natural growth factor can be equally effective during bulking cycles or cutting cycles.

In either case, additional IGF-1 can imitate the effects of organic Growth Hormone (GH) after it leaves the liver, spurring excellent growth at the cellular level.

The trick with using IGF-1 supplements is finding a form which is legal, won’t cause side effects, and won’t break the bank. Read on to find out more.

IGF-1

Bodybuilding Supplement

Bodybuilding

Joint Health

Sexual Health

How It Works:

• Involved in muscle protein synthesis
• Supports joint health & functionality
• May aid sexual function & anti-aging

Dosage:

Varies depending on formulation.

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What Is a Steroid Cycle?

When we talk about steroid cycles, we are simply describing how long a program requires taking a particular steroid.

Typically, a period of daily supplementation (the on-cycle) is followed by a period of zero supplementation (the off-cycle).

Traditional anabolic steroids are compounds created in a lab in order to generate the release of testosterone and growth hormone.

It is customary to inject steroids daily, in conjunction with heavy lifting and an appropriate diet, for about two months with no break. This cycle is followed by post-cycle therapy and 1 – 3 months with no steroid supplementation.

During a cycle, it is normal to build stacks of growth factor-type hormones which will remain consistent during that particular cycle. These stacks might include SERMs, thyroid and peptide hormones, and an additional IGF-1 cycle. For more facts about hormone supplementation, click here.

How Long Is the Typical IGF-1 Cycle?

IGF-1 differs from steroids in key ways. It is a natural compound which is produced organically in the body. It can also be administered in an artificial form, but this is never preferable to organic product for side effects risks and product effectiveness.

IGF-1 comes from HGH (Human Growth Hormone) which is produced by the pituitary gland and then synthesized in the liver. It has a shorter half-life than either HGH or steroids, staying in the body for a maximum of 20 hours.

IGF-1 acts quickly, and starts to promote anabolic tissue growth within 3 weeks of commencing use. Improvements to metabolism and endurance can be felt almost immediately.

Bulking – For a standard bulking phase, the IGF-1 cycle of 5 weeks will add to mass gains while preventing the addition of fat.

Cutting – In a cutting phase, an IGF-1 cycle of 3 weeks will not add to bulk unless a high load/low rep program is performed. With high intensity, low weight exercises, IGF-1 cycles will speed fat loss while maintaining existing muscle mass. This is often referred to as the “shrink wrap” effect and produces a lean, defined physique.

Staying Safe with IGF-1 Supplements

Most of the above uses are intended to be performed only with a doctor’s supervision and prescription. In fact, IGF-1 cannot be legally purchased for injection without a prescription.

Doctors generally will not prescribe the compound strictly for voluntary bodybuilding. For that reason, many weightlifters either turn to the internet grey market, or look for legal alternatives for supplementing IGF-1.

At this time, the only way to legally take an IGF-1 cycle without a doctor’s prescription is with commercial deer antler extract spray. A full summary of current law can be found at this link.

Taking IGF-1 as a Daily Spray

IGF-1 can be found in many health and fitness shops online as an under-the-tongue oral spray. These products are indeed legitimate and effective. Derived from the IGF-1 found in deer and elk antlers, these extract sprays (often called “deer antler velvet”) can be used as a part of weight training to accelerate muscle growth and protect against strain and injury.

The same rules apply about timing, as these sprays must be taken regularly for a complete IGF-1 cycle while training. Due to the delivery method, it is quite difficult to overdose, and therefore side effects risks are minimized.

This form of IGF-1 supplementation is not new. In fact, the use of antler extracts, powders, and gelatins dates back many thousands of years to the earliest recorded Chinese medicine. Tonics prepared from antler were thought to increase overall vitality, immunity, strength, and sexual potency, though it was not known how at the time.

Today, we can attribute many of these effects to the high IGF-1 content found in antler. These ancient remedies were the earliest form of growth factor supplementation.

Your IGF-1 cycle should last at least 3 – 5 weeks during heavy bulking phases. For seasons when you are looking to lean up, lower doses of IGF-1 can be taken daily for the duration of your program.

The only known way to circumvent prescription requirements and avoid serious side effects is to take IGF-1 in the form of a deer antler extract spray. This somewhat unlikely source for a human growth factor is nonetheless quite effective, and can be purchased easily online.

Vastly preferable to dangerous steroids and ineffective HGH pills, IGF-1 sprays are worth looking into for any serious lifting program.

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