HGH conversion to IGF1

In order to assess and balance GH treatment doctors rely on IGF1 serum tests. We always recommend to our customers to take a base-line levels before starting GH usage, and too test periodically the IGF1 levels

According to empirical data from many individuals on forums, steroids such as Msteron, Oxandrolone, Primoboln, Winstrol etc’ which are DHT derivatives may lower IGF1 serum levels to some degree in some individuals. I’ve been asked if it’s better to avoid using such products with GH ? so no … this is not the case, and I wanted to shed some light on this –

It’s important to consider that the GH/IGF1 axis is very complex, and reflecting between the exact IGF1 serum read and the actual effect may be misleading.

First we must consider that GH has direct anabolic and metabolic effects which are independent of IGF1 …. GH has its on receptors in almost any tissue
The IGF1 effect depends on IGFBP (binding proteins) so for instance the serum levels of IGF1 may be lowered by DHT derivatives, but the binding protein levels are lowered as well hence more IGF1 is bio-available.
It’s known that androgens potentiate the anabolic effects of GH. The classic example is puberty of course, when the sharply rising androgens turn a boy into a man. One of the possible mechanism in by up-regulating IGF1 receptors in target tissues independently to IGF1 secretion by the liver, many DHT derivatives has a very high activity in muscle tissue and may contribute to this effect
Most importantly, GH triggers the release of IGF1 and other growth factors locally and directly in muscle (and  fat) tissues (AKA paracrine effect). This phenomenon impacts directly on local growth, and is independent on the serum levels. Thus theoretically the liver may down-regulate IGF1 serum levels, but there is a higher expression of growth factors in muscle tissue.