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Muscle growth peptides primarily work through the growth hormone / IGF-1 axis. By stimulating GH secretion or directly activating IGF-1 signaling, these compounds promote protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and lean body mass development.
This category overlaps significantly with GH peptides but focuses specifically on compounds with the strongest evidence for body composition effects — including myostatin inhibitors like Follistatin 344 and direct IGF-1 analogs like IGF-1 LR3.
For direct muscle-building effects, IGF-1 LR3 and Follistatin 344 have the most direct mechanisms. However, GH secretagogues like Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 are more commonly used because they have better safety data and work through the body's natural GH production. Results depend heavily on training, nutrition, and protocol design.
Peptides and anabolic steroids work through fundamentally different mechanisms. Anabolic steroids directly activate androgen receptors. Peptides typically work indirectly through GH/IGF-1 pathways. Steroids generally produce more dramatic muscle growth but carry different risk profiles. The two are not directly comparable.
GH peptides typically require 4-12 weeks of consistent use before body composition changes become measurable. Effects on recovery and sleep quality may be noticed sooner (1-2 weeks). Direct muscle growth from peptides is generally more gradual than from anabolic compounds.