Growth Hormone
MK-677
Ibutamoren
A tablet, not an injection — that's really the whole selling point for people chasing growth hormone and muscle without a needle. Long-term safety hasn't been nailed down, and it's known to ramp up appetite and affect blood sugar.
Oral GH — the only compound in this list that doesn't require injection.
How well studied
Tier Guide: A = Well studied, B = Some good studies, C = Early evidence & D = Barely studied
Tested in people, but in smaller or fewer studies. A decent picture, just less certain.
How it works
Works by mimicking ghrelin, the 'hunger hormone' — which is exactly why it tends to leave people hungrier.
An oral that raises GH and levels, taken as a tablet rather than injected.
Reported benefits
- Oral route — no injection required
- Raises GH/IGF-1, supports appetite and lean mass retention
Who it's typically used for
Timeline to results
Dosage
No established self-administration dose for general wellness use.
Side effects
- Increased appetitecommon, often significant
- Water retentioncommon
- Elevated blood glucosereported, dose-dependent
- Lethargy/joint discomfortreported at higher doses
Getting it in the UK
No UK doctor can prescribe this at all. It's sold online labelled 'not for human use' — nobody is checking what's actually in it, or whether it's safe.
MHRA: the UK government body that checks a medicine is safe and actually works before doctors are allowed to prescribe it.
Content freshness
- Last reviewed
- 11 Aug 2026
- Regulatory status last checked
- 11 Aug 2026