GHS peptides may also cause fluid retention in the hands, feet, and ankles
Wear sunscreen when outside to protect your skin from darkening or new discoloration (in addition to protecting you from skin cancer!)

What to Expect (Phase by Phase) Weeks 13: Adjustment Mild water retention and bloating (GH effect settles by week 3-4) Morning joint stiffness or slight puffiness in hands (common, dose-related) Possible fatigue from stronger overnight GH pulses Some users notice improved sleep quality immediately Weeks 38: Building Phase Improved recovery between workouts becomes noticeable Gradual lean mass improvements this is not a fast-acting protocol Reduced body fat, particularly visceral fat with extended use Skin quality improvements (GH + IGF-1 effect on collagen) Increased hunger is common your metabolism is running higher Weeks 816: Full Effect Strength and endurance improvements compound Body composition changes become clearly visible Sleep quality, hair, and skin improvements often cited by long-term users Some users notice joint comfort improvements (IGF-1 has cartilage effects) Side Effects and How to Manage Them Water retention: Most common early on

The wide deficiency prevalence range reported among vegans 5 to 52% in a 2024 Proceedings of the Nutrition Society study reflects the dramatic difference between those who supplement consistently and those who do not
Muolokwu CE, Chaulagain B, Gothwal A et al (2024) Functionalized nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acids to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimers disease
doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1716624 Received 30 September 2025 Revised 13 January 2026 Accepted 20 January 2026 Published 13 March 2026 Volume 17 - 2026 Edited by Youssef Rouphael, University of Naples Federico II, Italy Reviewed by Esa Bojrquez-Velzquez, Instituto de Ecologa (INECOL), Mexico Addisie Yalew Geremew, Prairie View A&M University, United States Updates Copyright 2026 Macas-Naranjo, Arjona, Huebra-Montero, Rubio-Heras, Snchez-Vicente, Garca-Molina, Aparicio and Albertos