GH Dose and Wrist Pain | Community Forum

carlw1.86RPOriginal post

7d ago

Hey everyone — curious about others' experiences with low-dose GH and wrist/forearm pain. I've been on a low protocol (with test) for about 12 weeks. Started with gray tops, then a pharma kit, and now switched to a Keys 40 IU kit. Began at 1 IU daily and worked up to 4 IU. I didn't notice pain until I moved to the Keys kit at 4 IU. I've dropped back to 2 IU for the past week or two but the pain persists. I'll probably stay at 2 IU another week or two, but if it doesn't improve I'll go down to 1 IU. Read a lot of threads and most folks report this at 4+ IU, so I'm wondering how many have seen it at lower doses like 1–2 IU. I'm mixing 2 mL into the 40 IU vial and drawing 10 units = 2 IU — can someone confirm my math? Thanks.

14 replies

reded2.32RP

3d ago

Your math is fine. In my experience Keys GH is really potent — had the same issue earlier this year. I was on 4 IU from another source, switched to Keys and 4 IU made my hands swell badly; I couldn't sleep at first. IGF on bloods was higher than before, which is good in a way. Now I'm at 6 IU and get a bit of carpal tunnel symptoms but it's tolerable. Seems my body adjusted over time. Are you taking anything else that would cause water retention, or just low-dose test? What's your E2 look like? Also check CRP or other inflammatory markers.

sailorspeed4.64RP

3d ago

For me 3 IU was where problems started — lethargy and joint pain made GH a no-go for now. Everyone's different; I'm heading back to school and sticking with test for the time being.

tinkerer206RP

3d ago

At 1 IU I already notice my hands go numb if I keep my arm in one position too long, like circulation drops easier, especially at night. My elbow joints also get stiff and crampy.

northtinker133.16RP

3d ago

Math's right. Everybody reacts differently — either split doses or lower them. Trust your body over random forum opinions.

tradercoast2.65RP

3d ago

How did you ramp up — how long at 1 IU, then what increments? GH effects can take time. Give each increase a month or two and only add about 1 IU at a time (some do 0.5 IU jumps). If you've already done that, consider mild natural diuretics like celery seed or dandelion — they helped me with morning stiffness and ankle swelling. I added dandelion capsules and it cut down the water retention and morning joint stiffness. Might help, cheap to try.

matthewx3.19RP

3d ago

One thing to consider: some batches test higher than the label, so your jump might've been closer to 5 IU rather than 4 unless you accounted for that. I err on the side of caution and reconstitute based on the COA numbers rather than just the vial label.

fixercalm5.48RP

3d ago

Yep, the math checks out. I always confirm actual IU by testing when I work out dosages. Some people tolerate higher IU with no issues, others get sides even on low doses. Try lowering or splitting the dose to find your sweet spot.

busyautumn2.9RP

3d ago

I ramped up slowly — took about three months to move from 1 to 3 IU, then stayed at 3 IU for roughly five months. At 4 IU now and I do have CTS symptoms, but they're manageable. I don't think I can go much higher without it becoming a real problem, and I'm fine staying where I'm at.

mondaysummit3.29RP

3d ago

Agree — my 24 IU vials tested around 30 IU.

lucky502.96RP

3d ago

Same here, my first 15 IU vials were actually about 17, and my first 40 kit tested around 44.

evelynb5.42RP

3d ago

Your math is correct.

coffeerep881.42RP

3d ago

GH always ends up giving me burning pain in my hands and arms that wrecks my sleep worse than tren or noisy neighbors. Once it starts, just dropping the dose rarely helps — I usually have to stop for a week or two. Even 3 IU is too much for me. I've tried a bunch of supplements and other stuff for some relief, but it always comes back.

tinkerer869.11RP

3d ago

This is exactly my experience when I go above 4 IU daily. Brutal pain. I even tried CTS wrist braces at night and they didn't do much. Now I keep it at 4 IU or below. If it flares badly I have to stop for a week or more — cutting the dose alone doesn't fix it.

owl_protein2.77RP

3d ago

Good to hear I'm not the only one dealing with this.