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MuscleBody CompositionPerformance

IGF-1 LR3

Long-acting insulin-like growth factor analogue researched for muscle hyperplasia and nutrient partitioning.

Experimental
Independent — no supplier kickbacksReviewed against 1 peer-reviewed source Last updated 2026
Typical Cycle
4 weeks
Dose Range
20–100 mcg
Administration
subcutaneous
Evidence Level
Experimental
subcutaneous

What It Is

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is a modified, long-acting version of insulin-like growth factor 1 — the powerful growth factor through which much of growth hormone's muscle-building effect is actually carried out. The modifications extend its half-life from minutes to many hours and reduce its binding to carrier proteins, leaving more of it active.

It is a potent anabolic signal: IGF-1 drives both hypertrophy (bigger muscle cells) and, notably, hyperplasia (potentially new muscle cells), along with nutrient partitioning. That potency is exactly why it is also one of the riskier peptides here.

Because it promotes growth in all tissue — wanted and unwanted — and can cause low blood sugar, it demands respect: short cycles, careful dosing, and an absolute contraindication for anyone with cancer risk.

What People Use It For

Muscle Growth (Hypertrophy/Hyperplasia)

Potently drives muscle growth and nutrient partitioning.

Strong mechanistic and preclinical basis; human aesthetic use is anecdotal

Recovery & Pump

Improves muscle fullness and local recovery.

Widely reported anecdotally; manage blood-sugar risk

Nutrient Partitioning

Shuttles nutrients toward muscle tissue.

Mechanistically supported

How Strong Is the Evidence?

We rate every peptide honestly across four dimensions — and tell you what it's not.

Experimental

Mostly preclinical (animal/in-vitro) evidence with a clear mechanism. Human effects are largely anecdotal.

Who It's For

Men

Experienced users seeking a potent anabolic signal, fully aware of the risks

Muscle growthRecoveryPartitioning

Use short cycles only. Keep fast carbs handy for hypoglycemia. Absolutely avoid with any cancer history.

Women

Women are cautious candidates given potency and limited female data

MuscleRecovery

High potency with real hypoglycemia and growth risks. Not for anyone with cancer risk. Avoid in pregnancy.

♀ Women's Notes

Potent growth factor; limited female data. Not for anyone with cancer risk.

Warnings & Safety

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Hard Stops — Do Not Use If:

Absolutely contraindicated with any history of cancer or active tumors.

Can cause hypoglycemia — do not use without understanding blood-sugar risks.

Cautions — Use With Care If:

Use short cycles; promotes growth of all tissue including unwanted.

Have fast-acting carbohydrates available to manage low blood sugar.

What to expect — side effects

The effects most commonly reported with IGF-1 LR3, when they tend to show up, and how to manage them.

Water retention / puffinessCommon First 1–2 weeks

Often eases as you adjust; lower the dose if bothersome.

Tingling or numbness (hands)Occasional Early weeks

A carpal-tunnel-like effect from fluid shifts — reduce dose if it persists.

Increased hungerOccasional Soon after dosing (GHRPs)

Plan meals around dosing; more pronounced with GHRP-6/GHRP-2.

Lethargy / grogginessOccasional After dosing, esp. higher doses

Dose before bed; lower the dose if daytime grogginess occurs.

Raised blood sugar / insulin resistanceOccasional Ongoing use

Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c; especially relevant if pre-diabetic.

Individual responses vary. Stop and consult a clinician for severe, persistent, or unexpected reactions.

Administration Guide

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Dosing Reference

Conservative
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Moderate
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Aggressive
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Frequency: ████ · Typical cycle: ██ weeks

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Research Sources

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Community Outcomes DataPreview

A preview of the member outcomes dashboard. Real, anonymized IGF-1 LR3 results populate here as the community logs data.

8.4/10
Avg Reported Benefit
sample
Muscle
Most Common Goal
this peptide
4 wks
Typical Cycle
from the guide
Muscle benefit reported82%
Body Composition improvement61%
Would use again90%

Community Outcomes Data

See aggregated results from real users — benefit ratings, common goals, side effect frequency, and more.

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PepCompass provides educational information only. Nothing on this platform constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for informational and research purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol. Individual results vary.