Anabolic Peptide · 2026 Protocol Guide
IGF-1 Des(1-3) Protocol: Beginner to Advanced
Complete IGF-1 Des(1-3) dosing protocol with three tiers (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced), cycle structure, stack pairings, and where to source each component at the lowest current price. Evidence based, with every sourcing link disclosed.
Quick reference
Typical dose
20 mcg
Frequency
Once daily on training days
Cycle length
4-6 weeks per cycle, 4 weeks off
Route
Subcutaneous / Intramuscular
IGF-1 Des(1-3) protocol tiers
Beginner Tier
2 weeksFirst-cycle protocol. Conservative dose, twice-daily timing for steady state, shorter cycle to evaluate response before extending.
Dose
10 mcg
Frequency
Once daily on training days
Weekly adjustment
Hold dose constant; track response week-by-week.
Intermediate Tier
4 weeksStandard published-research protocol. Mid-range dose, daily or split-daily, full cycle length matching the canonical clinical/research timeframe.
Dose
20 mcg
Frequency
Once daily on training days
Weekly adjustment
Stable dose; reassess at midpoint and final week.
Advanced Tier
5 weeksHigher-dose research-tier protocol. Only after a successful Intermediate cycle. Closer monitoring required; bloodwork recommended where applicable.
Dose
30 mcg
Frequency
Once daily on training days
Weekly adjustment
Monitor markers weekly; titrate down at first sign of saturation or side effect.
Research profile
Mechanism, half-life, peer-reviewed studies for IGF-1 Des(1-3).
Dosage guide
Numerics + frequency + titration guidance for IGF-1 Des(1-3).
Reconstitution calculator
Vial size + BAC water → concentration, syringe units, doses per vial.
IGF-1 Des(1-3) protocol FAQ
How long is a typical IGF-1 Des(1-3) protocol?
Standard IGF-1 Des(1-3) protocols run 4 weeks for a full Intermediate cycle. Beginner cycles compress to ~2 weeks for response assessment. Advanced cycles extend to ~5 weeks but require closer monitoring.
What's the safest dose to start a IGF-1 Des(1-3) cycle with?
The Beginner tier starts at 10 mcg once daily on training days, half the published Intermediate-tier dose. Hold for 2-3 weeks to assess tolerance and response, then escalate to the standard 20 mcg if no adverse signals.
Do I need to cycle off IGF-1 Des(1-3)?
Cycling depends on the compound's mechanism. Receptor-saturating compounds (most peptides) benefit from 4-6 week off-cycles between protocols to prevent downregulation. Non-saturating compounds (some healing peptides) can run continuously. The full IGF-1 Des(1-3) research profile covers this in detail; see the cross-links below.
Can I stack IGF-1 Des(1-3) with other compounds?
Stacking is common for synergistic effects, but each compound's mechanism, half-life, and route of administration matter. Use the BodyHackGuide stack builder + interaction checker to validate any pairing. The "Where to source" section below ranks vendors who carry IGF-1 Des(1-3) alongside complementary compounds in one shipment.
Research-use disclaimer. All protocols on this page are summaries of published research literature and community-reported dosing. They are not medical advice and not authorization for human consumption. Compounds linked from this page are sold for research-use only by their respective vendors. Always consult a licensed practitioner before any compound enters a clinical context.
Affiliate disclosure. BodyHackGuide earns a commission on some of its links, at no additional cost to you. Vendor rankings are based on price per mg from the listings we track. See our affiliate disclosure for details.
Free 2026 Peptide Cheat Sheet (PDF)
38 compounds and blends: vial sizes, BAC water volumes, dosing ranges and bloodwork markers.