13, June 2025, p
this off-label use is not backed by the same level of controlled human trial evidence as the lipodystrophy indication Known risks and side effects: Injection site reactions, including erythema, pruritus, pain, and bruising at the injection site Arthralgia (joint pain) and peripheral edema (fluid retention), recognized class effects of GH-axis stimulation Increases in blood glucose and reduced insulin sensitivity, with clinical trials showing a higher rate of elevated HbA1c and new-onset hyperglycemia versus placebo Formation of anti-tesamorelin antibodies, reported in a substantial proportion of treated patients, with unclear long-term clinical significance Contraindicated in people with active malignancy, pituitary or hypothalamic disruption, or pregnancy, per FDA labeling Evidence snapshot: The strongest evidence is a set of Phase 3 human randomized controlled trials that supported FDA approval of tesamorelin for reducing visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (approved 2010), plus a separate placebo-controlled human RCT (Baker et al., 2012, Archives of Neurology) showing improved executive function in older adults
It is commonly used off-label in oral form to support hair health, and is believed to increase blood flow to hair follicles and extend the hair growth (anagen) phase
But heres the catch: while the hype is loud, the science in humans and especially in women is still very thin
