Follistatin
Also known as: FST, Follistatin-344
Follistatin is a protein that inhibits myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin allows for increased muscle mass and strength.
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Intramuscular injection can cause localised discomfort, mild bruising, or soreness at the injection site. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Rotating sites and allowing the solution to reach room temperature before injection may reduce discomfort.
Some users report mild swelling or hardening at the injection site. This is usually self-resolving within a few days. Ensure proper injection technique and site rotation to minimise this effect.
Increased muscle soreness beyond normal training-induced soreness may occur, particularly in the early weeks of use. This is distinct from injection site soreness and may reflect rapid muscle growth or inflammation.
Some users report mild joint discomfort, particularly in the knees or shoulders. This may be related to rapid increases in muscle mass and strength outpacing connective tissue adaptation. Ensure adequate recovery and consider joint support supplementation.
Mild headaches have been reported in some users. These are typically self-resolving and may be related to systemic effects of myostatin inhibition or dehydration.
Increased sebum production or acne may occur, likely related to hormonal changes or increased metabolic activity. Maintain good skin hygiene and consider dermatological consultation if severe.
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported rarely. These are typically self-resolving. Ensure adequate hydration and food intake.
Repeated injections into the same site can cause localised fat loss or atrophy of subcutaneous tissue. This is preventable through strict site rotation. Always rotate injection sites and maintain at least 1 inch between previous injection points.
Repeated intramuscular injections into the same site can lead to fibrosis or scar tissue formation, which may impair muscle function. Prevent this through consistent site rotation and proper injection technique.
Poor injection technique or non-sterile conditions can lead to bacterial infection or abscess formation. Signs include increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage at the injection site. Seek immediate medical attention if infection is suspected. Always use sterile technique and dispose of needles safely.
Although rare, allergic reactions to follistatin or excipients are possible. Signs include rash, itching, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if any signs of allergic reaction occur. Discontinue use immediately.
Systemic inflammatory responses or low-grade fever have been reported rarely. This may reflect immune activation or systemic effects of myostatin inhibition. Monitor temperature and seek medical evaluation if fever persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 100-300 mcg |
| Frequency | Every other day or 2x weekly |
| Timing | Post-workout or morning |
| Route | Intramuscular |
Very potent. Start low. Effects are cumulative over weeks.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 34000 |
Follistatin is a naturally occurring protein that acts as a potent inhibitor of myostatin (also called GDF-8), a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. By binding to and neutralising myostatin, follistatin removes the brake on muscle protein synthesis, allowing for increased muscle mass, strength, and hypertrophy. This mechanism has been demonstrated in animal models and is the basis for its use in research exploring muscle-wasting conditions and performance enhancement.
Myostatin Inhibition (GDF-8 Pathway)
Follistatin binds directly to myostatin, preventing it from activating the activin type II receptor on muscle cells. This blocks the SMAD2/3 signalling cascade that normally suppresses muscle protein synthesis and promotes protein degradation. By inhibiting this pathway, follistatin permits increased muscle growth and reduces muscle atrophy.
Activin Signalling Inhibition
Follistatin also binds to activins (particularly activin A and activin B), which are related TGF-β superfamily members that regulate muscle growth, metabolism, and inflammation. Inhibition of activin signalling may contribute to follistatin's muscle-building effects and metabolic benefits.
IGF-1 Potentiation
Some research suggests follistatin may enhance insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signalling in muscle tissue, which synergises with myostatin inhibition to promote protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy.
- Follistatin is a secreted glycoprotein that exists naturally in the body and is produced by multiple tissues including muscle, bone, and reproductive organs
- Myostatin knockout or inhibition in animal models results in dramatic increases in muscle mass (up to 2-3 fold in some studies), demonstrating the potency of this pathway
- Follistatin has a high binding affinity for myostatin and activins, making it an effective antagonist at relatively low doses
- The effects of follistatin on muscle growth are cumulative and may take 2-4 weeks to become clinically apparent
- Follistatin also has roles in bone metabolism, immune function, and reproductive endocrinology, which may contribute to systemic effects
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