Muscle Growth & Performance / Intramuscular
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.
What is Follistatin used for? Research has focused on inhibits myostatin; dramatic increase in muscle mass; increases strength significantly.
Compare with other peptides studied forfat loss,recovery and healing,muscle growth
Follistatin injection at a glance
Figures from the published research literature. Research use only.
- Dose range
- 100-300 mcg
- Route
- Intramuscular
How often, when, and the dosing notes are in the dosing reference further down.
Work out your units in the free calculatorBeginner basics
Plain-English guide to Follistatin
- What it does
- Follistatin blocks a natural brake your body puts on muscle growth. Researchers use it to study how removing this brake allows muscles to grow larger and stronger.
- Typical dose
- 100-300 micrograms injected into muscle every other day or twice per week. Start at the lower end since it's very potent.
- When to inject
- After a workout or in the morning. Effects build up over several weeks, so consistency matters more than perfect timing.
- Storage
- Keep the dry powder in the fridge before mixing. Once mixed with water, store in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
- Beginner tip
- Start with 100 micrograms and give it at least 4-6 weeks before judging results-this one works slowly but powerfully.
Research status
- Evidence grade C
- Mostly animal or in-vitro studies, with limited human data.
- Research only
- No regulatory approval in any major jurisdiction. Research use only.
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research areas
- Inhibits myostatin
- Dramatic increase in muscle mass
- Increases strength significantly
- May improve metabolic health
- Reduces body fat
- Enhanced recovery
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site pain or sorenessIntramuscular 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. | Common | Mild |
| Injection site swelling or indurationSome 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. | Uncommon | Mild |
| Muscle soreness (myalgia)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. | Uncommon | Mild |
| Joint pain or stiffnessSome 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. | Uncommon | Mild |
| HeadacheMild headaches have been reported in some users. These are typically self-resolving and may be related to systemic effects of myostatin inhibition or dehydration. | Uncommon | Mild |
| Acne or skin irritationIncreased 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. | Uncommon | Mild |
| Nausea or gastrointestinal upsetMild gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported rarely. These are typically self-resolving. Ensure adequate hydration and food intake. | Rare | Mild |
| Lipodystrophy (localised fat loss)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. | Uncommon | Moderate |
| Fibrosis or scar tissue formationRepeated 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. | Rare | Moderate |
| Infection or abscess at injection sitePoor 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. | Rare | Serious |
| Allergic reactionAlthough 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. | Rare | Serious |
| Systemic inflammation or feverSystemic 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. | Rare | Moderate |
Dosing reference
Dose scale from the research
- Starting
- 50 mcg
- Typical
- 100 mcg
- Upper end
- 200 mcg
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 100-300 mcg |
Frequency, timing and route are for members | |
Checked October 2026
Research disclaimer. Figures are drawn from published research literature and community logs. They are 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
Worked example
With 5 mg in the vial, the water you add changes the draw. Mixed with 1 mL that is 5,000 mcg per mL, so on a U-100 syringe 50 mcg is 1 units and 200 mcg is 4 units. Mixed with 2 mL it is 2,500 mcg per mL, so 50 mcg is 2 units and 200 mcg is 8 units.
Storage and stability
Refrigerate after reconstitution
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.
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Research citations
2 sources
Follistatin myostatin inhibition
Muscle mass regulation peptides
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Research use only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Follistatin is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.