Ipamorelin

GH Secretagogue (GHS-R1a agonist)

Also known as: NNC 26-0161

A selective GH secretagogue with clean pulse kinetics & minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation. The safest & most widely used GH-releasing peptide.

Typical Dose

100–300 mcg per injection, 1–3x daily

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle

12–24 weeks (often run continuously given low side effect profile)

Half-life

~2 hours

Storage

Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days. Lyophilized: room temp or freezer.

Overview

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), triggering pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH, giving it a significantly cleaner side effect profile.

GH release from Ipamorelin is dose-dependent & produces a sharp, physiological-style pulse. The peptide does not cause receptor downregulation at standard doses, making it suitable for extended use. It is commonly paired with GHRH analogs (CJC-1295 or Sermorelin) to amplify the GH pulse through a complementary receptor pathway.

Downstream effects are primarily mediated through increased hepatic IGF-1 production. Clinical applications under investigation include growth hormone deficiency, muscle wasting, & sleep quality. Most users report measurable improvements in recovery, body composition, & sleep quality.

Quick Start Guide

Reconstitute with 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water per 2 mg vial.

Dose 100–300 mcg subcutaneously, 20–30 minutes before sleep (peak GH pulse aligns with nocturnal GH release).

For maximum effect, stack with CJC-1295 (no DAC) at 100 mcg injected at the same time.

Avoid food for 2 hours before & 30 minutes after injection; insulin blunts GH release.

Research Indications

GH pulse amplification (anti-aging, body composition)

Most Effective

Reliably increases GH pulse amplitude without desensitizing the pituitary. The GHRH + Ipamorelin combination produces synergistic GH release exceeding either peptide alone.

Sleep quality & recovery

Effective

GH secretion is highest during slow-wave sleep. Ipamorelin taken pre-sleep augments this pulse & most users report measurable improvements in sleep depth & morning recovery.

Muscle mass & fat loss

Effective

IGF-1 elevation from sustained GH pulses drives protein synthesis & lipolysis. Effects are modest compared to exogenous GH but without suppression of endogenous production.

Bone density

Moderate

GH & IGF-1 support osteoblast activity. Some improvement in bone mineral density expected with long-term use but no primary studies on Ipamorelin specifically.

Research Protocols

Sleep & recovery optimization

12–24 weeks

Dose

200 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Frequency

Once daily, 30 min before sleep

Route

SubQ abdomen

Classic GHRH/GHRP pulse stack. Most reported approach in longevity & recovery protocols.

Body composition

16–24 weeks

Dose

200 mcg

Frequency

3x daily (pre-sleep, AM fasted, pre-workout)

Route

SubQ abdomen

Post-injury recovery (combined with repair peptides)

8–12 weeks alongside BPC-157 or TB-500

Dose

200 mcg

Frequency

1–2x daily

Route

SubQ abdomen

Peptide Interactions

CJC-1295 (no DAC)Synergistic

GHRH + GHRP is the definitive GH stack. CJC-1295 acts on GHRH receptors; Ipamorelin acts on GHS receptors. Together they produce a synergistic GH pulse significantly greater than either alone.

BPC-157Synergistic

GH pulse from Ipamorelin amplifies IGF-1, complementing BPC-157's local GH receptor upregulation at injury sites. Common recovery stack.

SermorelinSynergistic

Alternative GHRH analog to CJC-1295. Shorter acting; provides the same complementary receptor mechanism.

GHRP-2Compatible

Technically compatible (different mechanism than Ipamorelin), but stacking two GHRPs offers diminishing returns versus adding a GHRH. No adverse interaction.

Side Effects & Safety

Common

Transient water retention (first 2–4 weeks as IGF-1 rises)
Increased hunger shortly after injection
Mild fatigue or sedation (especially with pre-sleep dosing)

Uncommon

Headache
Flushing
Tingling in extremities

When to Stop

Signs of allergic reaction
Known or suspected active malignancy
Diabetic patients: monitor blood glucose carefully as GH reduces insulin sensitivity

How to Reconstitute

Swab the vial stopper with alcohol & allow to dry.

Draw 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water into a syringe.

Inject slowly down the inner wall of the vial. Do not spray onto the powder.

Swirl gently until dissolved. Do not shake.

Refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 30 days.

Dosing math: 2 mL BAC water per 2 mg vial gives 1000 mcg/mL. For 200 mcg dose: draw 0.2 mL.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

Clear, colorless solution
Powder dissolves immediately on contact with water

Acceptable

Very slight cloudiness that clears within 30 seconds of gentle swirling

Discard immediately

Persistent cloudiness or particulate
Yellow or brown discoloration after reconstitution

What to Expect

Week 1–2

GH pulses begin immediately but IGF-1 levels take 2–4 weeks to measurably increase. Some users notice improved sleep quality almost immediately due to the pre-sleep GH pulse.

Week 3–4

IGF-1 is now elevated. Water retention typically peaks here (from IGF-1 driven sodium retention) & then stabilizes. Recovery between training sessions starts to improve.

Week 5–8

Body composition changes become noticeable. Lean mass gains & modest fat loss are the most commonly reported outcomes. Skin quality improvements (collagen synthesis) are sometimes noted.

Week 9–16

Sustained improvements continue. The peptide does not lose effectiveness over time at standard doses. Most users report this as the window of peak effect.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Research References

Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue↗

European Journal of Endocrinology · 1998

Original characterization paper. Demonstrates selectivity for GH release with no significant elevation of cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH, distinguishing Ipamorelin from GHRP-2 & GHRP-6.

doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552 →

Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 & Ipamorelin: stimulatory effects on growth hormone secretion in humans

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 1999

Human pharmacodynamic study showing dose-dependent GH secretion with Ipamorelin in healthy volunteers.

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Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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