Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue. It mimics ghrelin but does not increase cortisol or prolactin significantly, making it a gentle option for GH release.
Common Dosage
100mcg - 300mcg daily
Category
Anti-Aging
- Improved sleep
- Collagen production
- Fat burning
- Muscle recovery
Ipamorelin was developed by Novo Nordisk in the 1990s as part of a research program investigating growth hormone secretagogues. It was specifically designed to selectively stimulate GH release without meaningfully impacting cortisol or prolactin — two common side effects of earlier GHRPs like GHRP-6. Despite promising clinical data, Novo Nordisk did not advance it beyond Phase II trials. It subsequently became one of the most widely used peptides in the research and anti-aging medicine community due to its favorable selectivity profile.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that mimics ghrelin and binds to the GHS-R1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor). It triggers a clean, pulsatile release of GH from the pituitary without significantly elevating cortisol, aldosterone, or prolactin — a key differentiator from GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. When combined with CJC-1295, it produces synergistic GH release by simultaneously amplifying the amplitude (CJC-1295) and triggering the pulse (Ipamorelin).
- Growth hormone optimization and anti-aging protocols
- Post-surgical recovery enhancement
- Bone density support in age-related decline
- Sleep quality improvement through GH's role in slow-wave sleep
- Collagen synthesis support for skin and connective tissue
- Fat loss through enhanced lipolysis
- Lean muscle preservation and growth
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack
The combination of CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin at 300mcg each, administered 2–3 times daily, is among the most widely reported protocols in anti-aging medicine. Users in their 40s–60s commonly report improved sleep within days, followed by body composition changes (reduced belly fat, improved muscle tone) over 3–6 months with consistent use.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Several integrative practitioners have incorporated Ipamorelin into post-surgical recovery protocols, noting faster wound closure and tissue remodeling — consistent with GH's known role in collagen synthesis and IGF-1-mediated tissue repair.
Cortisol Management in Athletes
Athletes managing chronic cortisol elevation from high training volume have used Ipamorelin specifically for its cortisol-neutral GH stimulation. Unlike GHRP-2, the absence of cortisol elevation makes it suitable for prolonged, frequent dosing without adrenal concerns.
- Mild initial side effects — transient headache and lightheadedness — are common and typically resolve
- IGF-1 elevation carries theoretical cancer promotion concern similar to other GH-axis peptides
- Pituitary desensitization with continuous use — cycling is standard practice
- Hypoglycemia if injected post-meal or in combination with insulin
- Quality control of research grade peptide is critical — underdosed or contaminated batches are reported
- Headache
- Lightheadedness