Classification & Profile
- Substance Type: Peptide.
- Classification: Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHS); specifically a Ghrelin Receptor Agonist.
- Mechanism: Mimics ghrelin to trigger a pulse of Growth Hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland.
- Selectivity: Highly selective; unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it generally does not stimulate hunger (ghrelin) or increase cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH.
Dosing & Administration
- General Dosing Range: 200mcg to $300mcg per administration.
- Frequency: 1 to 3 times per day (morning, post-workout, or before bed).
- Strategy: Administered via subcutaneous injection.
- Timing Requirement: Must be taken on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 30 minutes before eating) to avoid insulin blunting the GH pulse.
Pharmacokinetics & Timing
- Half-Life: Approximately 2 hours.
- Peak Saturation: Reaches peak plasma concentration roughly 30 to 60 minutes after injection.
- Systemic Saturation: Does not “build up” like long-estered steroids; it triggers an immediate pulse that clears quickly, though biological effects (IGF-1 elevation) take 4 to 12 weeks to manifest fully.
- Detection Time: Generally short (days), but varies based on testing sensitivity.
Genomic vs. Non-Genomic
- Action: Primarily Non-Genomic. It acts rapidly through cell surface receptors (GHS-R1a) to trigger immediate signaling cascades rather than primarily altering gene expression over a long duration.
Usage Parameters
- Duration of Use: Typically cycled for 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week break to maintain pituitary sensitivity.
- Synergy & Stackability: * GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones): Often stacked with CJC-1295 (without DAC) to create a synergistic effect, resulting in a significantly larger GH pulse than either used alone.
- Avoid: High blood glucose or insulin spikes at the time of injection (avoid carbs/fats near dosing).
Key Benefits & Pathways
- Primary Pathway: Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis.
- Benefits:
- Increased lean muscle mass.
- Improved fat metabolism (lipolysis).
- Enhanced recovery and tissue repair.
- Improved sleep quality (increased deep sleep cycles).
- Bone density support.
- Anti-aging effects (skin elasticity and cellular health).
Side Effects & Considerations
- Common: Injection site redness, “head rush” or flushing immediately after injection, and slight water retention.
- Rare: Tingling in extremities (carpal tunnel-like symptoms if GH levels are too high).
- Safety: Considered one of the safest GHS peptides due to its lack of effect on non-target hormones.
General Notes
Ipamorelin is often regarded as the “gentle” growth hormone secretagogue. Its primary appeal in a clinical or performance setting is its ability to elicit a significant pulse of growth hormone without the messy side effects associated with older generations of peptides. Because it doesn’t spike hunger or stress hormones, it is particularly useful for athletes or individuals focused on “dry” gains and body recomposition.
While Ipamorelin provides an immediate GH spike, it is not a “magic pill” for overnight transformation. The most profound benefits, such as fat loss and collagen synthesis, are cumulative and require consistent dosing alongside proper nutrition and training. It is a tool for optimization, working with the body’s natural rhythms to enhance the output of the endocrine system rather than shutting it down.
When used correctly—specifically in the absence of insulin—Ipamorelin offers a sophisticated way to manage body composition and recovery. Its short half-life and selective nature make it a staple in modern peptide protocols, providing a bridge between natural recovery and more aggressive hormonal interventions.