Ipamorelin
One of the cleanest GH boosters. Stimulates growth hormone release without affecting cortisol or prolactin, meaning fewer side effects than other GH peptides.
Key Facts
- ClassificationIpamorelin is a pentapeptide GHS that selectively activates GHSR-1a on pituitary somatotrophs.
- Primary BenefitsMuscle Growth (7/10) · Sleep (7/10) · Fat Loss (6/10)
- AdministrationInjection
- Typical Dose200-300 mcg subq 2-3 times daily, ideally before bed. Cycle for 8-12 weeks.
- Evidence StrengthModerate — 20 peer-reviewed studies referenced · Community sentiment 8/10
- Stacks Well WithCJC-1295 with DAC, CJC-1295 (no DAC) / Mod GRF 1-29, MK-677, Sermorelin
- Legal StatusResearch Use Only · not prescribable in US · WADA prohibited
Quick Facts
- From price
- $25
- Type
- peptide
- Administration
- Injection
- Evidence
- moderate
- Studies referenced
- 20
- Community sentiment
- 8/10
- Stacks with
- 5 peptides
- Regulatory
- Research Use Only
Top benefits
Week 1–2
Improved sleep depth and quality (often the first noticeable effect). Mild increase in hunger around injection time. Subtle boost in recovery.
Week 3–6
Better workout recovery and muscle fullness. Beginning of fat loss, especially around midsection. Improved skin quality. Enhanced overall well-being.
Week 8+
Measurable improvements in body composition. Joint and tendon repair. Sustained sleep benefits. Hair and nail growth. Anti-aging skin effects.
Common Side Effects
Scientific Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide GHS that selectively activates GHSR-1a on pituitary somatotrophs. Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, it does not significantly stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin, providing a cleaner GH-specific signal with dose-dependent release.
Dosing
200-300 mcg subq 2-3 times daily, ideally before bed. Cycle for 8-12 weeks.
Reconstitution, storage, injection sites & timing
Benefit Profile
| Vendor | Variant | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limitless Biotech | 5mg | $38.99 | Code: PSTACK10Buy |
| Skye Peptides | 2mg | $24.99BEST | |
| Skye Peptides | 5mg | $44.99 | |
| Swiss Chems ⚠ FDA warning letter received late 2024 | 5mg | $36.95 | |
| Amino Asylum ⚠ Reported federal raid in 2025 | 5mg | $29.99 | |
| Peptide Sciences ✕ Announced voluntary shutdown — stock availability may be limited or unavailable. Pricing data may be outdated. | 5mg | $42.00 | Out of stock |
Stacks Well With
CJC-1295 with DAC
Long-lasting growth hormone booster. The DAC modification keeps it active for days, producing steady GH elevation for muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) / Mod GRF 1-29
Shorter-acting GH booster that releases growth hormone in natural pulses. Clears faster without DAC, so it's usually paired with another GH peptide for stronger effect.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Orally active ghrelin receptor agonist (not a peptide). Boosts growth hormone and IGF-1. Known for improving deep sleep, increasing appetite, and gradually improving body composition.
Sermorelin
One of the most prescribed GH peptides. Copies the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH, triggering physiological GH pulses from the pituitary.
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved GH booster for reducing visceral belly fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Trials showed ~15-18% visceral fat reduction. Overall weight loss is modest vs GLP-1 agonists.
Compare
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are both growth hormone secretagogues, but they work through different receptor pathways. CJC-1295 is a GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) analog, while Ipamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). They are frequently combined rather than used as alternatives.
Ipamorelin vs MK-677Ipamorelin and MK-677 both stimulate growth hormone release through ghrelin-related pathways, but with important differences in selectivity and side effect profiles. Ipamorelin is a true peptide requiring injection, while MK-677 is a non-peptide small molecule taken orally.
Related 💪 Muscle Growth Peptides
Other peptides strong in muscle growth
10x more potent IGF-1 variant with very short duration. Targets local muscle.
GHRP-28/10Stronger GH release than GHRP-6, with less appetite stimulation.
IGF-1 LR38/10Long-lasting IGF-1 that drives muscle growth and cell proliferation. Limited human data.
Follistatin 3448/10Blocks myostatin to remove the genetic cap on muscle growth.
Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 Blend8/10Pre-mixed combo of Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 for convenient GH boosting.
PEG-MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)8/10Long-lasting muscle growth factor released after exercise-induced damage.