Ipamorelin
A clean signal that tells your pituitary to release growth hormone — without the side effects older versions caused.
Technically · Selective GHRP / ghrelin mimetic
In one sentence
A clean signal to your pituitary that says "release growth hormone now" — without the cortisol bump older versions cause.
— Like ringing the doorbell for HGH. Usually stacked with CJC-1295 for a stronger, longer pulse.
Half-life
~2 hours
About 2 hours active — dosed 1-3 times per day.
Dosing
1–3× daily, often before bed and post-workout
How often you take a dose
Route
SubQ
How it goes into the body
Status
Research
Sold for lab research — not approved for humans
What it is
A small synthetic peptide that mimics the body's hunger hormone (ghrelin) — but it specifically asks your pituitary to release growth hormone. The "selective" part matters: older drugs in this class also spiked cortisol and prolactin, which is bad. Ipamorelin doesn't.
The full technical answer
Synthetic pentapeptide that selectively stimulates growth hormone release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin (unlike older GHRPs).
How it works
Your pituitary gland has a button labeled "release growth hormone." Ipamorelin pushes that button. It binds the ghrelin receptor, your pituitary releases a pulse of GH, and your body does its natural thing — without forcing high HGH levels artificially.
The full technical answer
Binds ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), triggering pituitary GH release. Selective compared to GHRP-2/GHRP-6.
What the research says
Phase 2 trials in postoperative ileus showed acceptable safety. No long-term outcome trials.
Sources: PubMed: Ipamorelin
Common dosing ranges
- Range
- 200–300 mcg per dose
- Frequency
- 1–3× daily, often before bed and post-workout
- Duration
- 8–12 week cycles
Sources: PubMed
How to take it
Practical guidance synthesized from clinical protocols, FDA labels, and clinician interviews. Always cross-check with a prescribing physician.
Best time of day
BEFORE BED on an empty stomach (mimics natural overnight GH pulse). Some users add a post-workout dose.
With food or fasted
STRICTLY fasted — at least 30 min after last meal AND at least 60 min before next meal. Insulin shuts down GH release entirely.
How long to cycle
8–12 weeks on, then 4 weeks off. Stack with CJC-1295 for synergy.
When to get off
Persistent hunger spikes (ghrelin agonism), rising fasting glucose, new joint pain → cycle off. Don't run year-round.
Administration
Side effects
Common
- Hunger spike (ghrelin agonism)
- Mild headache
- Tingling
Serious / theoretical
- Unknown long-term GH effects
Sources: PubMed
Further reading & listening
Where the experts go deeper.
Curated from the PeptideFacts expert directory — vetted YouTube channels, podcasts, books, and communities. No anecdote-only or supplier-affiliated picks.
Videos
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