Benefits
- Clean, selective GH release without cortisol or prolactin spikesstrong
- Improved sleep quality and increased slow-wave sleep durationmoderate
- Supports fat loss through enhanced lipolysis and GH-mediated metabolismmoderate
- Promotes lean muscle mass gains and nitrogen retentionmoderate
- Anti-aging effects including improved skin quality, energy, and vitalitypreliminary
- Does not significantly increase hunger, unlike GHRP-6 and other ghrelin mimeticsstrong
Dosage Protocols
| Route | Dosage Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 100–300 mcg | 2–3× daily | Standard protocol; inject 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime on an empty stomach |
| Subcutaneous injection | 100 mcg ipamorelin + 100 mcg CJC-1295 | 2–3× daily | Most popular combination stack for synergistic GH release. Pre-bed dose is considered the most important. |
| Subcutaneous injection | 200 mcg | Once daily at bedtime | Simplified once-daily protocol targeting the nocturnal GH pulse; suitable for beginners |
Medical disclaimer
Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Side Effects
- Mild headache, especially in the first few days of usecommon
- Lightheadedness or dizziness shortly after injectionrare
- Transient water retentionrare
- Injection site irritation (redness, minor swelling)common
- Mild nausea, typically dose-dependent and transientrare
Explore Next
Explore next
Related peptides
Articles
- Ipamorelin Before And After: What Evidence Can (and Can’t) ShowAn evidence-first look at Ipamorelin before-and-after claims: what research exists, why photos can be unreliable, and what to expect based on the data we actually have.
- Female Ipamorelin Before And After: What Evidence Can (and Can’t) ShowAn evidence-first look at Ipamorelin before-and-after claims: what research exists, why photos can be unreliable, and what to expect based on the data we actually have.
- Ipamorelin Reddit: How to Interpret Anecdotes vs Clinical EvidenceA guide to reading Ipamorelin “reviews” safely: common themes in anecdotes, what clinical evidence supports (or doesn’t), and red flags to watch for.
- Cjc 1295 Ipamorelin How Long To See Results: A Realistic Timeline from EvidenceA realistic Ipamorelin results timeline based on available evidence, with uncertainty labeled clearly when the data is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to inject ipamorelin?
The most important dose is at bedtime, approximately 30 minutes before sleep, to amplify the natural nocturnal GH surge. Additional doses can be taken upon waking (before breakfast) or 30 minutes before a workout. Always inject on an empty stomach — elevated blood sugar and insulin significantly blunt GH release. Avoid eating for at least 30 minutes after injection.
Why is the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin combo so popular?
CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) amplifies the GH pulse, while ipamorelin (a GHRP) initiates the pulse. They act on different receptors (GHRH-R and GHS-R) and produce a synergistic effect — the combined GH release is significantly greater than either alone. Ipamorelin is the preferred GHRP for this stack because it does not elevate cortisol, prolactin, or appetite like GHRP-6 or GHRP-2 would.
How does ipamorelin compare to GHRP-6?
Ipamorelin is far more selective than GHRP-6. GHRP-6 produces a strong GH release but also significantly increases appetite (via direct ghrelin activation), raises cortisol and prolactin, and can cause water retention. Ipamorelin produces a comparable GH release without these side effects. GHRP-6 may be preferred by those specifically seeking appetite stimulation for bulking, but ipamorelin is considered the cleaner choice for most users.
Does ipamorelin cause hunger?
Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, ipamorelin does not significantly stimulate appetite. While it does act on the ghrelin receptor, its binding profile is selective enough that it does not trigger the broad orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) response seen with less selective GHRPs. Some users report mild hunger, but it is not a prominent side effect.
Do I need to cycle ipamorelin?
There is no definitive clinical guidance on cycling ipamorelin. Common approaches include 8–12 weeks on followed by a 4-week break, or continuous use with periodic IGF-1 blood work monitoring. Some practitioners prescribe it continuously for anti-aging purposes. The pulsatile nature of ipamorelin-induced GH release may reduce the risk of receptor desensitization compared to sustained GH elevation. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
References
Last updated: 2026-02-14