Ipamorelin: THE Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide

What is Ipamorelin:

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) and is synthetically produced. Ipamorelin mimics the ghrelin hormone. This hormone is naturally produced in the human stomach and has been nicknamed the natural “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite and signals the brain when it’s time to eat. Ipamorelin does this by stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH) without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. Its selective action makes it one of the gentlest and most popular GHRP.

How does Ipamorelin work?

Ipamorelin works by mimicking the action of ghrelin, a hormone that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Once administered, it binds to GHS-R1a receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, triggering a release of growth hormone—which is key to maintaining natural rhythms and avoiding desensitization.

Unlike other growth hormone secretagogues, Ipamorelin does not stimulate ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). A secretagogue is a substance that causes another substance to be secreted. This means that it avoids the unwanted spike in cortisol that can lead to stress, inflammation, or fat retention. This makes it ideal for long-term use and stacking with other peptides or hormone optimization protocols.

Benefits of Ipamorelin:

The primary reason for taking Ipamorelin is for the increase in growth hormone levels. The physique changes seen are literally just the results of elevated growth hormone levels. Ipamorelin can potentially elevate the body’s natural growth hormone production by an additional 30%. An increase in growth hormone can cause:

Aids in the recovery phase post-workout. It helps in the repair of damaged muscle fibers while also stimulating the growth of new ones.
Additional effectiveness in wound healing and injury recuperation. Additional levels of growth hormone are able to reach the damaged areas of the body and trigger the proliferation of new cells.
Helps the individual into a deeper sleep promoting recovery and dissolution of fatigue in the body. Growth Hormone can decrease wakefulness and increase slow-wave sleep.
Healthier skin and aging support
An increase in growth hormone has been shown to increase fat metabolism. This elevation can assist in fat loss.
Reduction in visceral fat

Side Effects of Ipamorelin:

Ipamorelin is widely regarded as one of the safest growth hormone secretagogues available, thanks to its selective action and minimal off-target effects. However, like any bioactive compound, it may produce side effects in certain individuals, especially at higher doses or when combined with other peptides.

Potential side effects may include:

Mild headache
Temporary dizziness
Fatigue or lethargy
Nausea
Water retention (rare)
Tingling or numbness in extremities
Increased hunger (less common than with GHRP-6 or ghrelin mimetics)

Hormonal Considerations: Ipamorelin does not significantly affect cortisol or prolactin levels, which sets it apart from older peptides like GHRP-2 or GHRP-6. This makes it a safer option for individuals concerned about adrenal stress or hormonal imbalance.

How to Take Ipamorelin:

Ipamorelin is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, often in combination with other peptides for synergistic GH release. It is not available in oral form due to poor bioavailability when digested.

Subcutaneous Injection

Typical dosage: 100–300 mcg per injection
Frequency: 1–2 times daily, often in the morning and/or before sleep
Timing: Best taken on an empty stomach to maximize GH pulse
Stacking: Commonly paired with CJC-1295 (DAC or no DAC) for enhanced results

Some protocols recommend cycling Ipamorelin (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off) to maintain receptor sensitivity and mimic natural GH rhythms.

The scientific study conducted with Ipamorelin can be found: HERE

Summary:

Ipamorelin offers a clean, targeted approach to growth hormone optimization with minimal side effects and broad benefits—from muscle recovery and fat loss to anti-aging and sleep enhancement. Its safety profile makes it ideal for long-term use, especially when paired with complementary peptides.