Ipamorelin
WELL RESEARCHEDGrowth hormone secretagogue | Selective GHRP
By the INFOPEPTIDOS editorial team · content based on scientific literature.
Updated: August 2026.
Key points
- What it is: selective GHRP (growth hormone secretagogue).
- Main use: body composition, recovery and sleep quality.
- Typical dose: 100–300 mcg, 1–3 times a day, subcutaneous injection.
- Key result: triggers GH pulses with barely any rise in cortisol or appetite.
- Common effects: mild; redness at the injection site.
- Comparison: combined with CJC-1295 (GHRH) for a synergistic effect on GH.
- Status: not FDA-approved.
Technical data: Molecular formula C38H49N9O5 · Molecular weight 711.9 g/mol. Source: PubChem.
Overview
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the natural production of growth hormone in the pituitary gland. It is known for its clean profile, with minimal side effects on cortisol and prolactin levels, making it ideal for body composition, recovery and anti-aging applications.
Key benefits
Optimal growth hormone stimulation with precise dosing and superior bioavailability. The most effective method for body composition, recovery and anti-aging, with minimal side effects.
Mechanism of action
Injectable ipamorelin provides direct systemic delivery for consistent GH pulse stimulation. It binds selectively to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary to stimulate natural GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin, and without causing significant hunger.
Quick start guide
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 100–300 mcg | 1–3 times/day (fasting or before bed) | 8–12 weeks |
Subcutaneous route. The specific dose must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitution: units in the syringe
Example with a 5 mg vial + 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → a 2.5 mg/ml solution. On a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
| Dose | Volume | Units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.04 ml | 4 U |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 ml | 8 U |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 ml | 12 U |
Is your vial or water different? Calculate the exact units below.
🧮 Calculate your exact syringe dose →CJC-1295 vs Ipamorelin
| CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRH analog | GHRP (secretagogue) |
| Action | Raises baseline GH | Triggers GH pulses |
| Half-life | Long (with DAC) | Short |
| Stackable | Yes, with Ipamorelin | Yes, with CJC-1295 |
⚠️ Who should NOT use it
- People with active cancer — increasing GH is discouraged.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Always under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
What to expect
- Week 1-2: better sleep quality, deeper sleep and more energy in the morning.
- Week 2-4: better recovery after exercise and less soreness.
- Week 4-8: improvements in body composition, increased lean mass and fat loss.
- Week 8-12: continued improvements in muscle tone, skin quality and energy.
- Side effects: minimal, occasional mild hunger 20-30 minutes after injection.
- Most effective for: sleep optimization, body recomposition and anti-aging.
Side effects & safety
- Use a sterile injection technique to prevent infection.
- May cause a mild increase in hunger 20-30 minutes after injection.
- Watch for possible receptor desensitization after 3-4 months of continuous use.
- Take periodic breaks from the cycle to maintain effectiveness and receptor sensitivity.
- Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding or active cancer.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or swelling.
- Signs of infection at the injection site: redness, warmth, pus or intense pain.
- Swelling, numbness or tingling in the hands (possible carpal tunnel syndrome).
- Increased thirst, urination or blood sugar levels.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the natural production of growth hormone in the pituitary gland.
What is Ipamorelin researched for?
It is studied for body composition, recovery, sleep quality and anti-aging applications.
How does Ipamorelin work?
It binds selectively to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary and stimulates GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin, and without causing much hunger.
How long does Ipamorelin take to work?
Effects on sleep and recovery are described within 2-4 weeks, and body-composition effects around 6-8 weeks.
What is the usual Ipamorelin dose?
Most commonly 200-300 mcg, one to three times a day. The schedule should be assessed by a professional.
How is Ipamorelin administered?
Subcutaneously; injecting before bed is considered optimal to take advantage of the natural GH peak.
How is Ipamorelin stored?
Refrigerated (2-8 °C), using it within 28 days after reconstitution. See the storage guide.
What are the side effects of Ipamorelin?
They are minimal; the most reported is a slight feeling of hunger shortly after injection.
Which peptides is Ipamorelin combined with?
The most popular combination is CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin, because together they boost growth hormone release.
What is the difference between Ipamorelin and CJC-1295?
Ipamorelin is a GHRP (acts via the ghrelin pathway) and CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog; acting through different pathways, they complement each other.
Is Ipamorelin approved?
It is not FDA-approved for human use.
Research areas
- Body composition
- Physical recovery
- Sleep quality
- Anti-aging
- Growth hormone stimulation
Related peptides
- CJC-1295 — GHRH analog; classic combination with Ipamorelin.
- Sermorelin — GHRH 1-29 analog of the GH axis.
- Tesamorelin — GHRH analog researched for visceral fat.
Related articles
Related topics
- Ipamorelin for muscle mass
- Ipamorelin and sleep
- Ipamorelin dose
- Ipamorelin and CJC-1295
- Ipamorelin and recovery
- Ipamorelin and anti-aging
Summary
What it is: Selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP).
How it is researched: Subcutaneous, 200-300 mcg, 1-3 times a day.
Key features: Stimulates natural GH without affecting cortisol or prolactin. Not FDA-approved.
Related peptides: CJC-1295, Sermorelin and Tesamorelin.
References
- Raun K et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. PubMed · DOI
- Lu Z et al. (2024). The growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a agonists, anamorelin and ipamorelin, inhibit cisplatin-induced weight loss in ferrets: Anamorelin also exhibits anti-emetic effects via a central mechanism. Physiol Behav. PubMed · DOI
- Rahman OF et al. (2026). Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. PubMed · DOI
- Johansen PB et al. (1999). Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. PubMed · DOI
Studies compiled from PubMed for informational purposes; many are preclinical or research-stage and do not constitute medical advice.