Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide and selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that mimics the action of ghrelin to stimulate pulsatile GH release from the pituitary gland. It is primarily used in research and off-label contexts for body composition improvement, fat loss, muscle preservation, anti-aging, and recovery enhancement. Unlike older GH secretagogues, it exhibits high GH selectivity with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin at therapeutic doses.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, triggering a dose-dependent release of endogenous growth hormone through activation of Gq/G11 and Gi protein signaling cascades. This stimulates downstream IGF-1 production in the liver, which mediates many of the anabolic, lipolytic, and regenerative effects. Ipamorelin is distinct in that it does not significantly blunt somatostatin activity or cause desensitization at typical research doses, preserving the pulsatile nature of GH secretion.
Evidence by Health Goal(13 goals)
Dosing Protocols
Fasted state, ideally upon waking, pre-workout, or 30-60 minutes before sleep
Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Administered subcutaneously, typically into abdominal fat. Pre-sleep dosing capitalizes on the natural GH pulse during slow-wave sleep. Often combined with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 to achieve synergistic GH release. Reconstitute lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate after reconstitution.
Safety & Side Effects
Ipamorelin has a favorable safety profile relative to exogenous GH, with high pituitary selectivity and minimal impact on cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at standard research doses; however, long-term human safety data is limited and it is not FDA-approved for human use. It is an unscheduled research compound in most jurisdictions but is banned by WADA for athletic competition, and individuals with active malignancy, diabetic retinopathy, or carpal tunnel syndrome should use with particular caution.
Possible Side Effects
- !Transient flushing or warmth at injection site and face within minutes of administration
- !Mild headache shortly after injection, typically resolving within 30-60 minutes
- !Transient lightheadedness or dizziness, especially on first use
- !Water retention and mild peripheral edema at higher doses or with prolonged use
- !Increased hunger and appetite stimulation due to ghrelin receptor activity
- !Injection site irritation, redness, or minor bruising with repeated subcutaneous injections
- !Transient fatigue or somnolence, particularly with pre-sleep dosing
- !Potential for numbness or tingling in extremities at supraphysiological doses
Interactions
- -May enhance hypoglycemic effects of insulin or oral antidiabetic agents — monitor blood glucose closely, as GH can cause transient insulin resistance
- -Concurrent use with GHRH analogs (e.g., CJC-1295, Sermorelin) produces synergistic GH release — dose reduction of ipamorelin may be warranted to avoid excessive GH elevation
- -High-fat or high-carbohydrate meals blunt GH response — administer in a fasted state and avoid dosing within 90 minutes of a large meal
- -May theoretically potentiate growth-promoting effects in individuals on thyroid hormone replacement — monitor for signs of enhanced anabolic activity
- -Use caution with corticosteroids, as glucocorticoids can attenuate GH secretagogue-induced GH release and reduce efficacy
Cost & Where to Buy
Cost reflects research-grade lyophilized peptide from reputable vendors, dosed at 200-300mcg once or twice daily. Pricing varies significantly by vendor purity, vial size (typically 2mg or 5mg), and whether purchased as part of a combination kit with CJC-1295. Bacteriostatic water and insulin syringes add minimal additional cost.
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