Ipamorelin // Clean GHRP
The cleanest growth hormone releasing peptide available. Ipamorelin stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) with a selectivity profile that no other GHRP matches — minimal cortisol elevation, negligible prolactin increase, and no significant appetite stimulation. This makes it the default GHRP for virtually every GH optimization protocol.
The GHRP that doesn't come with baggage.
All GHRPs work through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs. But they differ dramatically in selectivity. GHRP-6 hammers the ghrelin pathway broadly — spiking appetite, cortisol, and prolactin alongside GH. GHRP-2 is cleaner but still elevates cortisol. Ipamorelin activates GH release with virtually no off-target effects. It's the surgical strike of the GHRP family.
Same timing as CJC-1295 — because they're used together.
Ipamorelin follows the same timing principles as CJC-1295: inject on an empty stomach, prioritize bedtime dosing, and add morning/post-workout doses for advanced protocols. The standard dose is 100mcg per injection, combined in the same syringe with 100mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC). Higher doses (200–300mcg) are used but offer diminishing returns above 200mcg.
The selectivity data that makes it the default GHRP.
Ipamorelin was developed by Novo Nordisk and represents a breakthrough in GHRP selectivity. Preclinical head-to-head comparisons against GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 showed equivalent GH release with significantly lower cortisol, prolactin, and ghrelin-mediated side effects.
The dose-response curve is well-characterized: GH output increases linearly from 1mcg/kg to approximately 10mcg/kg, then plateaus. This translates to ~100–300mcg per dose for most adults, with optimal efficiency at 100–200mcg.
Community experience over 10+ years consistently rates Ipamorelin as the best-tolerated GHRP. The absence of appetite stimulation makes it usable in both cutting and bulking phases, and the lack of cortisol spike makes it safe for evening dosing without sleep disruption.
The GHRP family — selectivity matters.
| GHRP | GH Output | Cortisol | Prolactin | Appetite | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Moderate-High | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Default choice — clean profile |
| GHRP-2 | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Max GH when sides acceptable |
| GHRP-6 | High | High | High | Extreme | Bulking (appetite is a feature) |
| Hexarelin | Highest | High | High | Moderate | Short bursts (desensitizes) |
| MK-677 (oral) | Moderate | Minimal | Moderate | Significant | Convenience (no injection) |
What to watch for.
Ipamorelin's side effect profile is manageable with proper protocol adherence. Baseline blood work before starting and periodic monitoring during use is essential.
- Head rush or flushing after injection (transient, normal)
- Water retention (mild, GH-mediated)
- Tingling or numbness in extremities (rare, dose-dependent)
- Vivid dreams (improved sleep quality)
- Mild headache (first few doses, resolves)
- Minimal cortisol impact (Ipamorelin's key advantage)
- Minimal appetite change (unlike GHRP-6)
- No GH production suppression (stimulates, doesn't replace)
- IGF-1 (primary efficacy marker)
- GH serum (fasting morning draw)
- Fasting glucose and insulin
- HbA1c (long-term glucose monitoring)
- Prolactin (should remain stable — if not, verify product)
- Cortisol (should remain stable — Ipamorelin's advantage)
- Thyroid panel (GH can affect conversion)
- CBC and CMP (baseline)
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) is the standard pairing — always combine
- BPC-157 / TB-500 for enhanced recovery
- DSIP before bed for sleep synergy
- Selank for calming anxiolytic effect alongside evening dose
- Do NOT combine with exogenous GH
- Safe to combine with most non-GH peptides
- Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F)
- Reconstituted: refrigerate, use within 28–30 days
- Protect from light and heat
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
- Can combine in same syringe with CJC-1295
- Research grade: confirm ≥98% HPLC purity on COA
Compounds that complement Ipamorelin.
The only GHRP most people will ever need.
Ipamorelin's selectivity profile makes it the default GHRP — period. Equivalent GH output to GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 without the cortisol, prolactin, and appetite baggage. When paired with CJC-1295 (no DAC), it forms the most validated GH secretagogue protocol available. The only reason to use a different GHRP is if you specifically want the appetite stimulation (GHRP-6 for bulking) or maximum single-dose GH output (Hexarelin for short bursts). For everyone else — anti-aging, recovery, body composition, sleep quality — Ipamorelin is the answer. Test IGF-1 and prolactin at baseline and 6 weeks to confirm efficacy and product quality.
Our free Protocol Guide includes the complete CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin pairing protocol — timing, doses, blood work panels, and recovery stack recommendations.