Ipamorelin
A gentle growth hormone peptide for fat loss, better sleep, and recovery. Ipamorelin is one of the mildest and most selective growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). It stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels, making it popular for those seeking cleaner GH elevation with fewer side effects.
Compare Prices🧬Key Characteristics
- Length: 5 amino acids(One of the smallest GH-releasing peptides.)
- Half-life: ~2 hours(Moderate duration allows for flexible dosing schedules.)
- Receptor: GHS-R (ghrelin)(Different pathway than GHRH peptides like CJC-1295.)
- Selectivity: Highly selective(Minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite.)
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
Ipamorelin Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It Works
GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide) — Ghrelin Receptor AgonistReceptor → GH Secretion → Systemic Effects → Outcomes
GHS-R1a (Ghrelin/Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor)
Unlike GHRH peptides (CJC-1295, Sermorelin), Ipamorelin works through a completely different pathway — the ghrelin receptor. This is why the two classes are often stacked together: different receptors, complementary signals.
IP3/DAG Pathway → Amplified GH Pulse
Ghrelin receptor activation uses the IP3/DAG signaling cascade (distinct from GHRH's cAMP/PKA pathway). This amplifies the magnitude of each GH pulse and makes the pituitary more responsive to incoming GHRH signals. Ipamorelin is uniquely selective — it triggers GH release without significantly increasing cortisol, prolactin, or appetite.
Amplified GH Pulses → Enhanced Recovery & Body Composition
By amplifying GH pulse magnitude (rather than initiating pulses like GHRH), Ipamorelin boosts IGF-1 levels with minimal hormonal side effects. The selectivity means no cortisol spikes, no prolactin issues, and minimal hunger increase — making it suitable for extended protocols.
Better Sleep → Steady Recovery → Gradual Recomp
Improved sleep quality, reduced joint discomfort, and gradual body composition improvements. Effects are mild but consistent. Best results when combined with a GHRH peptide — alone, Ipamorelin amplifies existing GH signals but doesn't initiate new ones.
What Makes This Peptide Different
Ipamorelin is the most selective GHRP available. While GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 also trigger GH release through the ghrelin receptor, they come with cortisol elevation, prolactin increase, and significant hunger. Ipamorelin avoids all of these, making it the safest GHRP for long-term use and the ideal stacking partner for GHRH peptides.
Sequence → Why It Matters
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (5 amino acids) with non-standard residues:
So what? The non-standard amino acids are specifically chosen for selectivity. Other GHRPs use similar ghrelin receptor activation but trigger broader hormonal responses. Ipamorelin's sequence engineering achieves GH release while avoiding the cortisol, prolactin, and appetite side effects that make other GHRPs harder to tolerate long-term.
Dosing Protocol
Growth Hormone / Fat LossEducational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Popular Stack Protocols
4 stacksCommonly paired protocols from the peptide research community. Educational reference only.
🧬 CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone / Fat Loss / Anti-Aging🧬 CJC-1295 DAC + Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone / Sustained Release🧬 Sermorelin + Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone / Anti-Aging🧬 Ipamorelin + GHRP-2
Maximum Growth Hormone ReleaseWhy This Dosing Protocol
Why before bed and/or morning? Ipamorelin amplifies existing GH pulses. The largest natural pulse is ~1 hour after sleep onset, and a smaller one occurs in the early morning. Dosing at these windows maximizes the amplification effect.
Why empty stomach? Same as GHRH peptides — insulin blunts GH release. Fast for 2+ hours before injection.
Why stack with CJC-1295? GHRH (CJC-1295) initiates the GH pulse. GHRP (Ipamorelin) amplifies it. Together, they produce GH pulses 3-5x stronger than either alone. Different receptors, complementary mechanisms.
Diagrams
Hover for preview • Click to open full sizeIpamorelin Pricing
We surface in-stock offers first and normalize by price per mg for quick comparisons.
5 mg / vial
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10 mg / vial
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Stacks
Ipamorelin is commonly paired with ipamorelin in GH-axis research discussions. For comparing bundles fairly, we normalize stack value using the Ipamorelin amount as the driving peptide (assuming ratios remain consistent as bundle sizes scale).
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Bundle of CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (ghrelin-receptor secretagogue) often paired in GH-axis research discussions.
| Vendor | Stack | Price | $/mg (CJC) | COA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ Peptides | 5mg/5mg | $44.00 | $8.80 | Go → | |
| Certified Pep | 10mg/10mg | $110.00 | $11.00 | Go → | |
| Certified Pep | 5mg/5mg | $60.00 | $12.00 | Go → | |
| Ascension Peptides | 5mg | $100.00 | $20.00 | Go → | |
| Limitless Biotech | 6mg | $156.99 | $26.17 | Go → |
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
Bundle of Tesamorelin (FDA-approved GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (ghrelin-receptor secretagogue) for synergistic GH release.
| Vendor | Stack | Price | $/mg (CJC) | COA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZ Peptides | 10mg/3mgNon-1:1 | $88.00 | $8.80 | Go → |
Reconstitution calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorEducational Videos
How to Reconstitute Peptides
Handling
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
Storage & Handling Guide
Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
FAQ
What makes Ipamorelin different from other GH peptides?
Ipamorelin is one of the most selective growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). Unlike other GHRPs like GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, it stimulates GH release without significantly increasing cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. This selectivity makes it one of the mildest options with fewer side effects.
Why is Ipamorelin often stacked with CJC-1295?
This combination activates two complementary pathways: CJC-1295 works through the GHRH receptor to increase the number of pituitary cells releasing GH, while Ipamorelin works through the ghrelin receptor to increase GH output per cell. Together, they produce a synergistic effect greater than either peptide alone, often called the "CJC/Ipa stack."
What are the most common side effects?
Ipamorelin is considered one of the gentlest GH peptides. Possible side effects include mild headache, water retention, and tingling in extremities. Unlike GHRP-6, it typically does not cause significant hunger increases. Injection site reactions may occur but are usually minor and temporary.
How does Ipamorelin compare to GHRP-6 and GHRP-2?
Ipamorelin is more selective than both GHRP-6 and GHRP-2. GHRP-6 causes strong hunger increases and can raise cortisol. GHRP-2 is more potent but also affects cortisol and prolactin more. Ipamorelin provides a cleaner GH release with minimal impact on other hormones, making it preferred for those prioritizing side effect profile over raw potency.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide (5 amino acids) that stimulates growth hormone release by mimicking ghrelin at the pituitary gland. It was developed specifically to be selective for GH release without affecting other hormones. This makes it popular for those wanting GH benefits with minimal side effects.
What is the typical Ipamorelin dosage?
A common research dosage is 300 mcg per injection, administered AM and/or PM on a 5 days on, 2 days off schedule (8 weeks on, 8 weeks off). Best taken on an empty stomach. It's often combined with a GHRH like CJC-1295 no DAC for enhanced effects.
What benefits does Ipamorelin provide?
By elevating GH levels, Ipamorelin may support fat loss, lean muscle growth, improved sleep quality, faster recovery, enhanced skin health, and anti-aging effects. Many users report improved sleep as an early benefit. Results develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use.
Does Ipamorelin cause hunger like GHRP-6?
No, Ipamorelin's selectivity means it doesn't significantly increase appetite. While it does work on ghrelin receptors, its effect on hunger is minimal compared to GHRP-6 or even GHRP-2. This makes it suitable for those on calorie-restricted diets or who want to avoid increased appetite.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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Scientific Sources
The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:
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