Peptide profile
Ipamorelin
GH-releasing peptide for lean mass and recovery · also known as NNC 26-0161
Compare Ipamorelin with other peptides →Summary
A selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin mimetic that stimulates pituitary GH release with high specificity and minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
- Typical dose
- 200-300 mcg per injection, 1-3 times daily
- Half-life
- ~2 hours
- Route
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
Mechanism
How it works
Binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile GH release without significantly stimulating ACTH or cortisol pathways.
Reported in research
Benefits
- Increased endogenous growth hormone secretion
- Improved body composition (lean mass, fat reduction)
- Enhanced recovery from exercise and injury
- Improved sleep quality (particularly slow-wave sleep)
Context, not a prescription
Dosing
- Typical range
- 200-300 mcg per injection, 1-3 times daily (Subcutaneous, Intramuscular)
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Half-life
- ~2 hours
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Possible side effects
- Water retention (mild)
- Tingling or numbness at injection site
- Hunger increase (ghrelin-pathway effect)
- Headache (transient)
Contraindications
- Active malignancy
- Untreated hypothyroidism (may reduce GH response)
- Pregnancy
Research information, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before considering any peptide.
In depth
Full profile
What it does
Better recovery, better sleep, keeping muscle, and less body fat.
How it works
Ipamorelin is like a kind coach for a gland in your brain. It encourages your body to make growth hormone on its own.
It gently grabs onto special spots in a brain gland. This tells your body to make growth hormone.
What to expect
You may notice changes in about 2-3 weeks if you use it every day.
- Weeks 1-2: You sleep better and feel more awake in the morning.
- Weeks 3-4: You recover faster and feel less sore after workouts.
- Weeks 6-8: You start to see more muscle and a changed body shape.
Good to know
- Use it on an empty tummy
- Don't eat 30 minutes before and after
- Take breaks between cycles
Staying safe
- Redness where you got the shot
- A little more hunger (very small)
- Holding extra water for a short time
Avoid if you have:
- People with active cancer
- People with serious diabetes
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Mechanism of action
Potent synthetic pentapeptide with specific GH-releasing properties acting on pituitary GHS receptors.
Selectively binds to ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release.
Pharmacodynamics
Effects noticeable within 2-3 weeks of consistent use.
Improved recovery, better sleep, lean mass retention, reduced body fat.
Timeline
- Weeks 1-2: Improved sleep quality and morning energy.
- Weeks 3-4: Enhanced workout recovery and reduced soreness.
- Weeks 6-8: Noticeable lean mass gains and body composition changes.
Comparisons
- Ipamorelin — effectiveness Moderate, safety Good, cost $, Medium to use
- GHRP-6 — effectiveness Moderate, safety Good, cost $, Medium to use
Adverse effects
Common:
- Injection site redness
- Mild hunger increase (minimal)
- Temporary water retention
Rare:
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
- Joint pain
- Headache
Contraindications & risk mitigation
Contraindicated in:
- Active cancer
- Severe diabetes
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Use on empty stomach
- Avoid food 30 min before and after
- Cycle with breaks
Qué hace
Mejor recuperación, mejor sueño, mantener el músculo y menos grasa corporal.
Cómo funciona
Ipamorelin es como un entrenador amable para una glándula en tu cerebro. Anima a tu cuerpo a producir hormona del crecimiento por sí mismo.
Se une suavemente a puntos especiales en una glándula cerebral. Esto le indica a tu cuerpo que produzca hormona del crecimiento.
Qué esperar
Puedes notar cambios en unas 2-3 semanas si lo usas todos los días.
- Semanas 1-2: Duermes mejor y te sientes más despierto por la mañana.
- Semanas 3-4: Te recuperas más rápido y sientes menos dolor después de entrenar.
- Semanas 6-8: Empiezas a notar más músculo y un cambio en la forma de tu cuerpo.
Bueno saber
- Úsalo con el estómago vacío
- No comas 30 minutos antes y después
- Toma descansos entre ciclos
Manteniéndose seguro
- Enrojecimiento donde te aplicaste la inyección
- Un poco más de hambre (muy leve)
- Retener un poco más de agua por un tiempo corto
Evitar si tienes:
- Personas con cáncer activo
- Personas con diabetes grave
- Personas que están embarazadas o en período de lactancia
Mecanismo de acción
Pentapéptido sintético potente con propiedades específicas liberadoras de GH que actúa sobre los receptores GHS pituitarios.
Se une selectivamente a los receptores de grelina (GHS-R1a) en la hipófisis para estimular la liberación de GH.
Farmacodinamia
Los efectos son notables dentro de 2-3 semanas de uso constante.
Mejor recuperación, mejor sueño, retención de masa magra, reducción de grasa corporal.
Cronología
- Semanas 1-2: Mejora de la calidad del sueño y energía matutina.
- Semanas 3-4: Recuperación mejorada del entrenamiento y menor dolor muscular.
- Semanas 6-8: Ganancias notables de masa magra y cambios en la composición corporal.
Comparaciones
- Ipamorelin — efectividad Moderada, seguridad Buena, costo $, Media de usar
- GHRP-6 — efectividad Moderada, seguridad Buena, costo $, Media de usar
Efectos adversos
Comunes:
- Enrojecimiento en el sitio de inyección
- Aumento leve del apetito (mínimo)
- Retención de líquidos temporal
Raros:
- Síntomas de síndrome del túnel carpiano
- Dolor articular
- Dolor de cabeza
Contraindicaciones y mitigación de riesgos
Contraindicado en:
- Cáncer activo
- Diabetes grave
- Embarazo o lactancia
- Usar en ayunas
- Evitar alimentos 30 min antes y después
- Ciclar con descansos
Reference data
Specifications
- Molecular formula
- C38H49N9O5
- Molecular weight
- 711.9 g/mol
- Half-life
- ~2 hours
- Route
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks
- Storage
- Lyophilized: room temperature for short periods. Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2-8 C, use within 30 days.
- Legal status
- Research chemical in most countries; not FDA-approved for human use outside clinical trials.
FAQ
Common questions
Does ipamorelin increase appetite?
Unlike GHRP-6, ipamorelin has minimal effect on hunger.
Is ipamorelin similar to GHRP-2?
Yes, but ipamorelin is more selective for GH with less impact on prolactin and cortisol.
What is the evidence level?
This compound is classified as Limited human data. Some human data exists but trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.
Research
Research & sources
Current evidence for Ipamorelin is rated as Limited human data. Limited human data is available.
- 1. Ipamorelin: A new GH secretagogue (1998) — DOI:10.1210/endo.139.6.6018
- 2. GH-releasing peptides review (2003) — DOI:10.1016/S0083-6729(08)60970-X
- 3. Raun et al. — Ipamorelin, a new GH-releasing peptide
- 4. Johansen et al. — Ipamorelin selectivity for GH release
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