How it works
Acts as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist on the pituitary, triggering a clean GH pulse. Its selectivity avoids the appetite and cortisol effects seen with older secretagogues like GHRP-6.
Structure: Pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2)
Reported benefits
- Clean GH pulse without hunger spikes
- Better sleep quality and recovery
- Mild fat-loss and body-composition support
Practical considerations
- Weakest GH release of the GHRPs — usually stacked with CJC-1295
- Effects build over weeks, not days
- Dose ceiling: more than ~300 mcg per pulse gives diminishing returns
Side effects and risks
- Mild headache
- Injection-site redness
- Light-headedness shortly after dosing
Ipamorelin dosing overview
200–300 mcg per dose, often 100–300 mcg before bed
| Context | Amount | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard reported dose | 200–300 mcg | 1–3× daily | Subcutaneous |
| Before bed only | 100–300 mcg | Once nightly | Subcutaneous |
This describes doses reported in published literature and community protocols. It is not a recommendation, and it is not a substitute for clinical supervision.
Ipamorelin FAQ
What is ipamorelin?
A pentapeptide ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist that triggers a pulse of growth-hormone release from the pituitary. It is described as selective because, unlike older secretagogues, it has little effect on cortisol or prolactin at typical doses.
Does ipamorelin make you hungry?
Much less than ghrelin itself or GHRP-6. It hits the same receptor but produces weaker appetite signalling, which is one reason it is preferred in community protocols.
Why is it dosed on an empty stomach?
Elevated blood glucose and insulin blunt growth-hormone release, so protocols space doses away from meals to avoid dampening the pulse.
Is ipamorelin FDA-approved?
No. It reached early clinical study and was discontinued. It is not approved, is restricted for US compounding, and is banned in sport.
Research references
- Raun et al., 1998 — Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue