Ipamorelin
Selective GH secretagogue that pairs with CJC-1295 as the gold-standard gentle GH-pulse stack.
5 residues· First described 1999
Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (Aib = α-aminoisobutyric acid; D-residues marked)
Overview
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates pituitary GH release without the cortisol and prolactin side effects that complicate older GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. This clean profile is why it's paired with CJC-1295 (no DAC) as the most widely recommended GH secretagogue stack in the optimization community.
Used alone, ipamorelin produces modest IGF-1 elevation. Paired with CJC-1295 no-DAC, the combination synergistically amplifies natural GH pulses - a more physiologic approach than exogenous HGH.
Response is typically milder than tesamorelin but side-effect profile is cleaner. Good starting point for GH secretagogue protocols, especially for users who reacted poorly to more aggressive compounds.
Mechanism of Action
Ipamorelin binds the GHSR (growth hormone secretagogue receptor / ghrelin receptor) with high selectivity, triggering GH release from the pituitary. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, it does not meaningfully activate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin pathways - making it a cleaner tool for isolating the GH-axis effect.
Community Usage Patterns
200–300 mcg SC, 1–3× daily on an empty stomach. Most common pattern: AM fasted + before bed. Typically stacked with CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100–200 mcg at same time points. 12–16 week cycles with IGF-1 assessed at 6–8 weeks.
Education only - not medical advice. Any protocol change should involve your licensed provider.
Biomarkers to Track
When running Ipamorelin, these are the biomarkers most commonly tracked to assess response and safety:
Reconstitution Calculator
Free calculator for Ipamorelin reconstitution math - vial size, BAC water volume, and exact syringe units.
Open Ipamorelin calculator →Side Effects & Monitoring
What Ipamorelin side effects are commonly reported, when they appear, the red flags worth a provider call, and the biomarkers that catch issues early.
Ipamorelin side effects & what to track →Results & What to Track
What Ipamorelin results actually look like in the data - the markers to measure, when they tend to move, and how to tell a real result from placebo.
Ipamorelin results & how to measure them →Related Peptides
Stacks That Include Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin Head-to-Head Comparisons
Conditions Ipamorelin is Commonly Researched For
Log doses, upload your lab PDFs, and let StackAI read your panel in context of what you're actually running. Free to start.
Start tracking →This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice. MyProtocolStack is a tracking and education platform. Work with a licensed provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol.