Open Calculator 🌶️ Browse Protocols → Shop Compounds →
peppercalc.com · research use only
Peptide Protocol

Ipamorelin: the cleanest GH pulse.

Selective GHRP with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation. SubQ protocol for GH optimization research.

Open Calculator 🌶️ All Protocols →
peppercalc.com · research use only
Home› Protocols› Ipamorelin
GH Secretagogue WADA S2 Prohibited Research Use Only

Ipamorelin
Dosage Protocol

Ipamorelin is a selective fifth-generation growth hormone secretagogue peptide that mimics ghrelin to stimulate pulsatile GH release from the pituitary. Unlike older GHRPs, it produces minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation, making it one of the most studied peptides in clean GH optimization research.

200–300 mcg
Daily Dose
8–12 wks on / 4 off
Cycle
SubQ
Route
2–3× daily
Frequency
Overview

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂) and selective agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a). It was developed specifically to maximize pituitary GH release while avoiding the cortisol and prolactin spikes that characterize earlier GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.

Its selectivity profile makes it particularly attractive for longer research cycles. Ipamorelin produces discrete, pulsatile GH bursts that mimic the body's natural secretion pattern, which is associated with less receptor desensitization over time. It is almost always stacked with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 No DAC or Sermorelin) for synergistic GH release.

🧬
GHS-R1a Agonism
Selectively binds growth hormone secretagogue receptors in the anterior pituitary, triggering GH vesicle release without the broad receptor activation of older GHRPs.
🚫
Minimal Cortisol / Prolactin
Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin at standard doses, preserving a cleaner hormonal profile.
💤
Pulsatile GH Secretion
Produces discrete GH pulses rather than sustained elevation, mimicking the body's natural secretion rhythm and reducing risk of long-term receptor downregulation.
📈
IGF-1 Upregulation
Downstream GH activity drives hepatic IGF-1 production, producing the anabolic, recovery, and body composition effects associated with GH axis optimization.
Dosing Protocol

Dosing Schedule

Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.

⚠️ Research use only. The following documents parameters from published preclinical and clinical research. Not medical advice. Not for human consumption. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
PhaseDoseFrequencyDurationNotes
Start100 mcgOnce daily (bedtime)Days 1–7Tolerance assessment. Take fasted — food/glucose blunts GH release.
Working dose200 mcg standardTwice dailyWeeks 2–8AM fasted + bedtime. Most research falls here. Stack with CJC-1295 No DAC for synergy.
High dose300 mcg3× dailyWeeks 3–12Only if well-tolerated. Third dose at midday fasted. Diminishing returns above 300 mcg.
Off cycle——4 weeksRest period before restarting to prevent receptor desensitization.
Safety Profile

Safety & Side Effects

✓ Generally Well Tolerated
Minimal cortisol and prolactin elevation vs other GHRPs
Well-studied selectivity and safety profile in research
Pulsatile pattern reduces long-term desensitization risk
No significant appetite stimulation (unlike GHRP-6)
⚠ Potential Concerns
Blunted GH response if injected with food or elevated blood glucose
WADA S2 prohibited in competitive sports
Long-term human safety data limited
Mild water retention / joint aches at higher doses
⚠️
Research use onlyThis page is an educational reference. None of this constitutes medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before any use. All compounds are for research purposes only.
Evidence Base

Academic References

  1. [1]
    Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 139(5):552–561. PubMed ↗
  2. [2]
    Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, et al. (1999). Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 9(2):106–113. PubMed ↗
  3. [3]
    Bowers CY. (1998). Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). Cell Mol Life Sci. 54(12):1316–1329. PubMed ↗
  4. [4]
    Nass R, Pezzoli SS, Oliveri MC, et al. (2008). Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults. Ann Intern Med. 149(9):601–611. PubMed ↗
Recommended Source
Source your compounds at White Market Peptides
Use code PEPPERCALC10 for 10% off + free 2-day shipping over $200
Shop Now →