Ipamorelin 10mg

What It Is

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide that stimulates your pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone. What makes it special is its selectivity. Unlike older peptides in this class, Ipamorelin increases growth hormone without affecting cortisol, prolactin, or other hormones that cause unwanted side effects.

The peptide was developed by Novo Nordisk in Denmark and has been called the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. It is a pentapeptide, meaning it contains just five amino acids. Despite its small size, it produces significant growth hormone release with a favorable side effect profile.

Ipamorelin works by mimicking ghrelin, the hunger hormone. It binds to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary gland and triggers growth hormone release. The key difference from natural ghrelin is that Ipamorelin does not strongly stimulate appetite like ghrelin does, and it does not cause the cortisol and prolactin spikes seen with other growth hormone releasing peptides.

This peptide is not FDA approved. It reached Phase 2 clinical trials for post operative ileus (gut motility after surgery) but did not meet endpoints and development was discontinued. It remains available through peptide suppliers for research purposes.

How It Works

Ipamorelin belongs to a class of compounds called growth hormone secretagogues. These compounds stimulate growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor pathway, which is different from the GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) pathway.

The Ghrelin Receptor

Your stomach produces a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin has several functions: it makes you feel hungry, it influences energy balance, and it signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. The receptor that ghrelin binds to is called GHS-R1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a).

Ipamorelin binds to this same receptor. When it does, the pituitary releases growth hormone. But Ipamorelin is highly selective. In studies, even at doses 200 times higher than needed for growth hormone release, it did not increase ACTH (which leads to cortisol) or prolactin. This selectivity is what sets it apart from GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which do increase those hormones.

The Growth Hormone Pulse

Ipamorelin creates a rapid spike in growth hormone. After injection, growth hormone levels peak at about 40 minutes and then decline back to baseline. The half life of ipamorelin is approximately 2 hours. This means the effect is quick and temporary, which actually mimics how your body naturally releases growth hormone in pulses.

This pulsatile pattern is considered healthier than sustained elevation because it is how your body normally operates. You get the growth hormone boost without overriding natural feedback systems.

Downstream Effects

The growth hormone released by ipamorelin travels to the liver and stimulates production of IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is responsible for many of the anabolic effects: muscle protein synthesis, cellular repair, fat metabolism, and tissue growth. Higher IGF-1 levels over time lead to improvements in body composition, recovery, and overall vitality.

Benefits

Growth Hormone Release Without Side Effects

Ipamorelin increases growth hormone without raising cortisol, prolactin, or other stress hormones. This is the primary advantage over older peptides like GHRP-6. Elevated cortisol interferes with muscle building and promotes fat storage. Elevated prolactin can cause sexual dysfunction and other issues. Ipamorelin avoids both.

Improved Body Composition

Higher growth hormone and IGF-1 support muscle growth and fat loss. Users typically report improved ability to build lean mass, reduced body fat (especially around the midsection), and better overall body composition. These effects develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use.

Faster Recovery

Growth hormone accelerates tissue repair. This translates to faster recovery between training sessions, reduced muscle soreness, and improved healing from minor injuries. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use ipamorelin specifically for this benefit.

Better Sleep

Growth hormone release naturally peaks during deep sleep. Ipamorelin, especially when taken before bed, enhances this process. Users commonly report falling asleep faster, sleeping more deeply, and waking up feeling more refreshed.

Joint and Connective Tissue Health

IGF-1 stimulates collagen synthesis. Over time, this can improve joint comfort, skin quality, and overall connective tissue health. These effects take longer to notice than changes in body composition, typically appearing after 2 to 3 months of use.

Bone Health

Ipamorelin has been studied specifically for its effects on bone. Research shows it can counteract bone loss caused by glucocorticoid medications and increase bone formation markers. This makes it relevant for long term health, especially in aging populations.

Mild Appetite Effects

Although ipamorelin activates ghrelin receptors, its effect on hunger is much milder than GHRP-6. Some users notice increased appetite, which can be helpful for those trying to eat more for muscle gain. Others notice minimal appetite change.

What the Science Shows

Ipamorelin has been studied in animal models, healthy human volunteers, and clinical trials for specific medical conditions.

Selectivity Study (Raun et al., 1998)

Published in the European Journal of Endocrinology. This landmark study established ipamorelin as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.

Key findings:

• Ipamorelin released growth hormone with potency and efficacy similar to GHRP-6

• Unlike GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, ipamorelin did not increase ACTH or cortisol

• This selectivity held even at doses more than 200 times higher than the effective dose for GH release

• No effect on FSH, LH, prolactin, or TSH

The researchers concluded that ipamorelin was the first GHRP receptor agonist with selectivity for GH release similar to natural GHRH.

Human Pharmacokinetics (Gobburu et al., 1999)

Published in Pharmaceutical Research. Dose escalation study in 40 healthy male volunteers.

Results:

• Half life approximately 2 hours

• Growth hormone peaked at 0.67 hours (40 minutes) after injection

• Dose dependent response across all tested doses

• Exponential decline to baseline

• Well tolerated

Bone Studies (Andersen et al., 2001)

Studied ipamorelin's effects on bone formation in rats treated with glucocorticoids (which cause bone loss).

Results:

• Ipamorelin counteracted the glucocorticoid induced decrease in bone formation

• Increased bone formation rate by up to four fold

• Improved bone mineral content

Bone Growth Study (Johansen et al., 1999)

Published in Growth Hormone & IGF Research. Studied longitudinal bone growth in adult female rats.

Results:

• Dose dependent increase in bone growth rate from 42 mcm/day to 52 mcm/day

• Pronounced dose dependent effect on body weight gain

• Pituitary GH content remained unchanged (no suppression)

Post Operative Ileus Trials (Beck et al., 2008)

A 2008 trial with 114 patients undergoing bowel resection found that ipamorelin did not significantly reduce time to first meal compared to placebo. However, patients undergoing open surgery showed faster return of GI function compared to historical data. Development was discontinued after these results.

Sources:

• Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol (1998)

• Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin." Pharm Res (1999)

• Andersen NB, et al. "The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats." Growth Horm IGF Res (2001)

• Johansen PB, et al. "Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats." Growth Horm IGF Res (1999)

• Ishida J, et al. "Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development." JCSM Rapid Communications (2020)

Dosing Protocol

Ipamorelin is typically dosed 1 to 3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. It works best when combined with a GHRH peptide like CJC-1295 without DAC.

Standard Solo Protocol

• Dose: 200 to 300 mcg per injection

• Frequency: 1 to 2 times daily

• Timing: Before bed and/or morning (fasted)

• Schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off

• Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks

Combined with CJC-1295 (Preferred)

• Ipamorelin: 100 to 200 mcg

• CJC-1295 without DAC: 100 to 200 mcg

• Frequency: Once daily before bed

• Schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off

• Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks

The combination produces significantly more growth hormone release than either peptide alone. The GHRH signal (CJC-1295) and the ghrelin signal (Ipamorelin) work through different pathways and amplify each other.

Split Dosing Protocol

For maximum GH pulsatility:

• Morning (fasted): 100 to 150 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 to 150 mcg CJC-1295

• Before bed: 100 to 150 mcg Ipamorelin + 100 to 150 mcg CJC-1295

This creates two separate growth hormone pulses per day.

Dosing by Body Weight

• Under 150 lbs: 100 to 150 mcg per injection

• 150 to 200 lbs: 150 to 200 mcg per injection

• Over 200 lbs: 200 to 300 mcg per injection

Important Notes

Take on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after eating. Food, especially carbohydrates, raises insulin and blunts growth hormone release. Wait at least 30 minutes after injection before eating.

The 5 days on, 2 days off schedule helps prevent receptor desensitization.

Draw Volumes by Vial Size

5 mg Vial (2 mL reconstitution = 2.5 mg/mL)

Dose        Volume       Units on Syringe

───────────────────────────────────────────

100 mcg     0.04 mL      4 units

150 mcg     0.06 mL      6 units

200 mcg     0.08 mL      8 units

250 mcg     0.10 mL      10 units

300 mcg     0.12 mL      12 units

Vial duration at 200 mcg/day (5 days/week): 5 weeks

5 mg Vial (1 mL reconstitution = 5 mg/mL)

Dose        Volume       Units on Syringe

───────────────────────────────────────────

100 mcg     0.02 mL      2 units

150 mcg     0.03 mL      3 units

200 mcg     0.04 mL      4 units

250 mcg     0.05 mL      5 units

300 mcg     0.06 mL      6 units

Note: Very small volumes may be difficult to measure accurately. Consider 2 mL reconstitution for easier dosing.

10 mg Vial (2 mL reconstitution = 5 mg/mL)

Dose        Volume       Units on Syringe

───────────────────────────────────────────

100 mcg     0.02 mL      2 units

150 mcg     0.03 mL      3 units

200 mcg     0.04 mL      4 units

250 mcg     0.05 mL      5 units

300 mcg     0.06 mL      6 units

Vial duration at 200 mcg/day (5 days/week): 10 weeks

Reconstitution

Materials Needed:

• Peptide vial (lyophilized powder)

• Bacteriostatic water

• Sterile syringe for reconstitution

• Alcohol swabs

Instructions:

1. Wipe the vial stopper and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol swabs

2. Draw 1 to 2 mL of bacteriostatic water

3. Insert needle through rubber stopper at an angle

4. Let water trickle down the inside wall of the vial slowly

5. Do not inject directly onto the powder

6. Swirl gently until fully dissolved (do not shake)

7. Solution should be clear. If cloudy or contains particles, do not use

Side Effects

Ipamorelin has one of the best side effect profiles of any growth hormone releasing peptide because it does not affect cortisol or prolactin.

Common (usually mild and transient):

• Injection site redness or irritation

• Mild water retention

• Tingling or numbness (usually in hands, resolves quickly)

• Increased hunger (milder than GHRP-6)

• Head rush or lightheadedness (especially at higher doses)

Uncommon:

• Headache

• Fatigue during initial adaptation

• Vivid dreams

What You Will Not See (compared to other GHRPs):

• Significant cortisol increase

• Prolactin increase

• Intense hunger spikes

The lack of cortisol and prolactin effects is the main advantage of ipamorelin. Side effects that do occur tend to resolve within the first 1 to 2 weeks of use.

Contraindications and Precautions

Do Not Use If You Have:

• Active cancer or history of cancer

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Use Caution With:

• Diabetes or pre diabetes (monitor blood sugar)

• Cardiovascular disease

• History of carpal tunnel syndrome

Drug Interactions:

Growth hormone can affect insulin sensitivity. If using insulin or diabetes medications, blood sugar management may change. Glucocorticoids may blunt the growth hormone response.

Success Tips

Combine with CJC-1295

Ipamorelin works well alone, but it works significantly better when combined with a GHRH peptide. CJC-1295 without DAC is the most common pairing. The synergy between the two pathways produces 3 to 5 times more growth hormone than either alone.

Time It Right

Inject on an empty stomach. The ideal times are first thing in the morning (fasted) or 2 to 3 hours after dinner before bed. Food intake blunts the GH response.

Before Bed is Best

If you can only inject once daily, do it before bed. Growth hormone naturally peaks during deep sleep. Pre bed dosing enhances this natural process and can improve sleep quality.

Be Patient

Changes happen gradually. Improved sleep and recovery may be noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks. Body composition changes typically become visible at 6 to 8 weeks. Full effects develop over months.

Support with Training and Nutrition

Ipamorelin gives you the tools for better body composition. You still need to train hard and eat right to see results. Resistance training 3 to 4 times per week and adequate protein (0.8 to 1.0 grams per pound of body weight) are essential.

Need Help With Training or Nutrition?

Peptides work best when paired with proper training and nutrition. If you want structured guidance, check out our website at turawellness.com

Injection Technique

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

2. Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry

3. Draw the appropriate dose into a sterile insulin syringe

4. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab

5. Pinch a skinfold and insert the needle at 45 to 90 degrees into subcutaneous tissue

6. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections

7. Inject slowly and steadily

8. Withdraw needle and apply light pressure with gauze if needed

9. Dispose of syringe immediately in a sharps container. Never recap needles.

10. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) at least 1 inch apart

Storage and Handling

Before Reconstitution:

• Store lyophilized (powder) vials in the freezer at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius)

• Can also be stored in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit

• Protect from light

• Do not use past expiration date

After Reconstitution:

• Refrigerate at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit

• Use within 14 to 28 days

• Do not freeze after reconstitution

• Keep the stopper clean

• If solution becomes cloudy or contains particles, discard

Comparison to Other Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides

Peptide        GH Release    Cortisol     Prolactin    Hunger       Half Life

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Ipamorelin     Strong        None         None         Mild         ~2 hours

GHRP-2         Strong        Increases    Increases    Moderate     ~30 min

GHRP-6         Strong        Increases    Increases    Strong       ~20 min

Hexarelin      Strongest     Increases    Increases    Moderate     ~30 min

MK-677         Strong        None         None         Strong       24+ hours

Ipamorelin is the most selective injectable option. If you want growth hormone release without affecting other hormones, it is the clear choice. MK-677 shares similar selectivity but is oral and has much stronger appetite stimulation.

Legal Status

United States: Ipamorelin is not FDA approved for any medical use. It is classified as a research chemical.

WADA Status: Ipamorelin is prohibited at all times as a growth hormone secretagogue under World Anti Doping Agency rules.

Competitive Athletes: Do not use if subject to drug testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ipamorelin better than GHRP-6?

Selectivity. Ipamorelin releases growth hormone without increasing cortisol or prolactin. GHRP-6 increases both, which can interfere with muscle building and cause other side effects. GHRP-6 also causes intense hunger spikes that many users find uncomfortable.

Can I use ipamorelin alone?

Yes, but you will get better results combining it with CJC-1295 without DAC. The two peptides work through different pathways and amplify each other's effects.

How long until I see results?

Sleep improvements often appear within 1 to 2 weeks. Body composition changes typically become noticeable at 6 to 8 weeks. Full effects develop over 3 to 6 months.

Will ipamorelin make me hungry?

It may increase appetite mildly, but nothing like GHRP-6. Many users notice minimal hunger change. Some find the mild appetite increase helpful for eating enough to support muscle growth.

Is ipamorelin safe for long term use?

Ipamorelin has a favorable safety profile with no significant effects on cortisol or prolactin. The 5 days on, 2 days off protocol helps prevent receptor desensitization. Long term human data is limited, so periodic breaks (4 weeks off after 12 weeks on) are commonly recommended.

Does ipamorelin suppress natural growth hormone?

Ipamorelin stimulates your pituitary to produce its own growth hormone. It does not replace the hormone. This is different from synthetic HGH injections, which can suppress natural production. Most evidence suggests pituitary function remains intact with proper use.

What is the difference between ipamorelin and MK-677?

Both are selective growth hormone secretagogues that do not affect cortisol or prolactin. The main differences: Ipamorelin is injectable with a 2 hour half life, creating pulses. MK-677 is oral with a 24+ hour half life, creating sustained elevation. MK-677 causes significantly more hunger and water retention.

Product Source

Research Grade Ipamorelin available at turawellness.com

Disclaimer

This guide provides educational information about Ipamorelin based on published scientific literature and clinical trial data. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before using any peptide or medication.

References

1. Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol (1998)

2. Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers." Pharm Res (1999)

3. Andersen NB, et al. "The growth hormone secretagogue ipamorelin counteracts glucocorticoid-induced decrease in bone formation of adult rats." Growth Horm IGF Res (2001)

4. Johansen PB, et al. "Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats." Growth Horm IGF Res (1999)

5. Ishida J, et al. "Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development." JCSM Rapid Communications (2020)

6. Svensson J, et al. "The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats." J Endocrinol (2000)