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GROWTH/STRENGTH

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin (Selective GHRP-5)

Selective Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide for Strength

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— authoritative voices whose published research informed this article

The information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed research and is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here may not be approved for human use in your jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any health protocol.

Overview

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH). It is a pentapeptide (five amino acids) that acts as a ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor agonist, triggering the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone.

What makes ipamorelin unique among growth hormone releasing peptides is its selectivity. Unlike other GHRPs such as GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, ipamorelin does not significantly increase cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. This selectivity makes it one of the safest and most well-tolerated growth hormone peptides available.

Ipamorelin promotes lean muscle growth, enhances fat metabolism, improves recovery from exercise and injury, strengthens bones, and supports better sleep quality. It works synergistically with growth hormone releasing hormones (GHRH) like CJC-1295, and the two are often used together for enhanced results.

The growth hormone release from ipamorelin follows a natural pulsatile pattern, which helps maintain the body's normal hormonal feedback mechanisms and reduces the risk of desensitization that can occur with continuous GH stimulation.

Research Supply

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Protocol

Dosage Guide

Route: Subcutaneous injection, 2-3 times daily

Dosing Schedule

PeriodDose
Standard200-300 mcg per injection, 2-3 times daily
Beginner100-200 mcg per injection, 2 times daily
Advanced300 mcg per injection, 3 times daily

Reconstitution

VIAL SIZE5 mg (5000 mcg)
WATER VOLUME2 mL
CONCENTRATION2500 mcg/mL
Each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) = 250 mcg

Injection Volumes

DoseVolumeSyringe Units
100 mcg0.04 mL4 units
200 mcg0.08 mL8 units
250 mcg0.1 mL10 units
300 mcg0.12 mL12 units

Cycling Protocol

ON PERIOD

8-12 weeks

OFF PERIOD

4 weeks

Cycle to prevent receptor desensitization. Repeat as needed.

Administration Tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
  • Do not eat for at least 30 minutes before and after injection (food, especially carbs and fats, can blunt GH release)
  • Rotate injection sites
  • Store reconstituted solution refrigerated and use within 28 days
  • Optimal timing: morning upon waking, post-workout, and 30-60 minutes before sleep
Safety

Risks & Side Effects

Commonly Reported

Headache (most common, usually mild)Injection site redness or irritationMild dizzinessFlushingWater retention (mild)Tingling or numbness in extremities

Serious Risks

Carpal tunnel syndrome

From elevated GH levels; usually dose-dependent.

Joint pain

Particularly at higher doses.

Insulin resistance

With prolonged high-dose use.

Allergic reactions

Rare; discontinue if swelling or difficulty breathing occurs.

Related Research

Related Peptides

Expert Voices

Experts Covering Ipamorelin

Dr. William A. Seeds

MD -- Regenerative Medicine Pioneer

Dr. Andrew Huberman

PhD -- Stanford Neuroscientist

Jay Campbell

Health Optimization Author and Peptide Advocate

Dr. Ian W. Hamley

Diamond Professor of Physical Chemistry -- University of Reading

Matthew Farrahi

Biohacker, CEO of Sigma Compounds, and Fitness Creator

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy. Individual results may vary. Peptides Institute is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information provided on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) and ghrelin mimetic consisting of five amino acids. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiologically normal pattern. Unlike other GHRPs, it does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, making it one of the most well-tolerated peptides in its class.
How does ipamorelin work?
Ipamorelin acts as an agonist at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary gland, triggering a natural pulse of growth hormone release. Its selectivity means it primarily activates the GH axis without stimulating other hormonal pathways like ACTH or prolactin. The pulsatile release pattern preserves the body's normal feedback mechanisms and reduces receptor desensitization.
What are the benefits of ipamorelin?
Research on ipamorelin points to benefits including increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved sleep quality, faster recovery from training and injury, stronger bones, and enhanced immune function. These effects are attributed to the elevated growth hormone and downstream IGF-1 it promotes. It is often combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic GH release.
What is the ipamorelin dosage?
Standard research dosing is 200 to 300 mcg per injection, taken two to three times daily. Beginner protocols start at 100 to 200 mcg twice daily. Optimal timing is morning upon waking, post-workout, and 30 to 60 minutes before sleep. Food intake -- especially carbohydrates and fats -- should be avoided 30 minutes before and after injection to maximize GH release.
What are ipamorelin side effects?
Common side effects include mild headache, flushing, light dizziness, water retention, and tingling in the extremities. These are generally dose-dependent and related to elevated growth hormone. At higher doses or with prolonged use, more serious effects may include carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and insulin resistance.
Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: what is the difference?
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that works via the ghrelin receptor. CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that works via the GHRH receptor. They act through different mechanisms and are commonly combined because their pathways are complementary -- together, they produce significantly greater GH release than either alone.
How long does a cycle of ipamorelin last?
Typical research protocols run ipamorelin for eight to twelve weeks followed by a four-week off period. The off period helps prevent receptor desensitization and allows baseline hormonal function to be assessed. Many practitioners run it alongside CJC-1295 for the full cycle duration for a synergistic growth hormone response.

References

  1. Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al.. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue [^1]. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998. PMID 9849822
  2. Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, et al.. Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1999. PMID 10373343
  3. Venkova K, Fraser G, Hoveyda HR, et al.. Efficacy of ipamorelin, a novel ghrelin mimetic, in a rodent model of postoperative ileus. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009. PMID 19289567

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