Ipamorelin
Also known as: IPA
A highly selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite.
Overview
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (five amino acids) that acts as a selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) agonist. What distinguishes Ipamorelin from other GH secretagogues like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 is its remarkable selectivity — it stimulates growth hormone release without causing significant increases in cortisol, prolactin, or appetite (ghrelin-like effects). This selectivity makes it one of the cleanest and most well-tolerated peptides in the growth hormone category. Ipamorelin mimics the action of ghrelin by binding to the GHS receptor in the pituitary gland, but its effects are more targeted.
It produces a dose-dependent increase in GH levels, and when combined with a GHRH analog like CJC-1295, the synergistic effect can amplify GH release by 3-5 fold compared to either peptide alone. This combination has become one of the most popular peptide stacks in the health optimization community.
Mechanism of Action
Selectively binds to growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary gland, triggering GH release through a calcium-dependent pathway. Does not significantly activate ACTH or prolactin pathways, providing clean GH stimulation.
Key Benefits
Potential Side Effects
Common Stacks
This peptide is commonly combined with the following compounds for synergistic effects:
Known Interactions
The following interactions have been documented for Ipamorelin. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
Synergistic (3)
Classic GH stack — CJC-1295 provides sustained GHRH signaling while Ipamorelin triggers acute GH pulses via the ghrelin receptor. Together they amplify GH release beyond either alone.
Sermorelin (GHRH) + Ipamorelin (GHRP) is a well-studied combination that amplifies GH release through complementary pathways without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation.
Tesamorelin (GHRH analog) + Ipamorelin (GHRP) is a clean GH-boosting stack. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for lipodystrophy and pairs well with Ipamorelin's selective GH release.
Scientific References
Quick Reference
Typical Dose
100-300 mcg
Frequency
2-3 times daily (morning, post-workout, before bed)
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Half-Life
~2 hours
Cycle Length
12-16 weeks on, 4-8 weeks off
FDA Status
Not FDA approved; research chemical
Need to calculate dosing?
Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe measurements.
Open CalculatorThis information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. Dosing information reflects commonly reported protocols and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Related Peptides in Growth Hormone Secretagogues
CJC-1295
A long-acting growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates sustained, pulsatile GH release from the pituitary gland.
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A bioidentical GHRH analog representing the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH, providing the most physiologically natural approach to GH stimulation.
Read moreMK-677
An orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin signaling to produce sustained elevations in GH and IGF-1.
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