If you are a bodybuilder, an athlete, or a fitness pro, your goal is always to stay ahead in the game. You aim to beat your competitors in all aspects. You aspire to climb the ladder to an expert badge as soon as possible.
To make your journey obstacle-free, you start using various peptides without knowing much about them. While most peptides do offer a wide array of benefits, some of them have severe side effects in the long run.
Let’s review one such peptide, Ipamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that is gaining more popularity recently. The existing literature shows that ipamorelin causes an increase in growth hormone (GH) levels (1).
In this article, we will cover all the necessary details you would love to know about Ipamorelin such as how it works, potential benefits, risk factors, and best places to purchase so that you can decide whether to use it or not. So, let’s cut the slack!
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What Is Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), which displays high GH-releasing potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo (2).
It has a longer half-life time (1.5-2.5 hours) compared with GHRP-2 (25-55 minutes). It also leads to total weight gain whereas, GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 lead to lean mass gain (1).
How Does Ipamorelin Work
Ghrelin, is a naturally produced hormone, by the enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly the stomach. It binds to the growth hormones secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) (3).
In the brain, the GHSR1a is expressed most highly in agouti-related protein (AgRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons of the hypothalamus. In extrahypothalamic regions, GHSR1a is expressed predominantly in the hippocampus, and in dopaminergic midbrain neurons. In peripheral tissues, they can be found in adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, and osteoblasts as they are essential for glucose-insulin homeostasis, gastrointestinal motility, cardiovascular health, inflammation, and tissue growth and repair (4).
By mimicking ghrelin, ipamorelin selectively binds the same GHSR-1a receptor as GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ibutamoren (1). This interaction with GHSR-1a leads to a GH release from the pituitary gland, which can influence several anabolic processes including appetite regulation, fat processing, and overall energy usage (1).
Administration of both GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 resulted in increased plasma levels of ACTH and cortisol. Very surprisingly, ipamorelin did not release ACTH or cortisol in levels significantly different from those observed following GHRH stimulation (2).
Benefits Of Ipamorelin
The primary takeaway from ipamorelin intake is the increase in blood growth hormone (GH) levels. The other changes seen in the physique of the body are just results of elevated blood growth hormone (GH) levels.
Ipamorelin makes sure that your recovery phase is very smooth. It helps in the repair of damaged muscle fibers while also stimulating the growth of new ones effectively (4).
Ipamorelin causes quicker yet more effective healing from wounds and injuries as growth hormone (GH) reaches the damaged area and triggers the proliferation of new cells.
Previous animal studies showed that ipamorelin increases bone mineral content (BMC) in young adult female rats (5).
Higher growth hormone (GH) levels due to ipamorelin help in a deep sleep. Sleep-related secretion of GH appears to be primarily dependent on the release of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Rodent and human studies have shown that growth hormone-releasing hormone injections decrease wakefulness and increase slow-wave sleep (SWS) (6).
After the third decade of life, there is a progressive decline of GH secretion by approximately 15% for every decade of adult life (7). Ipamorelin stimulates its natural production. This delays the aging process of an individual and makes you look younger and more energetic with higher collagen production for glowing skin, healthier nails, and dense hair.
Where Can I Buy Ipamorelin?
There is a good chance that you might end up buying unauthentic or fake peptide because it is not so commonly available in the market.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), which displays high GH-releasing potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
Being a synthetic derivative of growth hormone-releasing peptide 1 (GHRP-1), it follows the same course of action and shows similar benefits in the body.
The research suggests that it is more effective in terms of functioning than other similar peptides like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
The primary takeaway from ipamorelin intake is the increase in blood growth hormone (GH) levels. The other changes seen in the physique of the body are just results of elevated blood growth hormone (GH) levels.
Ipamorelin Overview
⭐️ Top Benefits: Increases natural HGH production
🧪 Form: Injectable liquid
⌛️ Max Time Used: Up to 3 months
💰 Average Cost: $52.99
❤️🩹 Side Effects: Insulin resistance
☢️ Dangers: Not really
📚 Best Peptide Stack: HGH / IGF-1 / GHRP / CJC-1295
⚤ Men/Women: Men and women
➡️ Go to the Full review
- Muscle gain
- Fat Loss
- Increased bone density
- Injection site pain
- Insulin resistance
Is Ipamorelin Legal
The use of some peptide hormones, including those with anabolic or strength-enhancing actions, is prohibited under section S2.2 of the WADA Prohibited List (8). In case of personal use, consult with your healthcare provider first.
Who Should Use Ipamorelin
Considering all the potential benefits such as building and bulking up muscles, a robust skeletal system, and faster recovery, this peptide is perfect for bodybuilders and athletes who want to boost their performance in their respective sport.
People who find the aging process a bit daunting can also use ipamorelin as it triggers higher blood growth hormone (GH) levels after the late ’30s can still make you feel youthful.
How To Use Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is available in injectable forms. You will get the ipamorelin in lyophilized form (powder form) in the vials.
Depending on your dosage guidelines, ipamorelin will have to be mixed with the bacteriostatic water to get the reconstituted ipamorelin.
Once the injectable form is ready, you will have to administer ipamorelin intramuscularly or subcutaneously, i.e., inject it under the skin for maximum results. Most people inject it into the abdominal area.
For faster recovery, it is advisable to inject close to injured areas.
Forms Of Ipamorelin
You will only find ipamorelin in the injectable form because of better efficacy and efficiency. Note that oral forms of ipamorelin are not yet available in the market, or at least at reliable stores. Please be careful while buying because fake or pseudo peptides can have severe side effects.
Ipamorelin Dosage
To date, there are no human studies of Ipamorelin. Therefore, there is no scientifically-proven safe dosage of Ipamorelin. All doses are based on user experience and social media reviews. Therefore, I would highly recommend anyone consults with a doctor/healthcare provider before determining the dose of Ipamorelin.
Based on user experience, for fitness goals, you can inject 200mcg-300mcg of ipamorelin up to 3 times a day. For anti-aging purposes, use it once a day with approximately 200mcg of ipamorelin.
Ipamorelin Cycling
Based on users’ experience, it is advisable to use ipamorelin a few hours before bedtime going to bed.
Your first cycle should be somewhere between 60 to 90 days. If you start witnessing the changes in your physical features, end your first cycle at the 60-day mark. You may continue it for up to 90 days if any major changes aren’t seen in the body.
Before kicking off a new cycle, take a month-long break to minimize the risk of receptor desensitization.
Ipamorelin Stacking
Many users use ipamorelin with other similar peptides such as sermorelin and CJC-1295 to have synergistic benefits.
The stacking of ipamorelin with sermorelin can enhance the effects on the body. Increased lean muscle, extremely efficient recovery, a considerable decrease in body fat, and improved sexual performance are the few optimal benefits seen in the body.
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 have shown better results together. This stacking builds your muscle significantly while at the same time cutting down body fat. You experience an overall boost in your body’s natural performance.
Due to proven benefits, stores like Pure Rawz offer stacked products such as Sermorelin/Ipamorelin (5mg/5mg) and CJC-1295 WITH DAC 2mg IPAMORELIN 2mg GHRP-2 2mg BLEND.
User Experience Of Ipamorelin
User experiences were only available on platforms like Reddit because ipamorelin isn’t a legalized peptide yet.
uPhammyWhammy says,
“I’ve been using Ipamorelin for about 8 weeks and have had incredible results…”
ResultsoverExcuses commented,
“IPA has been awesome for me”
A few users went on to say that ipamorelin was a bit slow in working, and if stacked with CJC-1295, it would help them achieve better results.
Peekay234 said,
“You need to stack it with CJC 1295 or something similar. Using Ipam on Its own is not effective and you’re wasting your money. Combining the two will multiply the individual effects of each compound on its own.”
Some people had mixed opinions on ipamorelin as surfing says,
“I’ve started taking it in the morning as well and still seemed to wake up in the middle of the night. I’m thinking about trying a more intense workout to put me to sleep longer.”
Ipamorelin Side Effects
While people call it one of the safest growth hormones secretagogues (GHS) with minimal adverse effects, it is still critical to discuss the mild ones.
You may get a feeling of headache, nausea, and stomach upset immediately after administering the dosage. The users also report a mild level of flushing and a sense of fatigue or lethargy.
Redness at the injection site is also common among users.
Ipamorelin vs. Other Peptides
Ipamorelin vs. Sermorelin
The major difference between both peptides is the mechanism of function.
Although both the peptides cause a greater production of growth hormone (GH), ipamorelin binds with growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR) located in the hypothalamus and in peripheral organs, while sermorelin binds with growth hormone-stimulating hormone receptors (GHSHr) located in the hypothalamus only.
But the synergistic use of both peptides yields optimal results.
Ipamorelin vs. CJC-1295
Again, these peptides are often used together but there lie considerable differences in the potency. Ipamorelin works very rapidly, while CJC-1295 takes 1-4 hours to show results. Also, the half-life of ipamorelin is lesser than CJC-1295 (9).
Is Ipamorelin legit?
Ok, so it’s decision time!
I think ipamorelin works. It may not work for all because each of us has different microscopic physiology and different body requirements but considering all the research and my understanding, ipamorelin offers a wide variety of benefits.
If I were to use this peptide, I would have straight away opted for stacking ipamorelin with some other peptide for quicker yet effective results.
With the prospective benefits ipamorelin seems to offer, I hope that more research is carried out to have a clear larger picture for the potential audience!
How long does it take to see results from Ipamorelin?
You might see some changes in the first month, but you might have to wait for 3 to 6 months to attain all the benefits.
Does Ipamorelin increase testosterone?
Ipamorelin causes an increase in testosterone production.
How long does Ipamorelin last?
Freezing the vials can preserve ipamorelin. At room temperature, the peptide can last for a week, but you can extend the life up to 1 month if you can freeze it.
Should I cycle Ipamorelin?
Typically, most users can cycle it from 8 to 12 weeks.
Can ipamorelin cause weight gain?
Ipamorelin doesn’t cause an increase in appetite. Hence, you won’t gain weight!
When should I take ipamorelin?
The best time is 2 hours after your dinner. In the morning, consume ipamorelin on an empty stomach.
Great information, don’t know if you should take this if you have any brain issues
If you experience side effects of flushing, headache and nausea immediately after injection, should you stop taking them? The first couple days were good but the following days it got worse and with significant tiredness/lethargy. I read that most likely theses side effects will subside with dosage adjustment. Also what is your opinion on administering ipamorelin/cjc-1295 via nasal spray?
Looking to find the best hormones for surgical, putting in new discs, in helping healing.