Ipamorelin Research Guide
Ipamorelin complete guide: dosing, meal-timing rules, CJC-1295 stack and expected GH response.
A selective GH secretagogue
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonist that triggers a GH pulse without meaningfully raising cortisol, prolactin or hunger. That selectivity is the reason it is the default GHRP in modern protocols despite being weaker than hexarelin.
Dosing and timing
Typical research doses are 200–300 mcg per injection, one to three times daily. Pre-bed is the highest-value slot because it stacks with the natural nocturnal pulse. Post-training and fasted-morning injections are common additions.
The empty-stomach rule
Elevated blood glucose and circulating fatty acids blunt GH release. Leave at least two hours after a meal and 30 minutes before eating. This single rule affects results more than modest dose increases.
Stacks and cycle length
Combine 200–300 mcg ipamorelin with 100 mcg CJC-1295 no-DAC for a synergistic pulse. Cycles typically run 12 to 16 weeks. Water retention and mild tingling in the hands are the usual dose-limiting effects.
Frequently asked questions
How much ipamorelin should I take?
Research protocols commonly use 200–300 mcg per injection, one to three times daily, on an empty stomach.
Does ipamorelin raise cortisol?
No. Its selectivity for the ghrelin receptor is why it does not meaningfully increase cortisol or prolactin at standard doses.
Should ipamorelin be stacked with CJC-1295?
Yes — the GHRH analogue raises pulse amplitude while ipamorelin triggers the pulse, which produces a larger GH response than either alone.