Masher59
MuscleChemistry Registered Member
All About Ipamorelin (Legitimate HGH Substitute?)
For those of you who are completely new to Peptide Science, take this as a rapid crash course in growth hormone secretagogues.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin has of recently been making rounds, especially in experienced anabolic and peptide users. Simply put, Ipamorelin is the newest synthetic growth hormone releasing peptide (sometimes referred to as a secretagogue), rivaling the older versions, such as GHRP-6. Chemically, there are a few differences, most of which are likely to go over the heads of most of us, except that just keep in mind that Ipamorelin is a penta-peptide (consisting of 5 amino acids), while the classical GHRPs are hexa-peptides (6 amino acids). Of greater interest, however, is the fact that Ipamorelin is the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (that is, without releasing cortisol).
What Does Ipamorelin Do?
As could be expected with a growth hormone secretagogue, the end resulting effects are those of growth hormone itself, with the exception of a few which will be discussed later. In general, however, the effects you can expect from administration of it includes:
Improved Quality of Sleep- growth hormone is one of the primary hormones that contribute to deep, restorative sleep, known as the REM (rapid eye movement) phase. Administration of Ipamorelin, along with supplemental Melatonin, are likely even better than many prescription strength sedatives (based on anecdotal evidence)
Increased Production and Regeneration of Connective Tissue- one of the major benefits, and sometimes hindrance of GH-secretagogues is their profound effect on connective tissue. They help speed up recovery from cartilaginous injury (that occurs in joints), and also help reduce wear and tear associated with heavy training. However, on the flip side, sometimes they may also promote hypertrophy of these tissues, resulting in unnecessary surgery to remove such growths.
Bolstered Immune System- intense training takes a toll on both the central nervous system and the body physically, compromising the body’s natural defense mechanism- the immune system. However, under the influence of pulsatile GH-secretagogues, the body’s ability to heal and defend is amplified exponentially. For this reason, many athletes concerned about using anabolics because of their effects on health, may opt for peptides, which are deemed “health compounds”
Decreased Body Fat- growth hormone is a lipolytic and recomposition agent used for bringing about partition change. By this, it means the user typically loses a few pounds of fat, gains a few pounds of lean mass, but overall maintains the same weight. Research has shown that men with higher levels of circulating growth hormone are leaner than their counterparts, and build more mass, more efficiently
Can prevent or slow down the demineralization of bone, delaying onset or progression of osteoporosis, and stabilizing bone mineral density[ii]
How Is Ipamorelin Being Used?
Currently, Ipamorelin is being used by different “crowds” of people. On the one hand, it is used once daily (at night) by the people using it primarily for its anti-aging effects, while athletes using it specifically for GH mediated effects on performance and body composition, will benefit greatly from multiple injections taken to coincide with the natural pulsatile release of Growth Hormone.
On the other hand, interestingly, it can be used as a sort of “hormone replacement therapy” for athletes who had chronically used synthetic HGH for years, and whose pituitary have become desensitized to the normal release pattern when not under synthetic stimulation.
How Is Ipamorelin Different From HGH?
HGH, in all senses, is the parent drug, or the hormone that elicits positive effects itself. It is naturally produced by the pituitary gland, or may be synthetically administered, and is responsible for some of the important functions listed above. On the other hand, Ipamorelin is a HGH releasing agent, or secretagogue, that signals for the pituitary to release more natural HGH. Also, another way to define the differences between the two would be to consider HGH the “complete” hormone, while Ipamorelin is a fractionated “segment” of it, merely capable of signaling release.
Is It Different From GHRP-6 or CJC-1295?
To start, Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 are both growth hormone releasing peptides, while CJC-1295 is referred to as synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone.
Now this may sound confusing, but basically they both elicit the same effect- which is to stimulate growth hormone release, but differ primarily in their duration of action, potency and inhibitory effect of somatostatin (which itself causes suppression of GH release)
CJC-1295 is capable of binding albumin in blood, and may remain active for days in the body, triggering the pulses of GH. Ipamorelin, on the other hand, has a much shorter duration of action, but can cause more pronounced releases of GH during natural pulses. CJC-1295 mediates a more powerful release (quantity) of GH, while Ipamorelin signals the time for release
So, in a nutshell, the two may be used simultaneously to exert a synergistic effect; where normally 1+1=2, in the case of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin (or GHRP-6), 1+1= 6.
Side Effects of Ipamorelin
While the possibility of side effects while using GH congeners is still real, athletes using judicious doses will likely not cause any major trouble. However, common side effects may include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Very minor effect on bone growth (such as in the face or extremities), if measurable at all
Reduced insulin sensitivity (but lesser than GHRP-6)
Lethargy
Possible diabetogenic properties[iii] (promoting development of diabetes)
These are all potential 'side effects' of HGH, which hardly anyone experiences if they are using the compound as directed.
Can Ipamorelin Cause Hair Loss?
(By: Good Looking Loser)
Although unlikely, any hair loss from Ipamorelin falls under the category of "shedding" and not androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness involving the miniaturization of hairs). Any hair that "sheds" should return and regrow to full capacity.
For more on "Hair Loss vs. Shedding" please see "Good Looking Loser's Guide to Hair Loss Prevention".
(scroll down to Hair Loss vs. Shedding)
How is It Normally Dosed?
Ipamorelin is typically dosed at 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight, normally administered 2-4 times daily, to coincide with the natural release patterns of GH.
The typical dose is 100 micrograms, administered 3 times everyday, 8 hours apart to ensure a stable HGH level.
Bigger or more experienced guys will administer 150-300 micrograms, 3 times a day.
Ipamorelin may also be administered via subcutaneous injection (SQ, under the skin) or intramuscularly, although many opt for SQ. At a minimum, a cycle of Ipamorelin should be ran at least 6 weeks, since that is the time for effects to be obvious. Longer cycles shouldn’t be a problem though, as no artificial hormone is being exogenously administered.
Most people stay on for months at a time, like HGH.
Can It Be Combined With Anabolic Steroids or Synthetic HGH?
It is quite common for GHRPs to be combined with steroids, to potentiate their muscle building potential, or to strike a balance between mass gain and fat loss (such as with milder, non-aromatizing steroids).
It would make no sense to combine GHRPs with synthetic HGH, since upon administration of the latter, natural GH production becomes suppressed via the negative feedback loop, hence rendering the GHRP obsolete.
What Can I Expect From Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin will deliver many similar effects as HGH administration, albeit possibly not to the same magnitude or at the same risk.
For example;
Ipamorelin is thus far the only GHRP that will not increase hunger via the hormone Ghrelin.
It significantly decreases levels of somatostatin, responsible for signaling the shutdown mechanism upon GH production.
You will NOT gain a ton of muscle mass. Neither will you lose remarkable fat. You will, however, display marked recomposition effects via net change of fat loss to muscle gain.
Ipamorelin does not significantly increase levels of prolactin or cortisol.
It shares several similarities to HGH, for example;
Like HGH, Ipamorelin requires several months to see pronounced results such as lowered body fat or significant muscle growth.
Like HGH, Ipamorelin is dose-dependent.
I have found that the typical Ipamorelin dosing protocol (100mcg, 3x/daily) is similar to the typical HGH dosing protocol (4ius, 1x/daily).
Ipamorelin closely mirrors generic HGH or "blue tops" but is less potent than pharmaceutical grade HGH, which is very expensive.
This is just my opinion.
Experiences and comparisons to HGH will vary based on the quality of your source and the other compounds that you have tried.
I do feel that many will consider it a decent alternative to HGH.
What is The Current Legal Status of Ipamorelin?
To date, Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA as a POM (prescription only medication), so the only real way to get it is from labs specializing in the sale of “research peptides”.
While they are in no way less safe than drugs made by big pharma, their prices may be much more competitive.
How Is Ipamorelin Reconstituted (Mixed)?
The general consensus when reconstituting many GHRPs, is to mix with as little bacteriostatic water (yes, water) as possible. In the case of Ipamorelin, the ratio of actual peptide to water (referred to as BW) is 1:2, meaning that for every 1ml of water, 2ml of powder would be added.
Also note- never shake the vial containing peptides. If it doesn’t dissolve naturally in a few minutes, gently swirl it around.
The reason for this is the fact that peptides by themselves are not extremely stable.
You can break them.
For those of you who are completely new to Peptide Science, take this as a rapid crash course in growth hormone secretagogues.
What is Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin has of recently been making rounds, especially in experienced anabolic and peptide users. Simply put, Ipamorelin is the newest synthetic growth hormone releasing peptide (sometimes referred to as a secretagogue), rivaling the older versions, such as GHRP-6. Chemically, there are a few differences, most of which are likely to go over the heads of most of us, except that just keep in mind that Ipamorelin is a penta-peptide (consisting of 5 amino acids), while the classical GHRPs are hexa-peptides (6 amino acids). Of greater interest, however, is the fact that Ipamorelin is the first selective growth hormone secretagogue (that is, without releasing cortisol).
What Does Ipamorelin Do?
As could be expected with a growth hormone secretagogue, the end resulting effects are those of growth hormone itself, with the exception of a few which will be discussed later. In general, however, the effects you can expect from administration of it includes:
Improved Quality of Sleep- growth hormone is one of the primary hormones that contribute to deep, restorative sleep, known as the REM (rapid eye movement) phase. Administration of Ipamorelin, along with supplemental Melatonin, are likely even better than many prescription strength sedatives (based on anecdotal evidence)
Increased Production and Regeneration of Connective Tissue- one of the major benefits, and sometimes hindrance of GH-secretagogues is their profound effect on connective tissue. They help speed up recovery from cartilaginous injury (that occurs in joints), and also help reduce wear and tear associated with heavy training. However, on the flip side, sometimes they may also promote hypertrophy of these tissues, resulting in unnecessary surgery to remove such growths.
Bolstered Immune System- intense training takes a toll on both the central nervous system and the body physically, compromising the body’s natural defense mechanism- the immune system. However, under the influence of pulsatile GH-secretagogues, the body’s ability to heal and defend is amplified exponentially. For this reason, many athletes concerned about using anabolics because of their effects on health, may opt for peptides, which are deemed “health compounds”
Decreased Body Fat- growth hormone is a lipolytic and recomposition agent used for bringing about partition change. By this, it means the user typically loses a few pounds of fat, gains a few pounds of lean mass, but overall maintains the same weight. Research has shown that men with higher levels of circulating growth hormone are leaner than their counterparts, and build more mass, more efficiently
Can prevent or slow down the demineralization of bone, delaying onset or progression of osteoporosis, and stabilizing bone mineral density[ii]
How Is Ipamorelin Being Used?
Currently, Ipamorelin is being used by different “crowds” of people. On the one hand, it is used once daily (at night) by the people using it primarily for its anti-aging effects, while athletes using it specifically for GH mediated effects on performance and body composition, will benefit greatly from multiple injections taken to coincide with the natural pulsatile release of Growth Hormone.
On the other hand, interestingly, it can be used as a sort of “hormone replacement therapy” for athletes who had chronically used synthetic HGH for years, and whose pituitary have become desensitized to the normal release pattern when not under synthetic stimulation.
How Is Ipamorelin Different From HGH?
HGH, in all senses, is the parent drug, or the hormone that elicits positive effects itself. It is naturally produced by the pituitary gland, or may be synthetically administered, and is responsible for some of the important functions listed above. On the other hand, Ipamorelin is a HGH releasing agent, or secretagogue, that signals for the pituitary to release more natural HGH. Also, another way to define the differences between the two would be to consider HGH the “complete” hormone, while Ipamorelin is a fractionated “segment” of it, merely capable of signaling release.
Is It Different From GHRP-6 or CJC-1295?
To start, Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 are both growth hormone releasing peptides, while CJC-1295 is referred to as synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone.
Now this may sound confusing, but basically they both elicit the same effect- which is to stimulate growth hormone release, but differ primarily in their duration of action, potency and inhibitory effect of somatostatin (which itself causes suppression of GH release)
CJC-1295 is capable of binding albumin in blood, and may remain active for days in the body, triggering the pulses of GH. Ipamorelin, on the other hand, has a much shorter duration of action, but can cause more pronounced releases of GH during natural pulses. CJC-1295 mediates a more powerful release (quantity) of GH, while Ipamorelin signals the time for release
So, in a nutshell, the two may be used simultaneously to exert a synergistic effect; where normally 1+1=2, in the case of CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin (or GHRP-6), 1+1= 6.
Side Effects of Ipamorelin
While the possibility of side effects while using GH congeners is still real, athletes using judicious doses will likely not cause any major trouble. However, common side effects may include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Very minor effect on bone growth (such as in the face or extremities), if measurable at all
Reduced insulin sensitivity (but lesser than GHRP-6)
Lethargy
Possible diabetogenic properties[iii] (promoting development of diabetes)
These are all potential 'side effects' of HGH, which hardly anyone experiences if they are using the compound as directed.
Can Ipamorelin Cause Hair Loss?
(By: Good Looking Loser)
Although unlikely, any hair loss from Ipamorelin falls under the category of "shedding" and not androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness involving the miniaturization of hairs). Any hair that "sheds" should return and regrow to full capacity.
For more on "Hair Loss vs. Shedding" please see "Good Looking Loser's Guide to Hair Loss Prevention".
(scroll down to Hair Loss vs. Shedding)
How is It Normally Dosed?
Ipamorelin is typically dosed at 1 microgram per kilogram of body weight, normally administered 2-4 times daily, to coincide with the natural release patterns of GH.
The typical dose is 100 micrograms, administered 3 times everyday, 8 hours apart to ensure a stable HGH level.
Bigger or more experienced guys will administer 150-300 micrograms, 3 times a day.
Ipamorelin may also be administered via subcutaneous injection (SQ, under the skin) or intramuscularly, although many opt for SQ. At a minimum, a cycle of Ipamorelin should be ran at least 6 weeks, since that is the time for effects to be obvious. Longer cycles shouldn’t be a problem though, as no artificial hormone is being exogenously administered.
Most people stay on for months at a time, like HGH.
Can It Be Combined With Anabolic Steroids or Synthetic HGH?
It is quite common for GHRPs to be combined with steroids, to potentiate their muscle building potential, or to strike a balance between mass gain and fat loss (such as with milder, non-aromatizing steroids).
It would make no sense to combine GHRPs with synthetic HGH, since upon administration of the latter, natural GH production becomes suppressed via the negative feedback loop, hence rendering the GHRP obsolete.
What Can I Expect From Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin will deliver many similar effects as HGH administration, albeit possibly not to the same magnitude or at the same risk.
For example;
Ipamorelin is thus far the only GHRP that will not increase hunger via the hormone Ghrelin.
It significantly decreases levels of somatostatin, responsible for signaling the shutdown mechanism upon GH production.
You will NOT gain a ton of muscle mass. Neither will you lose remarkable fat. You will, however, display marked recomposition effects via net change of fat loss to muscle gain.
Ipamorelin does not significantly increase levels of prolactin or cortisol.
It shares several similarities to HGH, for example;
Like HGH, Ipamorelin requires several months to see pronounced results such as lowered body fat or significant muscle growth.
Like HGH, Ipamorelin is dose-dependent.
I have found that the typical Ipamorelin dosing protocol (100mcg, 3x/daily) is similar to the typical HGH dosing protocol (4ius, 1x/daily).
Ipamorelin closely mirrors generic HGH or "blue tops" but is less potent than pharmaceutical grade HGH, which is very expensive.
This is just my opinion.
Experiences and comparisons to HGH will vary based on the quality of your source and the other compounds that you have tried.
I do feel that many will consider it a decent alternative to HGH.
What is The Current Legal Status of Ipamorelin?
To date, Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA as a POM (prescription only medication), so the only real way to get it is from labs specializing in the sale of “research peptides”.
While they are in no way less safe than drugs made by big pharma, their prices may be much more competitive.
How Is Ipamorelin Reconstituted (Mixed)?
The general consensus when reconstituting many GHRPs, is to mix with as little bacteriostatic water (yes, water) as possible. In the case of Ipamorelin, the ratio of actual peptide to water (referred to as BW) is 1:2, meaning that for every 1ml of water, 2ml of powder would be added.
Also note- never shake the vial containing peptides. If it doesn’t dissolve naturally in a few minutes, gently swirl it around.
The reason for this is the fact that peptides by themselves are not extremely stable.
You can break them.
