Ipamorelin Dosing Guide
⚠️ Research Use Only
Important: Ipamorelin is NOT FDA-approved for any medical use. This information is based on animal research and anecdotal reports. Consult healthcare providers before use.
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates GH release through the ghrelin receptor. It's known for its "clean" GH release profile with minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite. Ipamorelin is most commonly stacked with CJC-1295 for synergistic effects, producing GH pulses 3-5x greater than either peptide alone.
Why Ipamorelin is Popular
Advantages Over Other GHRPs
- Selective GH Release: Minimal effects on cortisol and prolactin (unlike GHRP-2/6)
- No Hunger Increase: Doesn't significantly increase appetite (unlike GHRP-6)
- Clean Side Effect Profile: Fewer side effects than other GHRPs
- Flexible Dosing: Wide effective dose range (100-300 mcg)
- Excellent for Stacking: Synergizes perfectly with CJC-1295
Comparison to Other GHRPs
- vs GHRP-2: Ipamorelin has less cortisol/prolactin elevation, cleaner profile
- vs GHRP-6: Ipamorelin doesn't increase hunger, better for fat loss
- vs Hexarelin: Ipamorelin has less desensitization, safer long-term
Ipamorelin Dosing Calculator
Use this calculator to determine your personalized Ipamorelin dose based on body weight and goals:
Weight-Based Ipamorelin Calculator
Standard Dosing Protocols
Ipamorelin Monotherapy
Typical Dose: 200-300 mcg per injection
Frequency: 2-3 times daily
Timing:
- Morning: Upon waking (empty stomach)
- Post-workout: Immediately after training (if 3x daily)
- Before bed: 30-60 minutes before sleep (most important dose)
Duration: 8-12 weeks, then 4-week break
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack (Most Popular)
Ipamorelin: 200-300 mcg per dose
CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100-200 mcg per dose
Frequency: 2-3 times daily, dosed together
Timing: Same as monotherapy
Duration: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Synergy: Combined GH release is 3-5x greater than either alone
Goal-Specific Protocols
Muscle Building Protocol
Best for: Maximizing lean muscle gains
- Ipamorelin: 300 mcg, 3x daily
- CJC-1295 (no DAC): 200 mcg, 3x daily
- Timing: Morning, post-workout, before bed
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Combine with: Progressive overload training, caloric surplus, high protein (1.5-2g/kg)
Expected Results: 2-4 kg lean mass gain, 10-15% strength increase
Cost: $150-250/month
Fat Loss / Cutting Protocol
Best for: Preserving muscle while losing fat
- Ipamorelin: 200-250 mcg, 2-3x daily
- CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100-150 mcg, 2-3x daily
- Timing: Morning (fasted), before bed, optional post-cardio
- Duration: 12-16 weeks
- Combine with: Caloric deficit, fasted cardio, high protein
Expected Results: 2-5% body fat reduction, muscle preservation
Cost: $120-200/month
Anti-Aging / Longevity Protocol
Best for: Overall health, vitality, longevity
- Ipamorelin: 200 mcg, 2x daily
- CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 mcg, 2x daily
- Timing: Morning, before bed
- Duration: Long-term with breaks (8 weeks on, 2 weeks off)
- Benefits: Improved skin, sleep, recovery, energy, cognitive function
Expected Results: Enhanced quality of life, better body composition, improved markers of aging
Cost: $100-150/month
Recovery / Injury Healing Protocol
Best for: Accelerating recovery from injury or surgery
- Ipamorelin: 250-300 mcg, 3x daily
- CJC-1295 (no DAC): 150-200 mcg, 3x daily
- Optional BPC-157: 250-500 mcg daily (for targeted healing)
- Optional TB-500: 2-5 mg twice weekly (for tissue repair)
- Duration: 8-12 weeks
Expected Results: Faster healing, reduced inflammation, improved tissue quality
Cost: $150-300/month (depending on additions)
Administration Guidelines
Reconstitution
- Vial Size: Typically 5mg (5000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic Water: Add 2ml for 2500 mcg/ml concentration
- Mixing: Inject water slowly down side of vial, swirl gently (don't shake)
- Storage: Refrigerate immediately, use within 30 days
- Calculation: 2500 mcg/ml means 0.1ml (10 units) = 250 mcg
Injection Technique
- Site: Subcutaneous in abdomen or thigh (rotate sites)
- Needle: Insulin syringe (29-31 gauge, 0.5-1ml)
- Technique: Pinch skin, insert at 45° angle, inject slowly
- After Injection: Apply gentle pressure, don't massage
Timing Optimization
- Empty Stomach: Wait 15-20 minutes before eating after injection
- Avoid High Blood Sugar: Don't inject immediately after meals (blunts GH release)
- Consistency: Same times each day for best results
- Before Bed Dose: Most important for GH release during sleep
- Post-Workout: Excellent timing for muscle growth and recovery
Stacking Administration
When stacking Ipamorelin with CJC-1295:
- Draw both peptides into same syringe (or use separate syringes)
- Inject at same time (can be same injection site or different sites)
- Wait 15-20 minutes before eating
- Synergistic effect occurs within 30-60 minutes
Expected Results Timeline
Week-by-Week Progression
- Week 1-2: Improved sleep quality, deeper sleep, vivid dreams
- Week 2-3: Enhanced recovery, reduced muscle soreness
- Week 3-4: Improved skin quality, better hydration
- Week 4-6: Noticeable fat loss (especially abdominal), increased energy
- Week 6-8: Visible muscle gains, improved strength
- Week 8-12: Significant body composition changes, optimal benefits
Measurable Outcomes
- Body Composition: 2-4 kg lean mass gain, 2-5% body fat reduction
- Performance: 10-15% strength increase, improved endurance
- Recovery: 30-50% faster recovery between workouts
- Sleep: Increased deep sleep and REM sleep
- Skin: Improved elasticity, reduced fine lines
- Energy: Sustained energy throughout day
Safety and Side Effects
Common Side Effects (Minimal with Ipamorelin)
- Water Retention: Mild, temporary (first 1-2 weeks)
- Injection Site Reactions: Redness, mild swelling (5-10% of users)
- Headache: Occasional, usually mild (5% of users)
- Flushing: Temporary facial flushing post-injection (rare)
What Ipamorelin DOESN'T Cause (vs Other GHRPs)
- No Increased Hunger: Unlike GHRP-6 (major advantage for fat loss)
- No Cortisol Spike: Unlike GHRP-2 (cleaner profile)
- No Prolactin Increase: Unlike GHRP-2/6 (no gynecomastia risk)
- Minimal Desensitization: Unlike Hexarelin (safer long-term)
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Monitoring
- Baseline: IGF-1 levels, fasting glucose, HbA1c
- Follow-up: Repeat labs at 8-12 weeks
- Track: Body composition, sleep quality, recovery, energy
Cycling and Long-Term Use
Standard Cycling
- On Cycle: 8-12 weeks
- Off Cycle: 4 weeks minimum
- Rationale: Prevents receptor desensitization, maintains effectiveness
Long-Term Anti-Aging Use
- Protocol: 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (repeat indefinitely)
- Dose: Lower doses (200 mcg, 2x daily)
- Monitoring: Regular lab work every 6 months
Blast and Cruise
- Blast: 12 weeks at higher doses (300 mcg, 3x daily)
- Cruise: 8-12 weeks at lower doses (200 mcg, 2x daily)
- Benefits: Maintains some benefits year-round while preventing desensitization
Cost Analysis
Ipamorelin Monotherapy
- 5mg Vial: $25-45
- Monthly Cost (2x daily): $75-135
- Monthly Cost (3x daily): $110-200
- 12-Week Protocol: $225-600
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack
- Monthly Cost: $150-250 combined
- 12-Week Protocol: $450-750
- Value: Best results per dollar (synergistic effects)
Cost-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk (3-6 month supply) for discounts
- Start with 2x daily dosing (morning/bed) before adding 3rd dose
- Use lower doses for anti-aging vs muscle building
- Stack with CJC-1295 for maximum value (synergy)
Troubleshooting
Not Seeing Results After 4 Weeks?
- Increase dose by 50-100 mcg per injection
- Add 3rd daily dose if only doing 2x daily
- Stack with CJC-1295 if not already
- Verify peptide quality (should be >98% purity)
- Check timing (empty stomach, proper spacing)
- Ensure adequate sleep (GH release occurs during deep sleep)
Water Retention?
- Usually resolves after 2-3 weeks
- Reduce sodium intake
- Increase water consumption (paradoxically helps)
- Consider reducing dose temporarily
Headaches?
- Reduce dose by 25-50%
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Usually resolves after first week
- Take with food if persistent (though less optimal)
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