Ipamorelin Dosage Discussion

On recent labs, my doctor noted my IGF-1 was on the low end, 105ng/mL (range 88-246).

He added 350 micrograms of ipamorelin per day to my current protocol, injected before bed every night. I've been trying to do a bit of research on ipamorelin, its efficacy and safety, but have come up short. There is not a lot out there on Youtube, etc.


Is anyone out there using this? What are your thoughts on it? Is it worth it or a waste of money?

Based on the search results, here are the key points about Ipamorelin dosage:

1. Typical dosage range:
- 100-300 mcg per injection[1][4][6]
- Administered 1-3 times daily[1][4][6]

2. Common dosing protocols:
- 200-300 mcg total daily dose, split into 2-3 injections[6]
- 300 mcg per day, typically administered before bed[7][8]

3. Dosing frequency:
- Daily or 5 times per week[4][8]
- Often taken at night to mimic natural growth hormone release[7][8]

4. Duration of use:
- Cycles typically last 8-12 weeks[5]
- Followed by a 4-8 week break period[5]

5. Administration:
- Given via subcutaneous injection[1][6]
- Taken on an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before or after eating[1][4]

6. Personalization:
- Dosage may need to be adjusted based on individual factors like age, weight, and goals[4][5]
- It's recommended to start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed[5]

7. Medical supervision:
- Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage[4][5]

8. Combination use:
- Often combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic effects[7]
- When combined, a typical dose might be 500 mcg Ipamorelin with 250 mcg CJC-1295[7]

It's important to note that Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for human use, and these dosages are based on research and anecdotal reports. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptides.

Ipamorelin: A Detailed Briefing Document​

Introduction:​

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that functions as a ghrelin analog. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH) while simultaneously inhibiting somatostatin, leading to a more stable and natural release of GH. Unlike some other GHRPs, Ipamorelin is noted for not significantly increasing hunger, cortisol, or prolactin. It is commonly used off-label for age-management, body composition changes (reducing fat, increasing lean mass), and improving overall quality of life.

Key Themes and Important Information:​

1. Mechanism of Action:​

• Ipamorelin acts as a "Ghrelin agonist," binding to receptors in the brain and pituitary cells.
• "Not only does it stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, it also inhibits the release of somatostatin." This dual action contributes to a "more steady slow release of growth hormone" that "mimics the natural release of GH."
• "In laboratory studies it is shown that Ipamorelin has a more stable release of GH than most other GHRPs."

2. Dosage and Administration:​

• Typical Dosage Range: 100-300 mcg per injection, administered 1-3 times daily.
• Common Protocols: 200-300 mcg total daily dose split into 2-3 injections, or 300 mcg per day, often before bed.
• Frequency: Daily or 5 times per week. Taking it at night is common to mimic natural GH release.
• Duration: Cycles typically last 8-12 weeks, followed by a 4-8 week break period. For age-management/wellness, it can be taken chronically at 250-500 mcg qhs (every night at bedtime).
• Administration Method: Subcutaneous injection.
• Timing: "Taken on an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before or after eating."
• Personalization: Dosage may be adjusted based on individual factors like age, weight, and goals. It's recommended to "start with a lower dose and increase gradually if needed."
• Medical Supervision: "Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage."
• Availability: Available as a lyophilized powder for subcutaneous injection (must be reconstituted). Common concentrations from compounding pharmacies are 6mg and 15mg vials. A 15mg vial can provide 50 doses of 300 micrograms.

3. Therapeutic Uses (Off-label):​

• Age Management: "Most commonly used in aging patients and/or patients who are undergoing body composition changes including loss of body fat." It aims to "reverse age-related, maladaptive changes in body composition such as reduced lean body mass (muscle), increased total and visceral fat, and decreased bone mass."
• Body Composition: Used to "improve lean mass and decrease fat." Anecdotal reports confirm "fat loss and muscle fullness" and "increased my lifts."
• Physical Performance & Recovery: Reported to "increase physical performance." One user noted it "Allows me to train like a beast."
• Sleep Quality: "Reported to... benefit sleep." Users have experienced "Great sleep" with Ipamorelin.
• Bone and Connective Tissue Health: "In laboratory studies it is shown that Ipamorelin has the ability to strengthen connective tissue and joints, bone strength, and metabolism."
• Immune System: "It has also shown to possibly have a positive influence on the immune system."
• Patient Types: Suitable for "Elderly patients who may not have optimal pituitary function due to aging; younger patients who can optimize hGH output; Patients on a weight-management program; patients requiring long term chronic treatment of GH."

4. Benefits (Advantages over other GH secretagogues):​

• IGF-1 Efficacy: "Appears to be more effective than Sermorelin at increasing IGF-1."
• Appetite Control: "Does not increase hunger unlike other ghrelin peptides." This is a notable advantage compared to Ibutamoren (MK-677), which can increase appetite.
• Cortisol and Prolactin: "Reduced risk of increasing cortisol and prolactin unlike other ghrelin peptides." High cortisol can lead to water and fat gain.
• Endogenous GH Production: "It does not shut down endogenous GH production upon cessation, unlike Sermorelin" or exogenous GH. This makes it a more favorable option for long-term use.
• Physician Prescription: "Commonly prescribed by physicians who report positive outcomes in patients who want to lose weight and/or who do not respond adequately to Sermorelin."
• Safety in Elderly: "Safe and effective in elderly patients who have decreased hGH production."

5. Potential Negatives/Side Effects:​

• While "few side effects have been reported," anecdotal mentions include:
• "Headache/lightheadedness"
• "Water retention" (especially at higher doses, e.g., 2 mg/day)
• "Numbness in extremities"
• "Tiredness"
• "Decreased Insulin sensitivity"
• "Carpal tunnel symptoms"
• These side effects are "undoubtedly related to excessive hGH exposure and thus, dosage should be reduced."
• Regulatory Status: "Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved for human use, and these dosages are based on research and anecdotal reports." Tesamorelin and Sermorelin are FDA-approved.

6. Combination Use:​

• Often "combined with CJC-1295 for synergistic effects."
• "When combined, a typical dose might be 500 mcg Ipamorelin with 250 mcg CJC-1295."

7. Comparison with other GH Secretagogues (Sermorelin, Ibutamoren/MK-677, Tesamorelin):​

• Sermorelin: Ipamorelin is generally considered "more effective... at increasing IGF-1" and "does not shut down endogenous GH production upon cessation, unlike Sermorelin."
• Ibutamoren (MK-677): Ibutamoren is an oral option with a 24-hour half-life, which is convenient. However, it is often associated with increased hunger and water retention, which Ipamorelin generally avoids. While Ibutamoren can increase cortisol (which may help with joint pain), high levels can lead to water and fat gain.
• Tesamorelin: FDA-approved for decreasing HIV-related abdominal fat. No direct head-to-head comparison data with Ipamorelin is available regarding general GH-boosting effects. Its accessibility and price point compared to Ipamorelin may influence choice.

Conclusion:​

Ipamorelin presents itself as a promising growth hormone secretagogue with several advantages, particularly its ability to provide a natural and steady GH release without significantly impacting hunger, cortisol, or prolactin, and without suppressing endogenous GH production upon cessation. While widely used for anti-aging, body composition improvements, and enhanced quality of life, it is crucial to remember its off-label status and the importance of medical supervision due to the anecdotal nature of some reported benefits and side effects. Individual responses can vary, and careful dose titration is advised to minimize potential negatives like water retention.

Citations:
[1] Ipamorelin
[2] Understanding the Correct Dosage of Ipamorelin for Optimal Health Benefits
[3] Ipamorelin Overview, Dosage, and Risks — peptidesinstitute.org
[4] How Much cjc-1295 Ipamorelin Should I Take Explained by Tulsi
[5] Ipamorelin CJC 1295: Ideal Dosage for Fitness - Anti-Aging Northwest
[6] Ipamorelin Dosage Calculator and Chart | A-Z Guide
[7] Ipamorelin/CJC1295
[8] SERMORELIN/IPAMORELIN - Houston Men's Health Clinic

 

GH will always be more effective - the same way exogenous testosterone typically raises Test levels more than HCG. But.... Ipam is way cheaper and does not cause any desensitization or shutting down your own production. And it works very well.

How much is the ipamorelin costing you per month? And have you considered trying tesamorelin?

 

I expect to receive my first script of Ipamorelin from Empower today.
I paid $100 and it should be enough for an 8 weeks cycle.

Does anyone know how much time off is needed between Ipamorelin cycles?
-I am having difficulty finding the recommendation anywhere, I do plan to ask the pharmacy when the time comes.

 

I expect to receive my first script of Ipamorelin from Empower today.
I paid $100 and it should be enough for an 8 weeks cycle.

Does anyone know how much time off is needed between Ipamorelin cycles?
-I am having difficulty finding the recommendation anywhere, I do plan to ask the pharmacy when the time comes.

Oh wow, $100 for a 2 month supply is nothing. I’ll have to ask defy about it during my upcoming appt. What is your dose, if you don’t mind me asking. And do you know if Empower offers tesamorelin as well?

 

Oh wow, $100 for a 2 month supply is nothing. I’ll have to ask defy about it during my upcoming appt. What is your dose, if you don’t mind me asking. And do you know if Empower offers tesamorelin as well?

I failed to mention the price is with the 25% military/EMS discount they offer.
Since this will be my initial cycle I will be injecting 200mcg daily for 8 weeks.
Empower offers the following peptides:
GHRP-2
GHRP-6
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin

 

I failed to mention the price is with the 25% military/EMS discount they offer.
Since this will be my initial cycle I will be injecting 200mcg daily for 8 weeks.
Empower offers the following peptides:
GHRP-2
GHRP-6
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin

Awesome, thanks for that info. Still relatively cheap even without the discount.

 

@RPellerin does it have to be cycled? I was under the impression you can just take it indefinitely like you would testosterone.

 

How much is the ipamorelin costing you per month? And have you considered trying tesamorelin?

$165 a vial which lasts about 40- 50 days at my dose my doc doesn’t offer Testamorelin but I would like to try it. The next route would be Ipam with some GHRP2 for a greater pulse. I’m coming off to give my body a break but will start that combo next time.

 

I failed to mention the price is with the 25% military/EMS discount they offer.
Since this will be my initial cycle I will be injecting 200mcg daily for 8 weeks.
Empower offers the following peptides:
GHRP-2
GHRP-6
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin

I would suggest going 12 weeks. The gains and benefits don’t really emerge until 8 weeks in.

 

$165 a vial which lasts about 40- 50 days at my dose my doc doesn’t offer Testamorelin but I would like to try it. The next route would be Ipam with some GHRP2 for a greater pulse. I’m coming off to give my body a break but will start that combo next time.

What’s your current Ipamorelin dose?

 

What’s your current Ipamorelin dose?

I run a about 320 mcgs / day taken at night. Now that I’m coming off, I only pin on workout days I’ve been on about 5 months

 

I run a about 320 mcgs / day taken at night. Now that I’m coming off, I only pin on workout days I’ve been on about 5 months

Awesome thanks. So everything I see about ipamorelin has it with CJC-1295. I guess that combo is what most doctors prefer compared to ipamorelin alone. Do you know if Empower offers CJC-1295?

 

Also, have you tried splitting the dose into AM and PM? Is there a benefit to injecting it before bed opposed to in the morning? Why are you coming off of it?

 

Not sure if Empower has that option - you can check their site. I know they have it combined with ghrp2.

If this is your first cycle - I would just do Ipam to gauge your results plus it has almost zero sides.

I pinned every night before bed. Helped with recovery and sleep. You should take it the same time every day.

I’m coming off becaue I’ve been on a few months and wanted to give it a break but will definitely run again. If you do this therapy (or any GH peptide) you should run it at least 3 months. 8 weeks is too short in my opinion.

 

Not sure if Empower has that option - you can check their site. I know they have it combined with ghrp2.

If this is your first cycle - I would just do Ipam to gauge your results plus it has almost zero sides.

I pinned every night before bed. Helped with recovery and sleep. You should take it the same time every day.

I’m coming off becaue I’ve been on a few months and wanted to give it a break but will definitely run again. If you do this therapy (or any GH peptide) you should run it at least 3 months. 8 weeks is too short in my opinion.

Man thanks for the info and insight. Appreciate it. Only thing I’ve used is a combo of GHRP6 + GHRP2. Forget the dosing. Ran it for 6 months. Only thing I remember is getting my six pack back while changing nothing in my diet. Was pretty awesome. Probably had better recovery and sleep, but wasn’t savy about peptides back then, and didn’t really pay attention to any changes. The keeping off belly fat was just too obvious to not be aware of.

I’m gonna hop on Ipamorelin and stay on it indefinitely. Unless I find out that there’s benefits to coming off of it, or if I change over to some other peptide.

 

Good info:
Ipamorelin Usage Guide - 2018 | Compounding Pharmacy - Absolute Pharmacy

 

Interesting, it says to take it in the morning, and to take it immediately after a meal. I’ve mostly heard it’s best before bed, and away from meals. Anyone have any insight on these two variables?

 

The ipamorelin, You can find online at a reputable company. Here’s a couple, maxim peptides, extreme peptides, Blue Sky, USA peptides. But there’s many more.

 

Anyone see an increase in blood pressure using Ipamorelin? I been on it for 3 weeks and my BP is higher than it is normally.

 

Anyone see an increase in blood pressure using Ipamorelin? I been on it for 3 weeks and my BP is higher than it is normally.

Yes, all growth hormone-releasing products can increase water retention and blood pressure.

 

I called the Pharmacy and they said they never heard of it. I stopped it for a week and BP came down and I started it again 2 days ago and BP is on the rise.