Ipamorelin — Dosing, Cycles, Half-Life & Side Effects

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) with a half-life of 2-3 hours. Selective GHRP that stimulates GH release without significant increases in cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. Considered the cleanest GHRP with minimal side effects. This page is educational harm-reduction reference compiled from peer-reviewed literature — not medical advice, not an endorsement, not a recommendation to use. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision.

Quick Facts

ClassGrowth Hormone Releasing Peptide
Half-life2-3 hours
HepatotoxicityNone
Suppression0/10

Typical Dosing Ranges

Common dose range: 200-300mcg 2-3x/day (ideally with CJC-1295)

Cycle length: 8-16 weeks

Dose ranges are compiled from published pharmacokinetic studies and community-reported usage. Where a value is community-reported rather than clinically studied, this page and its structured data flag it. Lower end of any range is always the safer starting point.

Stacking Considerations

  • No structural stacking blockers. Standard harm-reduction rules apply: minimize total androgen load, minimize oral exposure, and monitor bloodwork.

PCT Requirements

  • Never stack two SERMs. Extend a single SERM (tamoxifen OR enclomiphene/clomiphene) rather than combining.
  • Use the cycle planner to generate a full protocol based on your complete stack, not this compound alone.

Side Effect Profile

  • Less potent GH release than GHRP-2/6
  • Requires injection
  • Best results when combined with GHRH
  • Multiple daily doses needed

Known Interactions

No compound-specific interactions are catalogued in the current matrix. This does not mean no risk exists — it means there is no curated pairwise entry.

Monitoring (Bloodwork & Vitals)

  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (baseline, mid-cycle, post-cycle)
  • Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
  • CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit — watch for erythrocytosis)
  • Sex-hormone panel (Total T, Free T, Estradiol sensitive, SHBG, LH, FSH)
  • Blood pressure (weekly self-check; flag systolic >140 or diastolic >90)

Baseline bloodwork is recommended before any cycle. Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 3× upper limit of normal or if hematocrit exceeds 54%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin has a half-life of approximately 2-3 hours. This figure is used to determine injection frequency (for esters) and post-cycle clearance timing.

What is the typical dose range for Ipamorelin?

Commonly reported ranges for Ipamorelin: 200-300mcg 2-3x/day (ideally with CJC-1295). Cycle length: 8-16 weeks. These are compiled from published studies and community-reported usage — individual response varies and lower end is always preferred.

Does Ipamorelin suppress natural testosterone?

Ipamorelin causes minimal suppression of the HPTA axis (score 0/10). PCT may still be advisable depending on stack and duration.

What is Ipamorelin typically used for?

Ipamorelin is commonly used for: Recovery, Anti-aging, Body composition, Sleep enhancement. Intended-use context does not imply safety — every use case carries the same underlying pharmacological risks.

Is Ipamorelin legal?

Ipamorelin is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions (typically Schedule III in the US when it is an anabolic androgenic steroid). StackItSmart does not provide sourcing information. Possession, import, and use without a prescription carry legal consequences that vary by country and state.

Citations

  1. Gobburu JV et al.. 1999. J Pharm Sci — Ipamorelin PK: most selective GHRP, no ACTH/cortisol/prolactin effects
  2. Greenwood-Van Meerveld B et al.. 2014. Neurogastroenterol Motil — Phase II RCT for postoperative ileus
  3. Raun K et al.. 1998. Eur J Endocrinol — First-in-class characterization: pentapeptide GHS-R1a agonist (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2); unique selectivity — no ACTH/cortisol/prolactin elevation even at 200× ED50 for GH release
  4. Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. 2017. Sex Med Rev — GH secretagogue review: ipamorelin preserves pulsatile GH release with negative feedback intact; minimal long-term safety/efficacy data in healthy populations

Disclaimer

StackItSmart is an independent harm-reduction reference. The content above is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is not medical advice, not an endorsement, and not a recommendation to use Ipamorelin. Performance-enhancing compounds carry legal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic risks. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision. StackItSmart does not provide sourcing, procurement, or dosing prescriptions.

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