Peptide · Growth hormone · Longevity
Ipamorelin: the gentle growth-hormone peptide
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that mimics ghrelin at the pituitary and triggers a pulse of endogenous growth hormone release — without the cortisol and prolactin spikes that older secretagogues caused. It's the most 'selective' peptide in this class.
Mechanism: selective ghrelin agonism
Older growth-hormone secretagogues (GHRP-2, GHRP-6) caused unwanted cortisol and prolactin elevations. Ipamorelin was engineered to hit the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor at the pituitary without those off-target effects, giving a cleaner GH pulse.
Why it's usually paired with CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that raises the "baseline" of GH release. Ipamorelin amplifies each pulse. Used together, the combination approximates a young-adult GH secretion pattern — which is what most physician-supervised anti-aging protocols aim for.
Reported benefits
- Deeper stage 3/4 sleep (users often report this within the first week)
- Improved recovery from exercise
- Preserved or increased lean body mass in caloric deficit
- Modest reductions in visceral adiposity over 12+ weeks
Who should not use it
Anyone with active or recent cancer, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, or pituitary tumors. GH-axis stimulation should always be physician-monitored with IGF-1 labs before and during use.
Frequently asked questions
What does ipamorelin do?
Stimulates a natural growth-hormone pulse from the pituitary, which downstream raises IGF-1, supports lean body mass, sleep depth, and tissue recovery.
Ipamorelin vs sermorelin?
Sermorelin acts on GHRH receptors; ipamorelin acts on ghrelin/GHS receptors. Combining them (e.g., CJC-1295 + ipamorelin) produces a larger, more physiologic GH pulse than either alone.
Is ipamorelin safe long-term?
Short-term studies show minimal side effects. Long-term human safety data is limited. Not for use with active cancer or during pregnancy.
How is ipamorelin dosed?
Typically 100–300 mcg subcutaneous injection at bedtime, 5 nights on / 2 nights off, cycled over 12 weeks under physician supervision.
Will ipamorelin help menopause weight gain?
It may improve body composition (more lean mass, less visceral fat) but does not cause dramatic scale weight loss like GLP-1s do.
Considering a physician-supervised longevity protocol? Kindr Health evaluates peptide therapy as part of personalized perimenopause and menopause care.
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Related: FDA peptide review July 2026 briefing · Peptide therapy hub · Longevity service
Written and medically reviewed by the Kindr Health Clinical Team · Published 2026-06-19 · Last reviewed 2026-07-01. Compounded medications are prepared by FDA-registered 503A pharmacies and are not FDA-approved drug products.