Muscle & recovery · Sleep
Ipamorelin, simplified.
Also called GH secretagogue
Human studiesA tiny peptide that copies the "hunger hormone" ghrelin to trigger a pulse of growth hormone.
- Size
- 5 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection
- Status
- Compounded only, not approved
What is it?
Ipamorelin acts on the same switch as ghrelin, a gut hormone that also tells the pituitary to release growth hormone. It is known for being more selective than older peptides like it.
What studies show
- In peopleIt reliably causes a short burst of growth hormone in people.
- In peopleA trial testing it to speed gut recovery after surgery did not beat placebo.
What we don’t know yet
- Whether it improves muscle, fat or sleep in healthy adults. There are no solid trials on that.
Side effects and cautions
- Headache, flushing and increased hunger are reported.
- Banned in sport by WADA.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS plan to allow compounding with a prescription.
Common questions
What is Ipamorelin?
A tiny peptide that copies the "hunger hormone" ghrelin to trigger a pulse of growth hormone. Ipamorelin acts on the same switch as ghrelin, a gut hormone that also tells the pituitary to release growth hormone. It is known for being more selective than older peptides like it.
What does the research say about Ipamorelin?
It reliably causes a short burst of growth hormone in people. A trial testing it to speed gut recovery after surgery did not beat placebo.
Is Ipamorelin FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved. Included in the 2026 HHS plan to allow compounding with a prescription.
What are the side effects of Ipamorelin?
Headache, flushing and increased hunger are reported. Banned in sport by WADA.
Related peptides
Not sure where to start?
Answer 8 quick questions and see which peptides the research points to for your goal.
This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-09-26.