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
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg
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.
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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.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown. Research findings may not translate to safe or effective personal use.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
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.
Comes in these blends
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin (5/5 mg vial): CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
- Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin (10/5 mg vial): Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
Related peptides
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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 2026-10-19.