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Muscle, Strength & Body Composition  ·  Andropause & Hormones  ·  Healthy Aging & Longevity

Ipamorelin

Ghrelin-receptor selective secretagogue

A compounded, selective growth-hormone secretagogue that some providers use to support pulsatile growth-hormone release in eligible adults.

Baseline Labs Required Compounded Subcutaneous injection (typically nightly) Prescription Consultation Required
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What Is It?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that binds the ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor and stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. Compared with older secretagogues, ipamorelin is more selective and typically has minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. It is dispensed in the United States as a compounded prescription and is not FDA-approved. Some providers use it — often paired with a GHRH analog such as CJC-1295 (no DAC) — as part of a broader plan supporting body composition and recovery in eligible adults under monitoring.

What May It Support?

  • Body composition support
  • Lean-mass preservation (being evaluated)
  • Recovery support (being evaluated)

Which Programs May Include It?

Muscle, Strength & Body CompositionAndropause & HormonesHealthy Aging & Longevity

Where It Fits

Selectively binds ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptors on the pituitary to promote pulsatile release of the body's own growth hormone with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.

Beginner
Provider-directed use
Intermediate
Provider-directed use
Advanced
Not typical

Do I Need Bloodwork?

Baseline Labs Required

Regular follow-up with periodic IGF-1 and metabolic labs at intervals determined by the provider.

Likely baseline panel may include: CBC, CMP, A1c, Lipid panel, IGF-1, TSH, Pregnancy test when applicable

Important Safety Information

Common side effects may include:

  • Injection-site reactions
  • Increased appetite (from ghrelin-receptor activity)
  • Headache
  • Light-headedness
  • Vivid dreams
  • Water retention
Serious WarningsMay increase IGF-1; excess IGF-1 signaling has been associated with cancer risk
May contribute to fluid retention
Should not be combined with other growth-hormone secretagogues by default

Drug interactions: May interact with corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, insulin, and medications affecting glucose metabolism. Provider should review the complete medication list.

Contraindications:

  • Active malignancy
  • Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known hypersensitivity to ipamorelin
Pregnancy & BreastfeedingNot recommended during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or while breastfeeding.
Cancer-Related ConsiderationsNot for patients with active malignancy. Any personal or family history of cancer should be disclosed to your provider before considering this therapy.

Regulatory Status

Ipamorelin is not FDA-approved. It is dispensed in the United States only as a compounded prescription.

Compounded MedicationCompounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ipamorelin different from CJC-1295?
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a GHRH analog that binds a different pituitary receptor. Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor. Some providers pair the two to act on complementary pathways.
Do I need bloodwork before starting?
Yes. Baseline labs including IGF-1 are required so your provider can assess suitability and monitor safely.
Is ipamorelin growth hormone?
No. Ipamorelin signals the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone. It does not contain growth hormone.
Can it cause hunger?
Because ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor, some patients notice a temporary increase in appetite. Discuss this with your provider if it becomes a concern.

Consultation

Treatment is not automatically provided. A licensed medical provider must review your history, symptoms, medications, laboratory results, and treatment goals before determining eligibility.

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Not Medical Advice

The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Treatment recommendations are not final until a licensed medical provider completes a live consultation, reviews your medical history and medications, evaluates relevant laboratory results, and determines that treatment is medically appropriate.

Compounded Medication Disclosure

Certain treatments may be prepared by a compounding pharmacy pursuant to an individual prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Results

Your results identify subjects to discuss with a provider. They do not establish medical eligibility or guarantee that any medication will be prescribed.

Emergencies

This website is not intended for emergencies. Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention for urgent or severe symptoms.