Growth hormone & performance
Ipamorelin
A selective growth-hormone secretagogue with little effect on cortisol or appetite. Reached phase 2 trials for gut recovery after surgery.
How it works
A selective ghrelin-receptor agonist: it gives a growth-hormone pulse with little effect on cortisol, prolactin or appetite.
What it is used for
Raising GH. It was studied for the slow gut recovery that follows bowel surgery.
What the evidence says
A phase 2 trial after bowel surgery found it safe but not effective. There is little other human data.
Side effects and cautions
Headache, flushing and water retention. It raises IGF-1, so avoid it with active cancer.
Half-life
About 2 hours (vendor estimate)
Makes sense for
- Adults looking for a gentle GH pulse without extra hunger or cortisol
Does not make sense for
- Active cancer or a history of cancer
- Diabetes or prediabetes
Boost the effect
- Inject on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating, no food for 30 minutes after): sugar and fat blunt the growth-hormone release
- Evening dose before bed and deep sleep: most growth hormone is released in deep sleep
- Enough protein: growth hormone needs building material to work on