Ipamorelin

What is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide and a type of growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). It's a pentapeptide, which means it's composed of five amino acids. It was developed to selectively stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. Ipamorelin mimics the action of ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," by binding to the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the brain.

A key difference between Ipamorelin and some other GHS peptides like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 is its high selectivity. While other GHS can also stimulate the release of cortisol and prolactin, Ipamorelin has been shown in studies to selectively stimulate only GH release, making it a more specific and potentially safer option for this purpose.

Different Names

Ipamorelin is the common name for the compound. Its development code was NNC 26-0161, and its chemical name is (2S)-6-Amino-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[(2-amino-2-methylpropanoyl)amino]-3-(4H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-naphthalen-2-ylpropanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]hexanamide.

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits:

• Increased Growth Hormone (GH) Levels: This is the primary function of Ipamorelin. Increased GH can lead to various effects.

• Muscle Growth and Lean Body Mass: By stimulating GH, Ipamorelin may promote muscle growth and help reduce body fat.

• Improved Recovery: GH is involved in tissue repair, so higher levels can lead to faster recovery from workouts and injuries.

• Enhanced Sleep Quality: GH release is closely linked to sleep cycles, and some users report improved and deeper sleep while on Ipamorelin.

• Bone Density: GH plays a role in bone health and density. Ipamorelin may help strengthen bones.

• Anti-Aging Effects: Many of the benefits associated with Ipamorelin and increased GH are often linked to a more youthful state, such as better skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.

Side Effects:

• Injection Site Reactions: As Ipamorelin is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, some users may experience redness, pain, or irritation at the injection site.

• Headaches: This is a reported side effect, though not universal.

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Some users may experience a temporary feeling of dizziness after administration.

• Nausea: Nausea is another potential side effect.

• Water Retention: Increased GH levels can lead to temporary water retention or bloating.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High Selectivity: Ipamorelin is highly selective for GH release, avoiding the unwanted increase in cortisol and prolactin levels seen with some other GHRPs. This reduces the risk of side effects associated with those hormones, such as increased stress and gynecomastia.

• Potent GH Stimulant: It's an effective and potent compound for increasing GH levels.

• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to other growth hormone secretagogues or synthetic human growth hormone (HGH), Ipamorelin is often considered to have a more favorable side effect profile.

Cons:

• Lack of FDA Approval for Performance Enhancement: Ipamorelin is not approved by the FDA for use as a performance-enhancing drug. Its use in this context is off-label and not medically supervised.

• Legal and Regulatory Status: Due to its use as a performance-enhancing drug, it is a banned substance in many sports organizations.

• Cost: Peptide treatments can be expensive.

• Requires Injections: The typical route of administration is via injection, which can be a deterrent for some people.

Dosage and Frequency

Typical dosages for Ipamorelin range from 200 mcg to 300 mcg per day, usually divided into two or three subcutaneous injections. The frequency is often cited as 2 to 3 times per day to maximize the pulsatile release of GH. It is often recommended to administer it on an empty stomach to avoid interference with the natural ghrelin response. A common protocol is to inject it in the morning, post-workout, and before bedtime.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: Ipamorelin has a relatively short elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours. This means that half of the compound is cleared from the bloodstream within this timeframe.

• Detection Time: The detection time for Ipamorelin can vary, but its metabolites can be detectable for a longer period than the parent compound. The detection window for Ipamorelin is generally up to 48 hours in blood or urine, though advanced mass spectrometry can sometimes extend this.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic Effects: Ipamorelin is a peptide and does not have any direct sterogenic (androgenic or estrogenic) effects. It does not bind to androgen or estrogen receptors and will not cause masculinization or feminization side effects.

• Progestronic Effects: Ipamorelin has no known progestronic effects. It does not act as a progestogen or affect progesterone levels.

• Prolactin Effects: Unlike some other GHS peptides, Ipamorelin is highly selective for GH and does not significantly stimulate the release of prolactin. This is a major advantage, as elevated prolactin can lead to side effects such as gynecomastia and sexual dysfunction.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic androgenic ratio is a term used to describe the ratio of anabolic (muscle-building) effects to androgenic (masculinizing) effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Since Ipamorelin is not a steroid and does not have androgenic effects, it does not have an anabolic androgenic ratio.