Source comparison
Growth Hormone Peptides vs DHEA: Comparison
Primary Mechanism GHRH/ghrelin receptor agonism → pituitary GH release → IGF-1 elevation Steroid precursor → tissue-specific conversion to testosterone, estradiol, or DHT Peptides stimulate upstream hormone production; DHEA provides substrate for downstream co
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Primary Mechanism
- GHRH/ghrelin receptor agonism → pituitary GH release → IGF-1 elevation
- Steroid precursor → tissue-specific conversion to testosterone, estradiol, or DHT
- Peptides stimulate upstream hormone production; DHEA provides substrate for downstream conversion
- IGF-1 Response
- Increases 80–120% from baseline within 2–4 weeks at therapeutic doses
- No direct effect on IGF-1; downstream androgenic effects may indirectly influence IGF-1 binding protein expression
- Peptides produce dose-dependent, measurable IGF-1 elevation; DHEA does not
- Body Composition Effects
- Lean mass +1.5–2.5kg, fat mass −1.0–1.5kg over 12 weeks in controlled trials
- Lean mass +0.2–0.6kg, fat mass −0.4–0.8kg over 6–12 months; highly variable
- Peptides show consistent recomposition; DHEA effects are modest and inconsistent
- Route of Administration
- Subcutaneous injection (CJC-1295, ipamorelin) or oral (MK-677)
- Oral capsule or sublingual tablet
- MK-677 is the only orally bioavailable peptide; others require injection
- Half-Life and Dosing
- CJC-1295 DAC: 6–8 days (weekly dosing); MK-677: 24 hours (daily dosing)
- DHEA-S: 10–20 hours (daily or twice-daily dosing)
- Peptide dosing frequency depends on compound; DHEA requires daily intake
- Regulatory Status
- Not FDA-approved for anti-aging; compounded or research-grade only
- Sold as dietary supplement (no FDA approval required); quality unregulated
- Neither has FDA oversight for longevity applications; peptide sourcing more controlled
- Cost (Monthly)
- $150–$300 for pharmaceutical-grade compounded peptides
- $15–$40 for 50–100mg daily DHEA from reputable brands
- DHEA is significantly cheaper; peptides require specialized sourcing
- Side Effect Profile
- Water retention, injection site reactions, mild glucose elevation, appetite increase (MK-677)
- Acne, oily skin, hirsutism (women), estrogen conversion/gynecomastia risk (men)
- Peptide side effects are dose-related and reversible; DHEA's androgenic effects more pronounced in women
- Baseline Hormone Dependence
- Effective even with normal IGF-1; greater response in GH-deficient individuals
- Minimal benefit if DHEA-S already in normal range (>150mcg/dL); largest effects in elderly with depleted levels
- Peptides work independent of baseline; DHEA requires deficiency to show benefit
- Clinical Evidence Quality
- Multiple RCTs demonstrating IGF-1 and body composition changes
- Meta-analyses show inconsistent results; limited high-quality trials in non-elderly populations
- Peptide data is stronger and more reproducible; DHEA evidence is mixed