Source comparison
Ipamorelin for Men: Secretagogue Comparison
Ipamorelin Selective GHSR-1a agonist (ghrelin receptor) None. Highly selective for GH pathways 200–300 mcg SC, 1–2× daily ~2 hours Gold standard for isolated GH stimulation without off-target hormone effects. Preferred in protocols prioritising safety margins
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Ipamorelin
- Selective GHSR-1a agonist (ghrelin receptor)
- None. Highly selective for GH pathways
- 200–300 mcg SC, 1–2× daily
- ~2 hours
- Gold standard for isolated GH stimulation without off-target hormone effects. Preferred in protocols prioritising safety margins
- GHRP-6
- Non-selective ghrelin receptor agonist
- Moderate. Activates cortisol and prolactin pathways
- 100–200 mcg SC, 2–3× daily
- Older generation secretagogue. GH output similar to ipamorelin but side-effect profile limits use in long-duration studies
- Hexarelin
- Potent non-selective ghrelin agonist
- High. Significant cortisol spike, moderate prolactin
- 100 mcg SC, 1–2× daily
- ~70 minutes
- Strongest acute GH release but rapid receptor desensitisation after 2–4 weeks. Typically rotated with other peptides in cyclical protocols
- CJC-1295
- GHRH analogue (amplifies pituitary GH capacity)
- None. Works upstream of secretagogues
- 1–2 mg SC, 1–2× weekly
- 6–8 days
- Synergises with ipamorelin by increasing available GH for release. Not a secretagogue itself but enhances secretagogue effectiveness
- MK-677
- Oral ghrelin mimetic (non-peptide)
- Minimal. Slight cortisol elevation at high doses
- 10–25 mg oral, once daily
- 24 hours
- Oral convenience vs. peptide precision. Produces sustained GH elevation but less pulsatile than injectable secretagogues
- Ipamorelin for men dominates research protocols because the selectivity eliminates the cortisol and prolactin variables that confound data interpretation in multi-week studies. Hexarelin produces higher peak GH but desensitises receptors within weeks. Ipamorelin maintains response consistency across months.