Source comparison
Saturation Dosing vs Maintenance Protocols
Ipamorelin's effectiveness in stimulating growth hormone release depends on ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) density and sensitivity. When starting ipamorelin after a period of non-use, ghrelin receptors exist in a baseline desensitised state due to endogenous ghrel
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- Ipamorelin's effectiveness in stimulating growth hormone release depends on ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) density and sensitivity. When starting ipamorelin after a period of non-use, ghrelin receptors exist in a baseline desensitised state due to endogenous ghrelin exposure. A saturation loading phase. Administering 300 mcg three times daily for 5–7 days. Upregulates receptor density and primes the system for sustained response during the maintenance phase.
- The saturation protocol: 300 mcg upon waking (fasted state), 300 mcg mid-afternoon (minimum two hours post-meal), and 300 mcg before sleep (minimum 90 minutes after last food intake). After the 5-day saturation window, transition to maintenance dosing: 200–250 mcg twice daily (morning fasted + pre-sleep). The maintenance phase can run for 8–12 weeks before requiring a 4-week washout period to restore receptor sensitivity.
- Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that subjects who underwent a 7-day saturation protocol before transitioning to maintenance dosing showed 34% higher peak GH secretion at week 4 compared to subjects who started directly at maintenance dose without saturation. The saturation phase is not optional if the goal is maximising growth hormone pulsatility. It's the mechanism by which you overcome baseline receptor desensitisation.