GHRP-2 vs Ipamorelin

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

GHRP-2Ipamorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
TimingOn empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
Cycle Duration8-16 week cycles.12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
Evidence Levelmoderate_humanmoderate_human
A

GHRP-2

Peptides

Mechanism

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist that is the most potent of the GHRP family for GH release. It stimulates pituitary GH secretion through the ghrelin receptor while also modulating hypothalamic GHRH and somatostatin pathways. GHRP-2 increases GH, cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH release, but with less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6. It also has demonstrated anxiolytic properties and sleep-promoting effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

On empty stomach, bedtime administration preferred. Wait 2+ hours after last meal.

Cycle Duration

8-16 week cycles.

Side Effects

  • Water retention
  • Moderate hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Cortisol elevation
  • Prolactin elevation
  • Tingling
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)SermorelinBPC-157
B

Ipamorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.

Side Effects

  • Head rush post-injection
  • Mild hunger increase (less than GHRP-6)
  • Water retention (mild)
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Injection site irritation

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

CJC-1295 (no DAC)BPC-157TB-500

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