Sermorelin vs. Ipamorelin

Sermorelin, GHRP2, GHRP6 and Ipamorelin are different generations of Human Growth Hormone-stimulating peptides.

Listed in order of their formulation, with Sermorelin being the oldest and Ipamorelin being a newer peptide, these peptides stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain to release more of your own, natural growth hormone.

This approach causes the body’s own natural levels to go up by stimulating the production. 

What are the Benefits of Sermorelin and Ipamorelin?

Growth hormone is a naturally occurring hormone which declines with age. Higher levels are associated with improvements in; sleep, energy, fat loss, muscle maintenance, exercise recovery, bone density, skin elasticity and anti aging, quality of life benefits.

How long does it take for Sermorelin to work?

The onset of effects varies from person to person.   slow and can take up to 6 months for full stimulation to occur. Baseline growth hormone levels are checked first using the IGF1 blood test and monitored every 6 months of treatment.

Ipamorelin is currently the most popular of the peptides, as it has the least side effects (it does not effect cortisol or prolactin). It has a positive effect on lipolysis which can help accelerate fat breakdown and can be used at the same time as the hCG diet with very positive results.

The benefits from this treatment are very broad and go far beyond only weight loss. Increased energy levels along with faster recovery from exercise allow for more benefits to be realized from physical activity.

A starting dose of 250 mcg injected at night before bed, or 500 mcg taken as a sublingual RDT tablet are typically used. The Ipamorelin is very well absorbed under the tongue and this option is often used by patients especially during travel or for convenience.

This treatment is very safe, it does not over stimulate growth hormone levels and is used long term with semi annual IGF1 lab testing. Growth hormone peptides should be avoided by anyone who has any type of cancer, tumors or growths.

Sermorelin, GHRP2 and GHRP6 are also used and are a little more cost effective, however many patients do report some side effects with these. Primarily water retention, sleep disturbances and significant hunger cravings.

For this reason the Ipamorelin has become the generally preferred of the growth hormone peptides.

The newest available option is the blend of the Ipamorelin combined with the peptide CJC 1295 which as a similar action as a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and the two work synergistically together to improve benefits including fat loss, lean mass development, reduction in visual signs of aging including wrinkles, and increased energy levels.

One of the emerging uses for Ipamorelin is with dieters that have challenges with weight maintenance.

This is because weight loss and weight maintenance are two different challenges, and with age, menopause and hormone changes it becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain weight even if weight loss is easy.

The Ipamorelin gives a metabolic edge, making it easier to maintain lean muscle and ideal body composition.