HGH Peptides: GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 — Complete Overview
Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate your own pituitary — no suppression, no fake GH. We compare GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Ipamorelin, and CJC-1295 stacks, dosing windows, and expected results.
Why Use Peptides Instead of Synthetic HGH?
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH, somatropin) directly replaces GH but desensitises the pituitary over time and suppresses natural GH pulse amplitude. Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) instead stimulate the pituitary to release its own GH in a pulsatile, physiologically normal pattern. This preserves hypothalamic-pituitary axis function, produces GH peaks that mirror natural release, and is associated with fewer long-term concerns related to IGF-1 elevation. They are also significantly more affordable than pharmaceutical somatropin.
GHRP-6: The Classic Ghrelin Mimetic
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6) mimics ghrelin — the hunger hormone — and stimulates GH release via the GHS-R1a receptor. Dose: 100 mcg, subcutaneous injection, 2–3 times daily. Key effect: very pronounced hunger stimulation (ghrelin mimicry), making it ideal for bulking phases where increased calorie intake is desired. GH pulse amplitude is strong. Side effects: significant hunger, potential increase in cortisol and prolactin at higher doses. Best combined with a GHRH analogue like CJC-1295.
GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin: Cleaner Alternatives
GHRP-2 has a slightly stronger GH pulse than GHRP-6 with less hunger stimulation, but more cortisol increase. Dose: 100 mcg 2–3× daily. Ipamorelin is the most selective GHRP — it produces GH release with minimal cortisol, prolactin, or appetite stimulation. This makes it ideal for cutting phases or users sensitive to GHRP-6 hunger effects. Dose: 200–300 mcg, 2–3× daily. Ipamorelin is widely considered the best standalone GHRP due to its clean side effect profile.
CJC-1295: The GHRH Analogue
CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) that stimulates the pituitary via a different receptor than GHRPs. Alone, it produces a sustained GH elevation. Combined with a GHRP, the two mechanisms are synergistic — GH release is dramatically amplified (reported 5–10× greater than either peptide alone). CJC-1295 without DAC: half-life ~30 min, injected with each GHRP dose. CJC-1295 with DAC: half-life ~7–8 days, injected once weekly. Without DAC is preferred for maintaining pulsatile release; with DAC creates a continuous GH bleed.
Optimal Dosing Windows
GH is naturally released in pulses — largest pulse occurs 1–2 hours after sleep onset. To maximise effect: inject before bed (last meal 2+ hours prior, as elevated insulin blunts GH release), upon waking (morning pulse enhancement), and pre-workout. Minimum of 3 hours between injections to allow GH receptor resensitisation. Avoid injecting within 2 hours of a carbohydrate-heavy meal. For maximum fat loss benefit: inject during intermittent fasting window when insulin is baseline low.
What Results to Expect
GH secretagogues are not a rapid mass builder — their primary benefits emerge over 3–6 months: improved body composition (fat loss with lean mass retention), enhanced recovery, better sleep quality, improved skin, joint and connective tissue health, and IGF-1 elevation supporting muscle protein synthesis. Real-world users report 1–2 kg of lean mass gain with 2–4% body fat reduction over 12 weeks on a GHRP/CJC stack, combined with training and diet. Stacked with testosterone or SARMs, the combination is notably synergistic.
Written by
Sofia Brenner
Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach