Follistatin vs Ipamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Follistatin and Ipamorelin are commonly used for: