Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs Ipamorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
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 | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | 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 | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Ipamorelin are commonly used for: