Ipamorelin + CJC-1295: Dual-Path GH Secretagogue Stack

What Is the Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack?

Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) agonist that directly stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. It is considered one of the “cleaner” GH secretagogues with less impact on cortisol and prolactin than some older agents.

CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that increases the amplitude and/or half-life of growth hormone–releasing hormone activity. In some formulations it’s linked to a carrier (DAC) that prolongs its effect; in others it is shorter-acting.

When combined, the two compounds act on both the GHRH and ghrelin sides of the GH axis, aiming for stronger or more physiologic GH pulses than either alone.

Potential Benefits (Research & Anecdotal)

Much of the modern use of this stack is off-label and experimental, often in wellness or performance settings. Formal long-term trials in healthy adults are limited.

• Enhanced GH/IGF-1 signaling: Combination therapy may raise GH and IGF-1 more than one secretagogue alone, provided the pituitary and hypothalamus are intact.
• Body composition support: There is interest in improved lean mass, fat distribution, and recovery when paired with resistance training and nutrition, especially in older or deconditioned individuals.
• Sleep and repair: Evening or pre-sleep dosing is sometimes used with the intention of supporting nocturnal recovery and tissue repair.

Regulatory & Practical Status

• Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are typically available as compounded peptides or research products, not as an FDA-approved fixed combination.
• Individual components may appear in clinical research or limited therapeutic contexts, but many uses are off-label.
• In many countries, online products are labeled for “research use only” and are not regulated to pharmaceutical standards.

Typical Research-Style Pattern (Conceptual)

Route & Timing

• Usually administered as subcutaneous injections.
• Often dosed in the evening or pre-sleep to align with nocturnal GH pulses, or around training depending on the practitioner’s philosophy.

Course & Cycling

• Many protocols run for weeks to months, sometimes with planned breaks or reassessment periods.
• Monitoring often includes IGF-1, fasting glucose/insulin, lipids, and subjective recovery metrics.

Conceptual Protocol Themes

In practice, Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 is typically framed as one part of a larger recovery and body composition plan.

• Pair with progressive resistance training to give GH/IGF-1 a reason to build or maintain muscle rather than just shift fluid.
• Focus on adequate protein intake, micronutrients, and sleep to support repair and adaptation.
• Consider baseline conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer risk, cardiovascular disease) where GH-axis stimulation may be risky or inappropriate.

Safety, Side Effects & Considerations

Potential or reported side effects and risks include:

• Injection-site irritation, flushing, or transient warmth.
• Water retention, joint stiffness, tingling, or carpal-tunnel–like symptoms in some individuals.
• Changes in appetite or blood sugar, particularly in people with insulin resistance or diabetes, due to GH/IGF-1 effects.
• Theoretical concerns about neoplastic or proliferative processes with long-term GH/IGF-1 elevation, especially in those with cancer risk or history.

Plain-Language Summary

Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 is a popular GH secretagogue stack used in wellness and performance circles to nudge the GH/IGF-1 axis from two sides. It is best thought of as an experimental, higher-complexity tool that may offer benefits for select individuals, but also carries meaningful uncertainties and risks. It should never replace the foundations of training, nutrition, sleep, and evidence-based medical care.