HGH / Muscle Growth

“Muscle-growth peptides aren’t a shortcut — they’re a catalyst. They amplify the effort you put in, turning discipline and consistency into real, visible strength.”

GH-Releasing Peptides & Analogs

Sermorelin vs Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 vs Tesamorelin

High-level comparison of growth hormone–related peptides and analogs used or studied for GH stimulation, body composition, and metabolic effects.

Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Tesamorelin (GHRH analog)
⚠️
Educational / research overview only — not medical advice.
These agents can significantly affect endocrine function and body composition. Any clinical use should be supervised by a licensed clinician using approved, regulated products where applicable.
Robust human data (approved/legacy) Some clinical / off-label data Research / limited formal trials
Sermorelin GHRH (1–29) analog
GH Axis Support Legacy Pediatric GH Deficiency Body Composition (Research) Sleep & Recovery (Anecdotal)
Some clinical / legacy data

Core Mechanism

  • Short fragment of endogenous GHRH.
  • Stimulates pituitary → increases pulsatile GH → raises IGF-1.
  • Works only if pituitary function is intact.

Use & Status

  • Previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency (brands discontinued).
  • Now mainly compounded/research-use only.

Potential Effects (Theoretical)

  • Supports GH/IGF-1 levels in GH-deficient states.
  • Interest in body composition, sleep, recovery.

Key Safety Notes

  • IGF-1 elevation risk; caution in malignancy.
  • Possible joint stiffness, tingling, fluid retention.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Ghrelin mimetic + GHRH analog
GH Pulse Amplification Body Recomposition (Research) Recovery & Repair Sleep Quality (Anecdotal)
Limited / research data

Core Mechanism

  • Ipamorelin: selective ghrelin receptor agonist → stimulates GH release.
  • CJC-1295: GHRH analog → increases GH pulse size/duration.
  • Dual-action synergy (GHRH + ghrelin pathways).

Use & Status

  • Not FDA-approved as a combination; mostly compounded or research use.
  • Used off-label as a “physiologic GH support” regimen.

Potential Effects (Theoretical)

  • May increase GH pulses → changes in lean mass & fat distribution.
  • Anecdotal benefits: sleep quality, workout recovery.

Key Safety Notes

  • Can elevate IGF-1 → same theoretical malignancy risks.
  • Flushing, tingling, water retention possible.
  • Purity varies by source.
Tesamorelin Stabilized GHRH analog
HIV Lipodystrophy Visceral Fat Reduction Metabolic Health GH Axis Modulation
Robust human data

Core Mechanism

  • Highly stable GHRH analog → powerful GH pulse stimulation.
  • Raises IGF-1 → promotes visceral fat reduction.

Approved Use

  • FDA-approved for reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in HIV lipodystrophy.

Clinical Highlights

  • Significant VAT reduction and modest lipid effects.
  • Effects reverse after discontinuation.

Key Safety Notes

  • Joint pain, swelling, numbness, IGF-1 elevation.
  • Contraindicated in active malignancy.

GH Axis Peptides at a Glance

Peptide Mechanism Approved Uses Potential Effects Evidence Level Key Safety Notes
Sermorelin GHRH(1–29) fragment → increases endogenous GH pulses; raises IGF-1. Former FDA approval for pediatric GH deficiency (brands discontinued). Possible sleep, recovery, body comp benefits; dependent on pituitary function. Moderate legacy data. IGF-1 risks; joint stiffness; fluid retention.
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Ghrelin agonist + GHRH analog → synergistic GH release. None; compounded / research only. Theoretical improvements in lean mass, fat distribution, recovery. Limited human data; mostly research/off-label. IGF-1 elevation; purity concerns; tingling/flushing.
Tesamorelin Stabilized GHRH analog → strong GH stimulation → reduces visceral fat. FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Significant VAT reduction; metabolic improvements. Robust human data (specific indication). IGF-1 elevation, joint pain, malignancy contraindications.