Growth Hormone Peptides & Secretagogues: What You Need to Know

Written By Jay Marsolan

Human growth hormone (GH) plays a vital role in metabolism, muscle repair, fat loss, sleep quality, and overall vitality. As we age, natural GH production declines, and some patients explore peptide therapy or GH secretagogues to restore healthier levels.

Below we’ll review the most common options—Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin, and Ibutamoren—in order of increasing potency, along with their benefits, dosing, side effects, and the single most important safety consideration: cancer risk.

🚨 Safety First: Cancer Risk

The greatest concern with GH therapy is its potential to stimulate growth of abnormal or malignant cells.

  • History of cancer: Anyone with a personal history of cancer should generally avoid GH-stimulating therapies.

  • High risk patients: Those with strong family history or significant risk factors should proceed cautiously, if at all.

  • Screening: Men considering peptide therapy should have up-to-date age-appropriate cancer screenings (such as PSA for prostate and colonoscopy/colorectal screening). Women should be current on mammograms and gynecologic screenings.

  • Ongoing monitoring: Regular labs (IGF-1, glucose, A1c) and clinical check-ins are essential.

Sermorelin

  • Mechanism: Mimics Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), prompting the pituitary to secrete GH in a natural, pulsatile rhythm.

  • Aggressiveness: Mildest option.

  • Route & Dose: SQ injection at bedtime, most often 100–300 mcg nightly.

  • Benefits: Improved sleep, energy, recovery, and overall well-being.

  • Side Effects: Flushing, headache, mild injection site irritation.

Ipamorelin

  • Mechanism: A Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) that mimics ghrelin, triggering GH release.

  • Aggressiveness: Moderate.

  • Route & Dose: SQ injection at bedtime, commonly 200–500 mcg nightly (sometimes split into 2 doses).

  • Benefits: Lean muscle support, fat metabolism, enhanced recovery and sleep.

  • Side Effects: Mild hunger, transient flushing, water retention.

CJC-1295

  • Mechanism: A long-acting GHRH analog, often combined with ipamorelin for synergy.

  • Aggressiveness: Moderate-to-strong.

  • Route & Dose: SQ injection, typically 100–300 mcg nightly (non-DAC version) or 1–2 mg once weekly (DAC version).

  • Benefits: Sustained GH release, improved sleep, body composition support.

  • Side Effects: Injection site redness, fatigue, fluid retention.

Tesamorelin

  • Mechanism: Potent GHRH analog, FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

  • Aggressiveness: Strong.

  • Route & Dose: SQ injection, usually 2 mg once daily.

  • Benefits: Proven visceral fat reduction, improved lipid metabolism, possible cognitive support.

  • Side Effects: Joint stiffness, fluid retention, tingling/numbness in hands/feet.

Ibutamoren (MK-677) (oral secretegogue, not a peptide)

  • Mechanism: Oral ghrelin mimetic that raises GH and IGF-1.

  • Aggressiveness: Strongest and longest acting option.

  • Route & Dose: Oral capsule or liquid, most common dose 25 mg once daily (often taken at night due to drowsiness).

  • Benefits: Muscle mass increase, fat reduction, improved sleep, possible cognitive benefits.

  • Side Effects: Increased appetite, water retention, insulin resistance risk, fatigue, tingling in extremities.

General Benefits vs. Risks

Potential Benefits:

  • Better sleep and recovery

  • Improved lean muscle and fat metabolism

  • Healthier skin, hair, and joints

  • Enhanced energy and vitality

Potential Risks:

  • Water retention, joint pain

  • Carpal tunnel–like numbness or tingling

  • Blood sugar elevation/insulin resistance

  • Cancer growth stimulation (most important risk)

Summary: A Spectrum of Strength

  • Sermorelin → gentle, wellness-oriented.

  • Ipamorelin → stronger trigger, well-tolerated.

  • CJC-1295 → long-acting, stronger when paired with ipamorelin.

  • Tesamorelin → potent, clinically proven fat reduction.

  • Ibutamoren → strongest, oral, raises GH/IGF-1 substantially.

Final Word

These therapies can be powerful tools for recovery, vitality, and body composition—but they are not without risk. The most important safety concern is cancer: patients with a history of cancer or major risk factors should avoid GH peptides. Everyone should be current on age-appropriate cancer screenings before starting therapy.

Jay Marsolan
Next

Using AI for Meal Planning