Growth-hormone secretagogue protocols for lean mass and performance — CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin and more. Reconstitution, dose ranges, cycles.
Muscle-building peptides are growth-hormone secretagogues that prompt the pituitary to release your own growth hormone rather than supplying it directly. The most-referenced compounds are CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin, and sermorelin, typically dosed subcutaneously at night on 8–12 week cycles.
Category overview
Boost hypertrophy, strength, and endurance by stimulating GH/IGF-1 pathways. Ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking lean gains without cortisol spikes or hormonal suppression.
Protocols at a glance
Peptide
Dose range
Frequency
Cycle
Sermorelin
200–500 mcg
2×/week to daily (5-on/2-off)
3–6 months on, 4–6 weeks off
CJC-1295
100–500 mcg
2×/week to daily
8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; use MK-677 as bridge
Ipamorelin
100–500 mcg
Daily at bedtime to 2–3× daily
12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off; 5-on/2-off for longevity
IGF-1 LR3
20–80 mcg
3×/week to daily post-workout
4–6 weeks on, 4 weeks off; never exceed 8 weeks
MK-677 / Ibutamoren
10–25 mg
Once daily (PM)
8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off
GHRP-6
100–300 mcg
2–3× daily
8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
GHRP-2
100–300 mcg
2–3× daily
8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; rotate with other GHRPs
Hexarelin
100–200 mcg
1–3× daily
4–8 weeks max, then 4–6 weeks off
Sermorelin — GHRH Analog
A bioidentical growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates the pituitary to produce natural GH. Gold standard for anti-aging clinics; promotes natural GH pulsatility.
Dose range: 200–500 mcg. Frequency: 2×/week to daily (5-on/2-off). Cycle: 3–6 months on, 4–6 weeks off.
Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 5mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
Stimulates natural GH production, elevating IGF-1 for muscle growth and protein synthesis
Accelerates workout recovery and reduces muscle soreness
Promotes fat loss while maintaining lean body mass
Enhances deep sleep quality for better hormonal balance
Start low and titrate; subtle benefits appear in 4–6 weeks.
Modified GHRH with Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) for extended half-life. CJC-1295 w/DAC has ~8 day half-life; without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) has 30-minute half-life for more natural pulsing.
Dose range: 100–500 mcg. Frequency: 2×/week to daily. Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; use MK-677 as bridge.
Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 5mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
Elevates GH/IGF-1 5–7× natural levels for muscle protein synthesis
Extended GH elevation without frequent injections (w/DAC)
Supports fat oxidation while preserving lean mass
Improves sleep quality for enhanced recovery
Pair with a GHRP (Ipamorelin) for the "gold standard" GH pulse.
Monitor IGF-1 and watch for water retention at higher doses.
Highly selective growth hormone releasing peptide that doesn't significantly increase cortisol, prolactin, or ghrelin. The cleanest GHRP available; excellent for those sensitive to side effects.
Dose range: 100–500 mcg. Frequency: Daily at bedtime to 2–3× daily. Cycle: 12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off; 5-on/2-off for longevity.
Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 5mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
Selective GH release without hunger spikes (unlike GHRP-6)
Accelerates lean muscle growth (up to 15% in 12-week studies)
Boosts collagen synthesis for joint health during heavy training
Enhances fat metabolism for body recomposition effects
Bedtime dosing supports REM sleep and recovery.
Pair with CJC-1295 for amplified GH pulse.
Stacks: CJC-1295 (the "gold standard" stack), BPC-157 (recovery), Tesamorelin (metabolic)
IGF-1 LR3 — Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Extended half-life IGF-1 variant (20+ hours vs. 20 minutes for regular IGF-1). Directly stimulates muscle cell growth and differentiation. Potent anabolic; use with caution.
Dose range: 20–80 mcg. Frequency: 3×/week to daily post-workout. Cycle: 4–6 weeks on, 4 weeks off; never exceed 8 weeks.
Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 5mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
Direct muscle hyperplasia (new fiber growth, not just hypertrophy)
Rapid recovery from intense training sessions
Enhances nutrient partitioning for clean bulking
Supports tendon and ligament strength
Eat carbohydrates immediately after injection.
Monitor fasting glucose; potent anabolic — short cycles only.
Non-peptide oral growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin. Convenient alternative to injectable GH peptides; provides 24-hour GH elevation with single daily dose.
Dose range: 10–25 mg. Frequency: Once daily (PM). Cycle: 8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off.
Reconstitution: Oral capsule / solution — no reconstitution required
Oral convenience; no injections required
24/7 sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation
Increases appetite for easier bulking (manage with timing)
Significant bone density improvements for heavy lifting
Second-generation GHRP with strongest GH release of the GHRP family. More selective than GHRP-6 with less hunger stimulation. Balanced profile between potency and side effects.
Dose range: 100–300 mcg. Frequency: 2–3× daily. Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; rotate with other GHRPs.
Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 5mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
Strongest GH pulse of any GHRP (up to 3× GHRP-6)
Moderate appetite stimulation (less than GHRP-6)
Enhances recovery and reduces inflammation
Supports lean mass during cuts
May cause flushing/tingling; monitor cortisol at high doses.
Stacks: CJC-1295 (synergistic stack), Mod GRF 1-29, IGF-1 LR3
Hexarelin
Most potent GHRP available with additional cardioprotective properties. Significantly raises cortisol and prolactin; use cautiously and for shorter periods.
Start Low, Go Slow: Always begin with the minimum effective dose and titrate gradually over weeks.
Get Baseline Bloodwork: Before starting, obtain labs including CBC, CMP, lipid panel, hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen, IGF-1, GH), fasting insulin, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers.
Monitor Regularly: Retest labs every 4–8 weeks. Track subjective markers daily (sleep, energy, mood, appetite, injection site reactions).
Source Responsibly: Only use peptides from reputable compounding vendors with third-party COA testing. We STRONGLY recommend they also are based out of the USA for quality assurance.
Recognize Warning Signs: Stop immediately and seek medical attention for severe injection site reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, or allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Many peptides interact with insulin, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and hormonal therapies.
Contraindications: Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals under 18, those with active cancer, severe liver/kidney disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.
Important
All peptide products referenced are intended solely for research, investigational, or licensed professional use. They are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before any personal or clinical use.