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Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6

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The key difference

Both are ghrelin receptor agonists that trigger growth hormone release. GHRP-6 strongly increases appetite and can raise cortisol and prolactin. Ipamorelin is described as more selective, with little effect on those hormones in the studies that introduced it.

Side by side

What it is
IpamorelinA selective ghrelin receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) prized for stimulating GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. Considered one of the gentler GH peptides.
GHRP-6An early growth hormone releasing peptide best known for strong GH stimulation alongside a pronounced increase in appetite via ghrelin signaling.
Research status
IpamorelinResearch chemical
GHRP-6Research chemical
Category
IpamorelinGrowth Hormone Secretagogues
GHRP-6Growth Hormone Secretagogues
Half-life
IpamorelinApproximately 2 hours
GHRP-6Approximately 15-60 minutes
Routes
Ipamorelinsubcutaneous
GHRP-6subcutaneous
Reported dosing
IpamorelinResearch protocols often reference ~100-300 mcg per dose, 1-3 times daily, frequently timed before sleep or paired with a GHRH analog. Educational reference only.
GHRP-6Research protocols cite ~100-300 mcg per dose, 1-3 times daily, often paired with a GHRH analog. Educational reference only, not personal advice.
Studied for
Ipamorelin
  • Selective GH release with minimal cortisol or prolactin elevation
  • Supports lean muscle, recovery, and fat metabolism
  • May improve sleep depth and quality
  • Lower appetite stimulation than GHRP-6
GHRP-6
  • Robust GH release
  • Strong appetite stimulation (useful in research on cachexia/under-eating)
  • Supports recovery and lean mass
  • May have cytoprotective and gut-motility effects
Side effects
Ipamorelin
  • Mild head-rush or flushing after injection
  • Water retention or tingling in extremities
  • Injection-site irritation
  • Possible transient increase in hunger
GHRP-6
  • Pronounced hunger shortly after dosing
  • Water retention and tingling
  • Cortisol and prolactin elevation at higher doses
  • Flushing or head-rush
Cited studies
Ipamorelin4 on its page
GHRP-64 on its page

How Ipamorelin works

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), mimicking ghrelin to trigger a clean pulse of growth hormone from the pituitary. Unlike earlier GHRPs, it has high specificity and does not meaningfully stimulate ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin. This selectivity gives it a favorable side-effect profile while still amplifying GH secretion, especially when combined with a GHRH analog.

Full Ipamorelin profile →

How GHRP-6 works

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), prompting the pituitary to release growth hormone. Because it strongly mimics ghrelin, it produces a marked increase in hunger, making it of interest where appetite stimulation is desirable. At higher doses it can also elevate cortisol and prolactin, and it works synergistically with GHRH analogs.

Full GHRP-6 profile →

Dosing shown is what research and community sources report, not a recommendation. For educational and research purposes only; not medical advice. How we source this

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