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How it works

Mimics ghrelin and activates the pituitary gland to release more of your own growth hormone.

Most reported

• Muscle-mass support
• Better recovery
• Increased appetite

Evidence level

Small studies and clinic experience; no large trials.

Common side effects

Fluid retention, hunger, tingling in the hands; can raise cortisol and prolactin.

Combines / avoids

Pairs with a GHRH (CJC-1295). Do not combine two GHRPs at once.

Typical use

1-2 times a day, ~200 mcg.

How it works

Same as GHRP-2, but with a much more marked hunger signal.

Most reported

• Strong appetite (useful in a bulk)
• Muscle support
• Recovery

Evidence level

Small studies and clinic experience.

Common side effects

Intense hunger, fluid retention, tingling; raises cortisol and prolactin.

Combines / avoids

Pairs with CJC-1295. Do not combine two GHRPs at once.

Typical use

1-2 times a day, ~200 mcg.

How it works

Triggers GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin, so it has fewer side effects than older GHRPs.

Most reported

• Better sleep
• Recovery
• Fewer side effects than others in the group

Evidence level

Small studies; the most well-characterized of the group thanks to its selectivity.

Common side effects

Very clean — occasionally mild retention, tingling, or passing headache.

Combines / avoids

Classic combo with CJC-1295 (No DAC), in the same syringe.

Typical use

Once a day (night), ~200-300 mcg.

How it works

Delivers a short GH pulse similar to the natural one; that's why it's combined with Ipamorelin, which acts on a different pathway.

Most reported

• More natural GH pulses
• Recovery (especially with Ipamorelin)

Evidence level

Small studies and clinic experience.

Common side effects

Fluid retention, tingling in the hands, mild fatigue or headache.

Combines / avoids

With Ipamorelin. Saturates at ~100 mcg (more doesn't help).

Typical use

Once a day (night), 100 mcg, alongside Ipamorelin.

How it works

Binds to a blood protein to last for days, keeping GH continuously elevated.

Most reported

• Sustained GH elevation
• Convenience of weekly dosing

Evidence level

Small studies.

Common side effects

Like the No DAC version; the constant elevation can cause more fluid retention.

Combines / avoids

The constant elevation doesn't mimic the natural rhythm; some prefer the No DAC version.

Typical use

Once a week, ~1-2 mg.

How it works

Stimulates your own GH with a marked effect on deep abdominal fat.

Most reported

• Reduction of deep abdominal fat
• Better body composition

Evidence level

Clinical backing — approved, with Phase 3 trials.

Common side effects

Injection-site reaction, retention or joint stiffness, may raise blood sugar. Not for pregnancy.

Combines / avoids

Sometimes used with Ipamorelin. Approved for a specific use (HIV); other uses are off-label.

Typical use

Daily dose of ~2 mg, at night.

How it works

Mimics the natural signal that tells the pituitary to release GH, gradually.

Most reported

• Better sleep
• More energy
• Gradual recovery

Evidence level

Prior clinical use — was approved (Geref), now discontinued; moderate data exists.

Common side effects

Injection-site reaction (most common), mild retention, headache.

Combines / avoids

Alone or with a GHRP.

Typical use

Daily dose of ~200-300 mcg, at night.

How it works

Triggers a strong GH release, but the receptor gets used to it quickly.

Most reported

• Strong GH release
• Muscle support

Evidence level

Small studies.

Common side effects

Retention, tingling; raises cortisol and prolactin; desensitizes quickly.

Combines / avoids

Used in cycles because of desensitization. Not with another GHRP.

Typical use

1-2 times a day, ~100 mcg.