Ipamorelin and CJC-1295: A Practical Guide to the GH Secretagogue Stack
Matt · May 7, 2026
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are two of the most commonly stacked growth hormone peptides in the research community. Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin mimetic that triggers a short, clean GH pulse without spiking cortisol or prolactin, and CJC-1295 (typically the no-DAC version) is a GHRH analog that extends and amplifies that pulse. Used together, they target the body's own pituitary release rather than introducing exogenous HGH.
Why people stack them
The two peptides work on different receptors, which is why the combination is more effective than either alone. CJC-1295 acts on the GHRH receptor and tells the pituitary it's time to release growth hormone. Ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor and amplifies the pulse. Researchers and users typically report better sleep quality, slightly faster recovery, and gradual changes to body composition over a 3–6 month window — but results vary widely and there's no shortcut here.
It's worth noting that these peptides are not FDA-approved drugs. They're sold as research chemicals in most countries, and quality varies enormously between suppliers. Always talk to a knowledgeable physician before starting any peptide protocol.
Common dosing protocols
Most protocols follow a similar shape, though specific numbers should come from a clinician familiar with your situation:
- Ipamorelin: 200–300 mcg per injection, 1–3 times per day
- CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100–200 mcg per injection, matched to the ipamorelin schedule
- Timing: Pre-bed is the most popular single dose because it stacks with natural nighttime GH release. Splitting into morning, post-workout, and pre-bed doses is also common.
- Cycle length: Many users run 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off, though cycling philosophy varies.
Subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh with a 29–31 gauge insulin syringe is the standard delivery method.
What to track
Because the changes are gradual, tracking is the only reliable way to know if a protocol is working. Useful metrics include sleep quality and duration, recovery time after training, IGF-1 bloodwork (the most direct downstream marker of GH activity), body composition (DEXA or photos), fasting glucose, and any side effects like water retention, joint stiffness, or numbness in the hands.
This is exactly the kind of slow-moving protocol that's frustrating to track in a notes app. Trace lets you log doses, injection sites, sleep ratings, and lab values privately on your device — all data stays local, protected by Face ID. The progress photo timeline in Trace Pro is particularly useful for catching gradual body composition changes that your bathroom mirror won't show you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ipamorelin safer than HGH?
Many researchers consider GH secretagogues to have a more favorable safety profile than exogenous HGH because they preserve the body's natural feedback loops, but neither is risk-free. Both can affect insulin sensitivity, and long-term safety data on peptides specifically is limited. Discuss with your doctor.
How long until I notice anything?
Most users report sleep improvements within 1–2 weeks, while body composition or recovery changes typically take 8–12 weeks of consistent use to become noticeable. Anyone promising faster results is overselling.
Do I need to cycle off?
Some practitioners recommend cycling to avoid pituitary downregulation, while others run continuous low doses. There's no settled consensus in the research literature, so this is a conversation to have with the prescribing physician.