Peptide Comparison

Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research.

Ip

Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone
VS
GH

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone

Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 are both Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides, but they differ significantly in their selectivity and side effect profiles. GHRP-6 was one of the first GHRPs developed and produces robust GH release along with significant hunger stimulation. Ipamorelin was developed later with improved selectivity, producing GH release without the hunger spike.

Quick Comparison

Aspect
Ipamorelin
GHRP-6
Generation
Newer, more refined GHRP
One of the first GHRPs developed
GH Release Potency
Strong but slightly less than GHRP-6
Among the strongest GH release of any GHRP
Hunger Effect
Minimal to none
Intense - significant appetite increase
Cortisol Effect
No significant increase
Transient increase after injection
Prolactin Effect
No significant increase
May cause slight increase
Selectivity
Highly selective for GH only
Affects multiple hormone pathways
Side Effects
Minimal - very clean profile
Hunger, possible water retention, cortisol
Best For
Those wanting GH without hunger/hormonal effects
Those wanting maximum GH and appetite increase
Typical Dose
100-300 mcg per dose
100-300 mcg per dose
Cost
Slightly more expensive
Generally less expensive

Key Similarities

  • Both are GHRPs that stimulate GH release from the pituitary
  • Both work by mimicking ghrelin at the GHSR receptor
  • Both use similar dosing protocols (2-3x daily)
  • Both work synergistically with GHRH peptides
  • Both should be taken on an empty stomach
  • Both produce pulsatile GH release

Key Differences

  • GHRP-6 causes intense hunger; Ipamorelin does not
  • GHRP-6 raises cortisol and prolactin; Ipamorelin doesn't
  • GHRP-6 may produce slightly stronger GH release
  • Ipamorelin is more selective with a cleaner profile
  • GHRP-6 is better for those wanting to increase appetite
  • Ipamorelin is better for cutting phases

When to Choose Each

Choose Ipamorelin

Choose Ipamorelin when you want GH stimulation without the hunger increase, cortisol elevation, or other hormonal effects. It's the preferred choice during cutting phases or for those who want the 'cleanest' GHRP experience.

Choose GHRP-6

Choose GHRP-6 when maximum GH release is the priority and increased appetite is either desired or acceptable. It's popular for bulking phases when the hunger spike can help with caloric intake.

Can You Stack Them?

Both can be combined with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 or Sermorelin for synergistic GH release. Some even combine Ipamorelin and GHRP-6 together, using lower doses of GHRP-6 to get some appetite stimulation while keeping Ipamorelin as the primary GHRP.

Frequently Asked Questions

GHRP-6 may produce slightly more GH release, but the difference is modest. Many prefer Ipamorelin's cleaner profile over a small increase in GH.
GHRP-6 strongly activates ghrelin receptors involved in hunger signaling. Ipamorelin was designed to avoid this pathway while still releasing GH.
Yes, they can be used interchangeably. Some use GHRP-6 during bulking and switch to Ipamorelin for cutting phases.
Ipamorelin's cleaner profile (no cortisol/prolactin effects) may make it preferable for long-term use, though both have good safety records.

References

  1. Bowers CY. "Comparison of GHRPs." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 1998. PMID: 9768674
  2. Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin selectivity profile." Eur J Endocrinol, 1998. PMID: 9758455

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