Comparison
Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6
Selectivity vs raw power. Ipamorelin gives you clean GH release with no side effects. GHRP-6 gives you more GH but comes with intense hunger and cortisol.
The Short Answer
Ipamorelin is the precision tool — GH release with nothing else. GHRP-6 is the sledgehammer — more GH but with hunger, cortisol, and prolactin along for the ride. Most people prefer Ipamorelin for its clean profile.
| Ipamorelin | GHRP-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Selective GH secretagogue | GH secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic) |
| Receptor | GHS-R1a (selective) | GHS-R1a (broad activation) |
| GH release potency | Moderate | Strong |
| Hunger stimulation | Minimal to none | Intense (ghrelin-mediated) |
| Cortisol elevation | None | Modest, transient |
| Prolactin elevation | None | Modest |
| Typical dose | 100–300 mcg 2–3x daily | 100–300 mcg 2–3x daily |
| Best combined with | CJC-1295 (no DAC) | CJC-1295 (no DAC) or GHRH |
| Selectivity | Most selective GHRP | Least selective GHRP |
| FDA status | Not approved | Not approved |
| Best for | Clean GH elevation, anti-aging, sleep | Maximum GH output, bulking, appetite |
Choose Ipamorelin When
You want GH elevation without side effects. Anti-aging, sleep improvement, body composition, recovery. You don't want appetite stimulation. You're stacking with CJC-1295 for a clean, long-term protocol. This is the "default choice" for most people.
Choose GHRP-6 When
You want maximum GH output and the appetite increase is a feature (bulking, underweight, recovery from illness). You're doing short intensive cycles where cortisol/prolactin elevation is acceptable. Or when combining with GHRH for the most powerful synergistic GH release possible.
The GHRP Selectivity Spectrum
From most selective to least: Ipamorelin → GHRP-2 → GHRP-6 → Hexarelin. As you move right, GH output increases but so do side effects (hunger, cortisol, prolactin). Ipamorelin is the only GHRP that produces zero cortisol and prolactin elevation at standard doses.