CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin — Pulsatile GH Release Without Cortisol Spike

CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog with a half-life extender; Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. Together they produce pulsatile, physiologic GH release without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation. The combination is the most-used growth hormone secretagogue stack in functional medicine.

The combination — GHRH + ghrelin agonist

CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog with a half-life extender (drug affinity complex). Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. Together they produce a pulsatile, physiologic GH release pattern without significant cortisol or prolactin spike.

Why pulsatile matters

GH secreted in physiologic pulses (mimicking the natural diurnal pattern) preserves downstream signaling sensitivity. Continuous GH elevation (as with exogenous somatropin) downregulates receptor sensitivity and produces a different physiologic profile.

Dosing

Most common protocol: 200–300 mcg of each peptide, subcutaneous, nightly before sleep, 5 days on / 2 days off. Many clinicians use a 3- to 6-month cycle followed by a 1-month washout.

Side effects

Common: injection-site reaction; transient flushing; mild appetite increase (especially with Ipamorelin). Less common: water retention; insulin resistance with prolonged use. Cycling and washout periods mitigate most concerns.

Use cases

• Adult GH-decline support (functional medicine)
• Recovery and lean-mass preservation during GLP-1-driven weight loss
• Sleep architecture improvement (associated with restored REM/deep sleep cycles)

NexLife peptide therapy program

NexLife's peptide therapy program at $119/mo covers CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin under physician oversight by Medical Director Adam Kennah, M.D..

Sources

• Ionescu M et al., Ipamorelin and growth hormone — JCEM
• Teichman SL et al., CJC-1295 pharmacokinetics — JCEM 2006
• Sigalos JT et al., Growth hormone secretagogues — Sex Med Rev 2018