Growth Hormone Peptides — Dosage Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of GHRH analogs, ghrelin-receptor secretagogues, and IGF-1 / longevity peptides — with the safety context each one deserves.
Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
Growth-hormone-releasing peptides cluster into three groups: GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295, tesamorelin), ghrelin-receptor secretagogues (ipamorelin, hexarelin), and downstream effectors (IGF-1 LR3). They are most commonly stacked across groups — the dominant 2026 protocol pairs CJC-1295 (no DAC) with ipamorelin. The matrix below compares the major options including longevity/immune peptides commonly used alongside them.
Side-by-Side Dosage Comparison
| Peptide | Status | Typical dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Best for | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | Compounded (503A/503B) | 200–500 mcg | Pre-bed, 5 days/week | subQ | 3–6 months | Entry-level GHRH analog. Closest to natural GHRH biology; shortest half-life. | View |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Compounded (503A/503B) | 100 mcg | 1–3× daily | subQ | 8–12 weeks | GHRH analog of choice for stacking with ipamorelin. Pulsatile pattern. | View |
| Ipamorelin | Compounded (503A/503B) | 100–300 mcg | 1–3× daily | subQ | 8–12 weeks | Cleanest ghrelin-receptor secretagogue — no significant cortisol or prolactin rise. | View |
| Hexarelin | Compounded (503A/503B) | 100 mcg | 1–2× daily | subQ | 4 weeks on, 4 off | Most potent ghrelin-receptor secretagogue, but elevates cortisol/prolactin. Short cycles only. | View |
| Tesamorelin | FDA-approved | 2 mg | Once daily | subQ | Continuous (HIV label) or 12–26 weeks off-label | Visceral fat reduction. Only FDA-approved option in this category. | View |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Research-only — no human approval | 20–50 mcg | Once daily | subQ | 4 on / 4 off | Not recommended — high-risk peptide. See chart for full safety context. | View |
| Epitalon | Research-only — no human approval | 5–10 mg | Daily during course | subQ | 10–20 day course, 2× per year | Pulsed longevity protocol from Russian gerontology research. | View |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Approved outside the US | 1.6 mg | 2× per week | subQ | 4–12 weeks | Immune support. Approved internationally for hepatitis indications. | View |
Who this is for
Adults seeking GH support for sleep quality, recovery, body composition, or anti-aging applications, working with a qualified provider through a 503A/503B compounding pharmacy. The CJC-1295 + ipamorelin stack is the standard starting point for most patients.
Who should avoid
Active or recent malignancy is the most important class-level contraindication — chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation could theoretically facilitate cancer growth. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Untreated diabetes or hyperglycemia. Patients without medical supervision. For IGF-1 LR3 specifically, the contraindications are stricter — see its dedicated chart.
Stack Protocols for This Therapy
Growth Hormone & Anti-Aging Peptides Dosing FAQ
CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin, both at 100 mcg pre-bed once daily. It captures the overnight GH pulse, has the cleanest published side-effect profile, and is the most-supplied combination at compounding pharmacies.
Mechanistically, GH-releasing peptides (sermorelin, CJC-1295, ipamorelin) preserve the body's natural feedback loops — somatostatin can still shut off GH release if levels get too high. Synthetic HGH bypasses this feedback. That said, 'safer' is relative; long-term safety data for GH peptides at adult anti-aging doses is limited.
There is no published evidence that GH-releasing peptides cause cancer at typical dosing. The theoretical concern is that elevated GH/IGF-1 could facilitate growth of an existing tumor — which is why active or recent malignancy is a relative contraindication. Patients without cancer history are not at established increased risk from typical protocols.
The two peptides act on different receptors (GHRH and ghrelin) with synergistic effects on GH release. Ipamorelin's selectivity (no cortisol/prolactin rise) makes it cleaner than older ghrelin-receptor agonists. Compounding pharmacies often supply pre-mixed CJC/Ipa blend vials.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.