Fitness
Growth hormone secretagogue peptides
Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, sermorelin, and friends—what “GH release” peptides mean in practice.
The mechanism
These peptides aim to pulse growth hormone release from the pituitary—different from taking HGH directly. They are studied in clinical contexts but are not approved for casual bodybuilding use.
Names you will see
Ipamorelin is often paired with CJC-1295 in online protocols. Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved drug for HIV-associated lipodystrophy—not a gym supplement.
Risk note
WADA prohibits many of these. Side effects can include water retention, insulin sensitivity shifts, and unknown long-term effects from unregulated products.