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GH Optimization Stack (CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin)

Pulsatile GH release via dual-mechanism GHRH + ghrelin receptor stimulation for lean mass, sleep, and recovery.

Growth hormone & body composition Intermediate Cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Overview

CJC-1295 (no-DAC) is a short-acting GHRH analogue; ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist. Combined they produce a larger, more physiological GH pulse than either alone, without the cortisol and prolactin spikes seen with GHRP-2/6. Timing matters — doses must be on an empty stomach to avoid insulin blunting the GH response.

Dose schedule

Phase	Dose & route	Notes
Weeks 1–12	Pre-bed: CJC-1295 no-DAC 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 200 mcg SC. Pre-breakfast (optional): same dose on empty stomach.	Nightly dose is non-negotiable — overlaps with the natural GH pulse during slow-wave sleep. 2–3 hours empty stomach before and 30 min after injection.
Weeks 13–16	No peptides.	Receptor sensitivity reset. GH axis recovery takes 2–3 weeks.
Alternative long-acting	CJC-1295 with DAC 2 mg SC weekly + Ipamorelin as above.	DAC version produces sustained GH elevation rather than pulses. Less physiological, more insulin resistance risk. Not preferred for beginners.

Bloodwork cadence

Timing	Panel
Baseline	IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, TSH, cortisol AM
Week 4	IGF-1 (dose-finding target: upper quartile of age-adjusted range)
Week 12	IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel
Off cycle	IGF-1 to confirm return to baseline

Expected timeline

Week 1: Deeper sleep often reported within 3–5 nights.
Week 2: Mild water retention in hands/feet common. Subsides by week 3.
Week 4: IGF-1 should be climbing. Recovery between workouts improved.
Week 8: Body-composition changes become visible. Visceral fat reduction documented at this stage.
Week 12: End of cycle. Expect gradual loss of effects over 2–3 weeks after stopping.

Red flags — stop and reassess

Carpal tunnel symptoms, joint pain, or persistent water retention — reduce dose by 50%.
Fasting glucose creeping above 100 mg/dL — pause and reassess diet/insulin sensitivity.
IGF-1 above upper limit of age-adjusted range — reduce dose or add rest days.

Contraindications

Active cancer (GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation).
Uncontrolled diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy.
Pregnancy.

Linked resources

Sources

Educational use only. This protocol summarises published trial schedules, FDA labelling, and widely-referenced research-community practice. Doses, cycle lengths, and bloodwork recommendations should be reviewed with a qualified prescriber before use in any human. Several peptides discussed are not approved for human administration in most jurisdictions.