Sermorelin + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack Guide
The Triple GH Protocol — an advanced three-peptide stack for maximum natural growth hormone stimulation. Complete dosing protocols, timing, cycling, and safety for Sermorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), and Ipamorelin together.
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Stack Overview
The Sermorelin + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination — the “Triple GH Stack” — is an advanced growth hormone secretagogue protocol that combines two GHRH analogs with a selective GHRP to produce amplified, pulsatile GH release through multiple receptor pathways. It pairs Sermorelin and CJC-1295 (both GHRH receptor agonists) with Ipamorelin (a ghrelin receptor agonist) for synergistic GH stimulation far exceeding what any single peptide can achieve.
Key Characteristics:
- 3-peptide stack — Sermorelin (GHRH analog, 29 amino acids) + CJC-1295 no DAC (modified GRF 1-29, enhanced GHRH analog) + Ipamorelin (selective GHRP / ghrelin mimetic)
- Primary goal — maximum natural GH stimulation for anti-aging, improved body composition, deep sleep enhancement, and accelerated recovery
- Dual-pathway synergy — two GHRH analogs stimulate GH release via the GHRH receptor while Ipamorelin triggers release through the separate ghrelin receptor — amplifying the GH pulse from two distinct pathways simultaneously
- Experience level — advanced protocol; recommended for users with prior experience using CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin or other GH secretagogue stacks
- Typical cycle — 8–12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off, with periodic IGF-1 blood monitoring
- Administration — subcutaneous injection for all three peptides, taken together before bed on an empty stomach
Use our Peptide Dosage to calculate exact doses for each peptide based on your vial sizes and reconstitution volumes.
Why This Stack Works
The Triple GH Stack is effective because it activates GH release through two distinct receptor pathways simultaneously, and uses two complementary GHRH analogs with different pharmacokinetic profiles to maximize the duration and amplitude of each GH pulse.
Sermorelin: The Rapid GHRH Signal
- GHRH analog (29 amino acids): binds directly to the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotroph cells to trigger GH release
- Fast-acting, short half-life: produces a rapid GH pulse that closely mimics the body's natural GHRH signaling pattern
- Clinical heritage: the most clinically studied GH secretagogue, with established safety data from its FDA approval history for pediatric use
- Physiological regulation: preserves the natural negative feedback loop via somatostatin, preventing excessive GH levels
CJC-1295 (No DAC): The Sustained GHRH Signal
- Modified GRF 1-29: a modified version of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH with amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 that resist enzymatic degradation
- Extended half-life (~30 minutes): significantly longer than natural GHRH (~7 minutes) or Sermorelin (~11 minutes), sustaining the GHRH receptor signal
- Greater potency: the amino acid modifications increase receptor binding affinity and resistance to DPP-IV cleavage
- Complementary to Sermorelin: Sermorelin initiates the GH pulse rapidly while CJC-1295 extends it, creating a broader, longer release window
Ipamorelin: The GHRP Amplifier
- Ghrelin receptor agonist (GHS-R1a): triggers GH release through a completely separate pathway from the two GHRH analogs
- Highly selective: unlike other GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Hexarelin), Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH at standard doses
- Suppresses somatostatin: inhibits the GH release brake (somatostatin), further amplifying the GHRH signal from Sermorelin and CJC-1295
- Synergistic multiplication: the combined effect of GHRH agonism + ghrelin agonism + somatostatin suppression produces GH pulses significantly larger than the sum of the individual peptides
The Synergy
Sermorelin and CJC-1295 both push the GH release signal through the GHRH receptor with complementary timing profiles (rapid onset + sustained duration). Ipamorelin simultaneously pulls the trigger through the ghrelin receptor while suppressing the somatostatin brake. This dual-pathway, triple-peptide approach produces amplified, pulsatile GH release that more closely mimics youthful GH secretion patterns than any single peptide or two-peptide combination.
Individual Peptide Breakdown
Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated dosage guide with complete individual protocols. Here is a summary of each peptide's role in this stack.
Sermorelin (GHRH Analog)
- Type: Synthetic GHRH analog (29 amino acids, identical to the first 29 of natural GHRH)
- Half-life: ~11 minutes
- Role in stack: Rapid GHRH receptor activation, initiates GH pulse
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Stack dose: 100–300 mcg before bed
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29)
- Type: Modified GHRH analog with enhanced DPP-IV resistance (29 amino acids, 4 substitutions)
- Half-life: ~30 minutes (no DAC version)
- Role in stack: Sustained GHRH receptor activation, extends GH pulse duration
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Stack dose: 100 mcg before bed
Ipamorelin (Selective GHRP)
- Type: Synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist (5 amino acids)
- Half-life: ~2 hours
- Role in stack: Ghrelin pathway activation, somatostatin suppression, GH pulse amplification
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Stack dose: 100–200 mcg before bed
Dosing Protocol
The Triple GH Stack is injected once daily before bed on an empty stomach. All three peptides are administered in the same session using separate syringes. Doses are reduced from standalone protocols because the synergistic effect of three secretagogues together produces greater GH output than the sum of individual doses.
Standard Protocol
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 200 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Initiates rapid GH pulse via GHRH receptor |
| CJC-1295 | 100 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | No DAC version; sustains GHRH signal with extended half-life |
| Ipamorelin | 200 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Amplifies GH pulse through ghrelin receptor pathway |
Conservative Protocol (Beginners)
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 100 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Lower starting dose to assess tolerance |
| CJC-1295 | 100 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Standard dose; CJC-1295 is typically not reduced further |
| Ipamorelin | 100 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Lower starting dose; increase after 2 weeks if well tolerated |
Advanced Protocol (High Dose)
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 300 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Upper range; requires IGF-1 monitoring |
| CJC-1295 | 100 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Kept at standard; increasing CJC-1295 beyond 100 mcg adds minimal benefit |
| Ipamorelin | 200 mcg | Once daily (evening) | SubQ (abdomen) | Standard high dose; exceeding 300 mcg offers diminishing returns |
Calculate Your Doses
All three peptides are supplied as lyophilized powder and need reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. The dose you draw depends on the concentration after reconstitution.
Sermorelin — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2 = 2,500 mcg/mL
- 200 mcg dose = 0.08 mL = 8 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 25 doses
CJC-1295 (No DAC) — 2 mg Vial
- Vial size: 2 mg (2,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 2,000 ÷ 2 = 1,000 mcg/mL
- 100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 20 doses
Ipamorelin — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2 = 2,500 mcg/mL
- 200 mcg dose = 0.08 mL = 8 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 25 doses
Skip the Math — Use Our
Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose for each peptide — get instant calculations with zero manual math.
Reconstitution Guide
All three peptides follow the same reconstitution process. Reconstitute each vial separately with bacteriostatic water.
| Peptide | Vial Size | Bac Water | Concentration | Standard Dose Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | 5 mg | 2 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL | 8 units (0.08 mL) for 200 mcg |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 2 mg | 2 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 units (0.1 mL) for 100 mcg |
| Ipamorelin | 5 mg | 2 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL | 8 units (0.08 mL) for 200 mcg |
Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace
Wash hands thoroughly. Lay out supplies: peptide vials, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes, and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
Swab All Vial Stoppers
Remove plastic caps and swab the rubber stoppers of all three peptide vials and the bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol pads. Let air-dry for 10–15 seconds.
Add Water to Each Peptide Vial
Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water for each vial. Insert needle into peptide vial and direct the stream down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder. Release slowly. Repeat for each vial.
Dissolve Gently
Let each vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between palms until fully dissolved. Solution should be clear and colorless. Never shake.
Label & Refrigerate
Write the reconstitution date, peptide name, and concentration on each vial. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 28–30 days.
For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.
Timing & Daily Schedule
All three peptides are injected once daily at the same time. Evening before bed is the optimal timing because it synergizes with the body's natural nocturnal GH pulse. Here is the daily protocol:
| Time | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00–8:00 PM | Last meal of the day | Finish eating at least 2–3 hours before injection |
| 10:00–10:30 PM | Inject all three peptides | Sermorelin 200 mcg + CJC-1295 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 200 mcg; separate syringes, SubQ abdomen |
| 10:30–11:00 PM | Go to bed | Sleep within 30 minutes of injection for maximum synergy with nocturnal GH release |
| Post-injection | No food until morning | Do not eat after injection; water is fine |
Timing Notes
- Fasting is critical: Food — especially carbohydrates and fats — triggers insulin release, which directly suppresses GH secretion. A minimum 2–3 hour fast before injection is essential for the stack to work.
- Same session, separate syringes: Draw and inject each peptide with its own insulin syringe. The three injections can be done back-to-back within 2–3 minutes.
- Rotate injection sites: Rotate between different spots on the abdomen (or alternating sides) to prevent injection site irritation.
- Consistency matters: Inject at approximately the same time each evening. GH secretagogues work best with consistent daily administration.
- 5-day on, 2-day off variation: Some users inject Monday through Friday and rest on weekends to reduce injection burden and allow receptor recovery. This is acceptable but not required.
Cycling & Duration
The Triple GH Stack is typically run for 8–12 weeks with a 4–6 week break between cycles. Cycling prevents pituitary desensitization and maintains long-term effectiveness.
| Phase | Duration | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramp-up | Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg/day | 100 mcg/day | 100 mcg/day |
| Standard | Weeks 3–12 | 200 mcg/day | 100 mcg/day | 200 mcg/day |
| Break | 4–6 weeks off | None | None | None |
| Repeat (if desired) | 8–12 weeks | Resume protocol | Resume protocol | Resume protocol |
When to Extend the Cycle
- Anti-aging protocols: Some users under medical supervision run longer cycles (16–20 weeks) with IGF-1 monitoring every 4–6 weeks to ensure levels remain in the safe physiological range
- Body composition goals: Fat loss and lean mass improvements continue to accumulate through week 12 and beyond; extending to 16 weeks may be beneficial if blood work is favorable
- Post-injury recovery: When combining with healing peptides, the GH support may be run longer to support the full tissue repair timeline
Why Take a Break?
Extended continuous stimulation of the GHRH and ghrelin receptors can lead to pituitary desensitization — where the GH-releasing cells become less responsive over time. The 4–6 week break allows: (1) receptor sensitivity to fully recover, (2) assessment of baseline GH function without peptide support, (3) confirmation that benefits are sustained, and (4) reduced total exposure to research compounds.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Common Side Effects
- Water retention (mild bloating, puffy fingers) — the most common side effect, related to elevated GH levels
- Injection site redness, soreness, or minor swelling — typically mild and transient
- Tingling or numbness in hands (carpal tunnel-like) — indicates GH dose may be too high; reduce doses
- Joint discomfort or stiffness — related to water retention and connective tissue changes from elevated GH
- Increased hunger — more common with Ipamorelin due to ghrelin pathway activation, though less than GHRP-6
- Headache — may occur in the first 1–2 weeks, usually resolves with continued use
- Vivid dreams — frequently reported, related to enhanced deep sleep from GH elevation
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer: GH and IGF-1 promote cell proliferation and can accelerate tumor growth. Do not use with active malignancies or unmonitored cancer history.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for GH secretagogue stacks during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
- Type 1 diabetes or poorly controlled type 2: GH elevation reduces insulin sensitivity and can worsen glucose control. Requires close medical supervision and glucose monitoring if used.
- Active pituitary tumors: Stimulating GH release from a compromised pituitary carries additional risks. Requires medical evaluation.
- Under 25 years old with open growth plates: GH secretagogues in young adults with open epiphyseal plates may cause abnormal bone growth.
Stack-Specific Safety Notes
- Higher GH output than 2-peptide stacks: The triple combination produces significantly more GH than CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin alone. This amplifies both benefits and side effects. Start with conservative doses.
- IGF-1 monitoring is essential: Get baseline IGF-1 before starting and retest at weeks 4–6. If IGF-1 exceeds the upper normal range, reduce doses or drop to a 2-peptide protocol.
- Ipamorelin selectivity advantage: Ipamorelin is chosen over GHRP-6 or GHRP-2 for this stack because it does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin, making the triple stack's hormonal impact cleaner.
- Separate syringes required: Use dedicated syringes for each peptide. Mixing three peptides in one syringe has no established stability data.
Common Triple GH Stack Mistakes
Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your Sermorelin + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin protocol:
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- The Triple GH Stack (Sermorelin + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin) is an advanced GH secretagogue protocol — combining two GHRH analogs with a selective GHRP for maximum pulsatile GH release through dual receptor pathways
- Standard doses: Sermorelin 200 mcg + CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 200 mcg — all injected SubQ before bed on an empty stomach
- Fasting is essential — 2–3 hours after last meal, no food for 30 minutes after injection
- Use separate syringes for each peptide — do not mix in the same syringe
- Reduce individual doses when stacking all three — synergistic effect means full standalone doses are unnecessary and may cause excessive GH output
- Typical cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off to prevent pituitary desensitization
- Monitor IGF-1 levels — get baseline blood work before starting and retest at weeks 4–6
- Use CJC-1295 without DAC (mod GRF 1-29) — the with-DAC version does not produce the pulsatile release needed for this stack
- Refrigerate reconstituted vials at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days
- Not FDA-approved for human use (except Sermorelin historically). All three are classified as research peptides and banned by WADA.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. See our Disclaimer.
References
- Prakash A, Goa KL. “Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.” BioDrugs. 1999;12(2):139-157.
- Teichman SL, et al. “Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805.
- Raun K, et al. “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
- Bowers CY. “Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP).” Cell Mol Life Sci. 1998;54(12):1316-1329.
- Veldhuis JD, et al. “Motivating body growth: the synergy of GH-releasing hormone and GH-releasing peptide.” Endocrinology. 2012;153(9):3935-3937.
- Ionescu M, Bhett DL. “Synergistic stimulation of GH secretion by combined administration of GHRH and GHRP-6 in humans.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990;71(5):1376-1379.
- Walker RF. “Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?” Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):307-308.
Next Steps
Continue your research with these resources.
Sermorelin Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, reconstitution, and injection guide for Sermorelin.
Read GuideCJC-1295 Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, DAC vs no-DAC comparison, and safety for CJC-1295.
Read GuideIpamorelin Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, stacking options, and safety for Ipamorelin.
Read GuideDosage Calculator
Calculate exact doses for all three peptides based on vial size and reconstitution volume.
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