Growth Hormone Peptides
Stimulates or modulates growth hormone release
Growth hormone (GH) peptides stimulate your pituitary gland to produce more of its own growth hormone rather than injecting synthetic GH directly. This includes secretagogues like CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and hexarelin, as well as oral compounds like MK-677. Each one triggers GH release through slightly different receptor pathways, which affects the pulse pattern, side effect profile, and how well it pairs with other peptides.
The appeal of GH peptides over synthetic HGH is that they preserve the body's natural pulsatile release pattern and are generally less expensive. However, they produce lower peak GH levels than direct injection and their effects depend on a functioning pituitary gland. Results typically include improved body composition, better sleep quality, faster recovery from exercise, and changes in skin and hair quality over weeks to months.
This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki that works through growth hormone pathways. Browse individual profiles for specific mechanisms, dosing protocols, and safety data.
Peptides (9)
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing compound used for reducing deep abdominal fat in patients with lipodystrophy (abnormal fat distribution). It is FDA-approved and marketed as Egrifta, specifically targeting visceral fat accumulation.
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29)
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing compound with a short active window of about 30 minutes. It is being studied for its effects on growth hormone release and body composition.
CJC-1295 with DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing compound that binds to a blood protein called albumin, extending its active life to several days. This provides sustained growth hormone elevation compared to the shorter-acting Mod GRF 1-29.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing compound. It was FDA-approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and is widely used off-label for anti-aging and body composition improvement.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral (non-injectable) compound that triggers growth hormone release by mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin. Research focuses on increasing growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, improving sleep quality, body composition, and bone density.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective compound that triggers growth hormone release, originally developed by Novo Nordisk. It stimulates growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. It has been studied in clinical trials for postoperative recovery.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a six-amino-acid peptide that triggers growth hormone release through the ghrelin (hunger hormone) receptor. It is known for strong growth hormone release but also significant appetite stimulation.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide and one of the most potent compounds that trigger growth hormone release. Beyond its growth hormone effects, research also shows heart-protective properties that work independently of growth hormone.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide that triggers growth hormone release. It is considered more potent than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation.