Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) stimulate the pituitary gland to release GH, producing body composition benefits — increased lean mass, reduced fat mass, improved recovery — through physiological GH pulsatility rather than supraphysiological exogenous GH administration. Understanding the differences between the available GHS compounds is essential for selecting the right protocol.
The GH Secretagogue Landscape
GHS compounds fall into two categories: GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin) that mimic growth hormone-releasing hormone, and GHRPs (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6) that mimic ghrelin. Combining one from each category produces synergistic GH release — the combination is more effective than either compound alone.
Ipamorelin: The Gold Standard GHRP
Ipamorelin is the most selective GHRP available — it stimulates GH release without significant cortisol, prolactin, or appetite effects. This selectivity makes it the preferred GHRP for body composition applications where the side effects of less selective GHRPs (GHRP-6's appetite stimulation, GHRP-2's cortisol elevation) are undesirable.
CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs. CJC-1295 (DAC)
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) has a half-life of 30 minutes and produces a physiological GH pulse when combined with a GHRP. CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of 6-8 days and produces sustained GH elevation — which may blunt the natural pulsatility that is important for maintaining GH receptor sensitivity. Most protocols prefer the No-DAC version for this reason.