# Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin: How They Differ | PepVault

Source: https://pepvault.app/peptides/compare/ipamorelin-vs-sermorelin

Last updated: 2026-10-12

[Library](https://pepvault.app/peptides) [Comparisons](https://pepvault.app/peptides/compare) Ipamorelin vs Sermorelin

Compared side by side

# Ipamorelin vs sermorelin: how they differ

Reviewed October 2026 [How we check the library](https://pepvault.app/about#library)

## The short answer

Both prompt the pituitary to release its own growth hormone, through different receptors: sermorelin is a copy of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, and ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist that released GH without raising cortisol in animal studies. Sermorelin is taken once a day before bed, ipamorelin 2–3 times a day. Sermorelin was FDA-approved until its maker discontinued it in 2008; ipamorelin was never approved.

## Side by side

| Compared | [Ipamorelin](https://pepvault.app/peptides/ipamorelin) | [Sermorelin](https://pepvault.app/peptides/sermorelin) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Category | Growth hormone | Growth hormone |
| Also known as | IPAM | GHRH 1-29, GRF 1-29 |
| What it is | Considered the 'cleanest' growth hormone stimulator: in animal studies it triggers the pituitary to release GH without raising cortisol, a side effect common with other GH peptides. | A synthetic copy of the first 29 amino acids of your natural growth hormone releasing hormone: it prompts your pituitary to release its own GH, keeping the body's feedback loops in play. |
| How it works | Selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist. In animal studies it released GH without raising cortisol or ACTH, and users report milder hunger than with GHRP-6. Considered one of the cleanest GH pulses available. | Synthetic analogue of endogenous GHRH. Stimulates the pituitary to produce and secrete GH naturally. Considered a more physiological approach to GH optimization compared to exogenous GH. |
| Commonly reported | Deeper sleep and vivid dreams first, then better recovery, skin quality and gradual body-composition changes, with milder hunger than GHRP-6. Its human data are a small GH study and phase 2 trials in surgical patients; it was never approved. | Deeper sleep and vivid dreams in the first weeks, with gentle, slow-building effects, milder than CJC/ipamorelin. It was FDA-approved as a diagnostic test (1990) and to treat GH deficiency in children (1997) until the maker discontinued it in 2008, not for safety reasons. |
| Studied range | Research range: 200–300 mcg, starting dose 200 mcg. Studied in research — not a recommendation. | Research range: 200–500 mcg, starting dose 200 mcg. Studied in research — not a recommendation. |
| How often | 2–3x daily, best fasted or before bed | Daily, before bed |
| Half-life | ~2 hours (measured in healthy men, given IV) | ~11–12 min (US Geref label, after IV or SubQ) |
| Route | SubQ injection, IM injection | SubQ injection |
| Typical run | Commonly 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off to avoid receptor desensitisation. Some run longer with breaks. | 3–6 months common; considered a more physiological approach so longer cycles are used. |
| Evidence | Moderate: animal studies + some human data | Established: clinical trials or FDA-approved use exists |
| Common side effects | Headache, flushing, nausea, water retention, numbness/tingling | Headache, flushing, dizziness, nausea, injection site reaction, water retention |

Typical run: Community practice — opinions vary. Not a clinical recommendation.

## Week by week

Each entry’s cards by day window, as the compound pages show them. Day 1 is the day you start it.

### Ipamorelin

- Day 1–14 Sleep is deepening
- Day 14–28 Recovery is noticeably faster
- Day 28–56 Body composition shifts showing up
- Day 56–84 Cycle-end + planned break

[Every card for ipamorelin, with its sources](https://pepvault.app/peptides/ipamorelin#weeks)

### Sermorelin

- Day 1–14 Sleep is the first signal
- Day 14–42 Recovery and skin are responding
- Day 42–180 The long game is paying off

[Every card for sermorelin, with its sources](https://pepvault.app/peptides/sermorelin#weeks)

## Together or one or the other

Ipamorelin and sermorelin are a common stack: each lists the other among its common stacks.

## Questions people ask

### How long do ipamorelin and sermorelin last?

The half-life of ipamorelin is ~2 hours (measured in healthy men, given IV). The half-life of sermorelin is ~11–12 min (US Geref label, after IV or SubQ).

### How often are ipamorelin and sermorelin taken?

Ipamorelin: 2–3x daily, best fasted or before bed. Routes: SubQ injection, IM injection. Sermorelin: daily, before bed. Route: SubQ injection.

### How are ipamorelin and sermorelin dosed in research?

The research range for ipamorelin is 200–300 mcg, with a 200 mcg starting dose. The research range for sermorelin is 200–500 mcg, with a 200 mcg starting dose. Studied in research — not a recommendation.

### What are the common side effects of ipamorelin and sermorelin?

For ipamorelin, the library lists: headache, flushing, nausea, water retention, numbness/tingling. For sermorelin: headache, flushing, dizziness, nausea, injection site reaction, water retention.

### Are ipamorelin and sermorelin taken together?

Ipamorelin and sermorelin are a common stack: each lists the other among its common stacks.

## Each one in full

- [Ipamorelin: dosage, half-life & reference guide](https://pepvault.app/peptides/ipamorelin)
- [Sermorelin: dosage, half-life & reference guide](https://pepvault.app/peptides/sermorelin)
- [Ipamorelin dose guide](https://pepvault.app/lab/dosage/ipamorelin)
- [Sermorelin dose guide](https://pepvault.app/lab/dosage/sermorelin)

PepVault for iPhone

## Track either one in PepVault

Log every dose of ipamorelin or sermorelin, with reminders on your schedule. 7 days free on the yearly plan for new subscribers.

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## The library

- [The peptide reference library](https://pepvault.app/peptides)
- [Growth hormone peptides](https://pepvault.app/peptides#growth-hormone)

## Free tools

- [The Dose Guide](https://pepvault.app/lab/dosage)
- [Half-life & active level](https://pepvault.app/tools/peptide-half-life-calculator)
- [Reconstitution calculator](https://pepvault.app/tools/reconstitution-calculator)

PepVault is a research and tracking resource, not medical advice. Ranges are what studies used, never a dose for you. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; PepVault is independent of them.

PepVault is a private research and tracking tool, not medical advice. The information here is reference material from published literature and community use — always verify it and discuss any protocol with a qualified clinician before changing it.

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