CJC-1295/Ipamorelin/GHRP-2 Dosage
The most common protocol for bodybuilders involves a daily injection schedule of CJC-1295 at 1 mg per week, split into two or three smaller doses to avoid peaks that may cause water retention. A typical split is 0.4 mg in the morning, 0.3 mg around midday, and 0.3 mg before bed. Ipamorelin is usually dosed at 100–200 µg per injection. When used with GHRP-2, the latter is administered at a similar dose of 100–150 µg. All three peptides are typically injected subcutaneously into areas such as the abdomen or thigh.
A standard weekly dosage schedule looks like this:
- CJC-1295: 1 mg per week (0.4 mg + 0.3 mg + 0.3 mg)
- Ipamorelin: 200 µg per injection, 2–3 times daily
- GHRP-2: valley 150 µg per injection, same timing as Ipamorelin
Understanding CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating the release of growth hormone over an extended period. Unlike natural GHRH, CJC-1295 has a longer half-life due to its pegylated structure, allowing it to remain active for up to 72 hours. This prolonged action results in sustained growth hormone secretion and downstream production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which drives muscle protein synthesis and fat loss.
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin, the natural hunger hormone. It binds to GHSR-1a receptors in the pituitary gland but does so with higher specificity for growth hormone release while sparing other pituitary hormones such as prolactin and ACTH. Because of this selectivity, Ipamorelin is associated with fewer side effects compared to older secretagogues like GHRP-6 or SARMs. It stimulates growth hormone secretion in a pulsatile manner, mimicking the natural circadian rhythm.
The synergy between CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin arises from their complementary mechanisms: CJC-1295 provides a steady background level of growth hormone release, while Ipamorelin boosts peaks during training or sleep. Adding GHRP-2, another ghrelin analogue, further amplifies the secretagogue effect without significant hormonal cross-talk.
Key Points for Bodybuilders
- Timing – Injecting Ipamorelin and GHRP-2 before meals can reduce appetite suppression and maintain normal hunger cues. The final CJC-1295 dose is often given just before sleep to enhance overnight growth hormone release, which naturally peaks during deep sleep stages.
- Monitoring – Regular blood work for IGF-1 levels helps gauge the effectiveness of the regimen. A typical target range for IGF-1 in trained athletes is between 600 and 1200 ng/ml, but individual baselines vary.
- Side Effects – Mild side effects may include water retention, tingling at injection sites, or transient headaches. These are usually dose dependent; reducing the total weekly dose can mitigate them.
- Legal Status – While CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are not approved for human use in many countries, they are commonly used in research settings. Athletes should be aware of anti-doping regulations before incorporating these peptides into competitive programs.
- Cycling – A typical cycle lasts 8–12 weeks followed by a 4-week break. This schedule allows the body’s natural hormone axis to recover and reduces the risk of receptor downregulation.
- Diet and Training – Adequate protein intake (1.6–2.2 g per kg of body weight) and progressive overload training synergize with peptide therapy, maximizing muscle hypertrophy while minimizing fat gain.
- Injection Technique – Using a 30-gauge needle for subcutaneous injections ensures minimal discomfort. Rotating injection sites each day prevents lipohypertrophy.
- Safety Precautions – Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid these peptides entirely. Those with endocrine disorders such as acromegaly, diabetes, or thyroid disease should consult a medical professional before use.
