CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Protocol: The GH-Axis Stack, Done Properly

The CJC-1295 + ipamorelin protocol stacks a long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue with a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist. The combination produces a stronger, more physiological pulsatile GH release than either peptide alone — which is the entire point.¹

Mechanism in one paragraph

CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH(1-29) analogue. Two versions exist: CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29), with a half-life of about 30 minutes; and CJC-1295 with DAC, with a half-life of 6–8 days due to albumin binding. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic that selectively triggers GH release without meaningfully raising cortisol or prolactin — which is its main advantage over older ghrelin mimetics.² Run together, they amplify the natural pulsatile pattern: ipamorelin opens the gate, CJC-1295 ensures GH is available to release.

Typical dosing

• Ipamorelin: 200–300 mcg SC, 1–3× daily
• CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): 100 mcg SC, matched to each ipamorelin dose
• CJC-1295 with DAC: 1–2 mg SC once or twice weekly
• Cycle length: 8–12 weeks, then 4-week washout

Timing matters

GH pulses are most meaningful when they don't compete with high insulin. Practical rules:

• Dose at least 2 hours after the last meal, ideally fasted
• Don't eat for 20–30 minutes after dosing to avoid blunting the pulse
• A pre-bed dose is the highest-leverage single dose — it amplifies the natural sleep GH pulse
• If using 2–3 doses/day: morning fasted, mid-afternoon, pre-bed

Bloodwork — non-negotiable

GH itself is impractical to measure (pulsatile, short half-life). IGF-1 is the downstream readout that matters. Baseline within 7 days of starting; mid-cycle at week 4; end-of-washout at the cycle's end.³

• IGF-1 — primary outcome marker
• IGFBP-3 — for context
• Fasting glucose + insulin — GH antagonises insulin; watch for drift
• HbA1c — quarterly if cycling repeatedly
• Prolactin — should not move meaningfully on this stack; if it does, the product may be misidentified
• Cortisol AM — should not move; same reasoning

What to expect

Realistic outcomes from a well-run 10–12 week cycle in healthy adults:

• Sleep: deeper, more consistent — usually the first noticeable change, often by week 1–2
• Recovery: improved by week 3–4
• Body composition: modest favourable shifts over the full cycle — not transformative
• IGF-1: typical rise of 30–60% from baseline; if you're not seeing this, the protocol or product isn't working

Side effects and red flags

• Mild injection-site reactions — common, usually self-limiting
• Transient flushing/light-headedness in first 5–10 minutes — common, harmless
• Tingling/numbness in hands — possible carpal-tunnel-like effect if IGF-1 runs high; reduce dose
• Fasting-glucose drift — monitor, adjust dose, take seriously

Stop if you experience persistent joint swelling, marked oedema, or new visual symptoms. None are common at the dose ranges above, but they are the canonical GH-excess presentation and warrant immediate clinical review.