Growth hormone & the GH axis
A whole class of peptides is marketed to “raise your growth hormone” for body composition, recovery, and anti-aging. Many genuinely do raise GH and IGF-1 in the short term — but that is not the same as a proven long-term benefit, and the pulse is rarely as clean as the marketing implies. Here is each one, honestly.
GHRH analogs & secretagogues
The releasing-hormone analogs and combinations that drive pulsatile GH.
Sermorelin: a real GHRH drug, read against the anti-aging pitch
An approved growth-hormone-releasing analog with a pediatric track record — and a longevity case built more on biomarkers than outcomes.
Ipamorelin & CJC-1295: the honest evidence on GH secretagogue peptides
They reliably raise growth hormone — that part is real. The muscle, fat-loss and anti-aging claims are not supported by human outcome data. A straight read.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta): what it's actually FDA-approved for, and the evidence
A real, approved GHRH analog — for HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically. What the pivotal trials showed, and why the longevity use is an extrapolation.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues: GHRH Analogs vs GHRPs Explained
The umbrella category that makes your own pituitary release more GH — split into GHRH analogs and ghrelin-receptor GHRPs, why they're combined, and where the evidence stops.
Ghrelin-receptor agonists
The GHRPs and MK-677 — real GH release, plus their cortisol/appetite baggage.
MK-677 (ibutamoren): raises the hormones, not (yet) the outcomes
An oral ghrelin mimetic that reliably lifts GH, IGF-1 and lean mass in human trials — but the same trials found no gain in strength, function or cognition, plus real metabolic and cardiac safety signals.
Hexarelin: a potent GH peptide — with cortisol, prolactin and desensitization in the fine print
Hexarelin is one of the most potent GH secretagogues studied — that part is real. But unlike the selective ipamorelin it also raises cortisol and prolactin, its GH effect fades with repeated use, and it’s unapproved, gray-market, WADA-banned material. A straight read.
GHRP-2: a real GH secretagogue, marketed for things it hasn't been shown to do
GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) genuinely raises growth hormone and is an approved diagnostic agent in Japan — but the same dose lifts cortisol, ACTH and prolactin, drives appetite, and desensitizes with daily use. A straight read of the human data behind the anti-aging marketing.
GHRP-6: the 'hunger' growth-hormone secretagogue, and what the evidence shows
GHRP-6 is a first-generation ghrelin-receptor agonist that pulses growth hormone — but its most reliable real-world effect is a strong, dose-dependent surge in appetite. Real short-term GH pharmacology, preclinical cytoprotection, no long-term human outcomes, and not FDA-approved.
GH fragments & IGF-1
The downstream and fragment compounds — and how they compare to actual HGH.
HGH Fragment 176-191: the GH “fat-loss fragment,” read against the trial that failed
It’s the C-terminal tail of growth hormone, sold as the part that burns fat. The honest anchor: its developed cousin AOD-9604 reached human obesity trials and failed to beat placebo — and the raw fragment sold today has no human trials at all.
IGF-1 LR3: a real anabolic hormone, engineered to last — and untested in people
IGF-1 is a genuine anabolic hormone and “Long R3” is engineered to dodge its binding proteins so it lasts far longer. But there are zero human muscle-building trials — and the risks (hypoglycemia, the growth-factor/cancer concern, a WADA ban) follow straight from the biology.
Ipamorelin vs HGH: the hormone, or a request for the hormone?
HGH is recombinant growth hormone injected from outside; ipamorelin only asks your own pituitary to release its own. That exogenous-vs-endogenous split explains the potency gap, the risk profile, and why neither is an anti-aging answer.