Side-by-side dosing protocols for Sermorelin, CJC-1295 (with and without DAC), and Tesamorelin — injection timing, stacking with Ipamorelin, reconstitution, and cycle length.
Research Disclaimer: This dosage information is for educational and research purposes only. With the exception of Tesamorelin (FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy), GHRH analogues are not approved for general human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide protocol.
GHRH analogues are synthetic peptides that mimic the action of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) at pituitary GHRH receptors. All members of this class — Sermorelin, CJC-1295, and Tesamorelin — share the same fundamental mechanism but differ in half-life, receptor binding affinity, and clinical application. This hub aggregates the dosing protocols for all three compounds in one reference.
GHRH analogue (29-aa fragment)
GHRH analogue (Mod GRF 1-29)
GHRH analogue + albumin binder
GHRH analogue (full 44-aa + trans-3-hexenoic acid)
| Parameter | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 (No DAC) | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dose | 200–500 mcg | 100–200 mcg | 2 mg |
| Frequency | 1–2× daily | 2–3× daily | 1× daily |
| Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Half-life | ~10–20 min | ~30 min | ~26 min |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile | Pulsatile | Pulsatile |
| Typical cycle | 8–12 weeks | 8–12 weeks | Ongoing (FDA) / 3–6 mo (research) |
| Reconstitution (2 mg vial + 2 mL BAC) | 100 mcg = 0.10 mL | 100 mcg = 0.10 mL | 1 mg = 0.50 mL |
| Best stack | GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 | Ipamorelin | Ipamorelin (research) |
All GHRH analogues share the same timing principles. GH release is suppressed by elevated insulin, so injections should be timed around fasted states or low-carbohydrate windows.
| Window | Timing | Benefit | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasted Morning | Upon waking, before food or coffee | Maximizes GH pulse amplitude; fasted state prevents insulin suppression of GH | High |
| Pre-Workout | 30–45 min before exercise | Amplifies exercise-induced GH release; synergistic with physical training stimulus | High |
| Pre-Sleep | 30–60 min before sleep | Amplifies natural nocturnal GH pulse; most important window for most protocols | Highest |
| Post-Workout | 30–60 min after training | Supports recovery; some protocols use this window for tissue repair focus | Moderate |
All GHRH analogues follow the same reconstitution process. The steps below apply to Sermorelin, CJC-1295 (both forms), and Tesamorelin.
The most effective GH optimization protocols combine a GHRH analogue with a GHRP (growth hormone-releasing peptide). Ipamorelin is the preferred GHRP for stacking due to its selective profile — it produces clean GH pulses without elevating cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. The two classes act on complementary receptors (GHRHR and GHS-R1a), producing synergistic GH release.
| Stack | GHRH Dose | Ipamorelin Dose | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin | 100–200 mcg | 100–200 mcg | 2–3× daily | GH optimization, body composition |
| Sermorelin + Ipamorelin | 200–300 mcg | 100–200 mcg | 1–2× daily | Anti-aging, physiological GH |
| Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin | 2 mg | 100–200 mcg | 1× daily | Visceral fat, research protocol |
200–500 mcg, 1–2× daily. Includes for-women and for-men-over-40 spoke pages.
100–200 mcg (no DAC) or 1–2 mg (with DAC). Includes DAC vs no-DAC comparison.
2 mg once daily. FDA-approved protocol with Phase III clinical evidence table.
Dosing varies by compound. Sermorelin is typically dosed at 200–500 mcg per injection, 1–2× daily. CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) is dosed at 100–200 mcg per injection, 2–3× daily. CJC-1295 with DAC is dosed at 1–2 mg once or twice weekly. Tesamorelin's FDA-approved dose is 2 mg once daily (subcutaneous). All GHRH analogues are most effective when injected on an empty stomach or before sleep.
CJC-1295 with DAC offers the most convenient dosing — once or twice weekly injections due to its 6–8 day half-life from albumin binding. Tesamorelin requires once-daily injections but has the advantage of FDA approval and clinical validation. Sermorelin and CJC-1295 without DAC require 2–3 daily injections for optimal pulsatile GH release, which more closely mimics the body's natural GHRH pattern.
Yes — stacking a GHRH analogue with a GHRP (particularly Ipamorelin) is the most studied and effective approach for GH optimization. GHRH analogues prime the pituitary via GHRH receptors; Ipamorelin triggers GH release via GHS-R1a receptors. The dual-receptor mechanism produces synergistic GH pulses 2–10× greater than either peptide alone. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is the most widely used combination.
The pre-sleep injection is the most important window for all GHRH analogues, as it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH pulse. Additional injection windows include fasted morning (maximizes GH pulse amplitude) and 30–45 minutes pre-workout (amplifies exercise-induced GH release). Avoid injecting within 2 hours of a carbohydrate-rich meal, as elevated insulin suppresses GH release.
Sermorelin and CJC-1295 without DAC protocols typically run 8–12 weeks, followed by a 4-week break. Longer protocols of 3–6 months are used for body composition goals when stacked with Ipamorelin. Tesamorelin's FDA-approved protocol for HIV-associated lipodystrophy is continuous (ongoing), but research protocols typically cycle 3–6 months. Cycling prevents pituitary receptor desensitization.
All GHRH analogues follow the same reconstitution process: add 1–2 mL of bacteriostatic water to the lyophilized vial, injecting slowly along the side wall (not directly onto the powder). Gently swirl — do not shake. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days. For a 2 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL, each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) equals 100 mcg.
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Shop GHRH Peptides at Purgo LabsMedical Disclaimer: All content on this site is for educational and research purposes only. Research peptides are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement protocol. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.