The most commonly prescribed GH peptide combination in anti-aging medicine. Complete dosing guide, IGF-1 targets, and how to track your results with blood work.
Why This Combination Dominates Growth Hormone Optimization The Ipamorelin plus CJC-1295 combination is the most widely prescribed growth hormone peptide stack in anti-aging and longevity medicine -- it works by hitting two different biological pathways simultaneously, producing a GH pulse that neither compound can achieve alone.
Growth hormone release from the pituitary is controlled by two separate receptor systems.
GHRH receptors respond to growth hormone-releasing hormone -- the signal that tells the pituitary to release GH in a coordinated pulse. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH analog that binds these receptors.
Ghrelin receptors (GHSR-1a) respond to ghrelin, the hunger hormone that also triggers GH release through an entirely separate pathway. Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist that hits this pathway without the cortisol and prolactin elevation seen with older GHRPs like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
When you administer both together: the GHRH signal (CJC-1295) and the ghrelin signal (Ipamorelin) hit simultaneously, producing a synergistic GH pulse significantly larger than either alone.
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF): Half-life of approximately 30 minutes. Produces a sharp, pulsatile GH release that mimics the natural pattern. Recommended for most users.
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex): Covalently bonds to albumin in blood, extending half-life to 7-8 days. Creates continuous, elevated GH levels rather than pulsatile peaks. Requires only weekly injection but blunts natural GH rhythms.
For anti-aging and performance optimization, CJC-1295 without DAC is generally preferred.
Ipamorelin: 200-300 mcg per dose
CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100-200 mcg per dose
Frequency: 2-3 times daily, administered fasted
Timing: 30 minutes before meals, or 90 or more minutes after eating
The fasting requirement is not optional -- insulin suppresses GH release directly. Any significant food intake within 90 minutes of dosing blunts the GH pulse substantially.
For most users, optimal timing is: upon waking (first morning dose), pre-workout if training (30 min before), at bedtime (most important -- coincides with natural nocturnal GH pulse).
IGF-1 is the primary biomarker to track when running GH peptides.
Typical IGF-1 trajectory on Ipamorelin plus CJC-1295:
Target range: upper quartile of age-appropriate reference range. For most adults, IGF-1 of 200-310 ng/mL represents optimal. Exceeding 350 ng/mL warrants dose reduction.
Lab draw protocol: Baseline IGF-1 before starting, recheck at 6-8 weeks. Draw fasting, in the morning. Do not draw within 24 hours of a dose -- this measures the post-dose peak, not steady-state.
Water retention: Mild edema in the first 2-4 weeks is common, especially around the hands and feet. Usually resolves as the body adapts.
Carpal tunnel symptoms: Tingling or numbness in hands, particularly at night. GH-driven fluid retention in the carpal tunnel is the mechanism. Typically resolves with dose adjustment.
Fatigue/drowsiness: Some users experience afternoon fatigue when dosing during the day. Shifting doses to bedtime-only largely eliminates this.
IGF-1 is one of the primary tracked biomarkers in MyProtocolStack, with optimal range set at 200-310 ng/mL. Enter your draws, log your doses alongside your labs, and StackAI will analyze whether your IGF-1 is responding appropriately to your protocol.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Written by Ryan -- Founder, MyProtocolStack. Last Updated: April 2026.
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