Peptide Profile
GHRP-2
A potent growth hormone releasing peptide that signals your pituitary gland to release more GH naturally—think of it as turning up the volume on your body's own growth hormone production.
Dose Range
100-300mcg
Frequency
Multiple times daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C45H55N9O6
Molecular Formula
817.97 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Developed By · 1991
Cyril Y. Bowers
Tulane University
Primary Benefits
Among the most potent GH secretagogues available, triggering robust growth hormone pulses from the pituitary gland with each dose
Significantly accelerates workout recovery and tissue repair through elevated GH and IGF-1 levels, reducing downtime between training sessions
Enhances deep sleep phases and overall sleep quality, with many users reporting more vivid dreams and waking feeling more refreshed
Amino Acid Sequence
D-Ala-D-β-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
100 mcg
Begin here to assess tolerance and response. Best taken on an empty stomach, typically morning and before bed.
Standard Dose
150-200 mcg
The most commonly used dose range for consistent GH elevation. Inject on empty stomach for best absorption.
Advanced Dose
200-300 mcg
Maximum dose used by experienced users. Often combined with GHRH for synergistic effects. Monitor for increased side effects.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning upon waking, post-workout, and before bed (on empty stomach)
With food?
Must be taken on an empty stomach—wait at least 30-60 minutes before eating. Food significantly blunts the GH release response.
If stacking
For maximum effect, combine with a GHRH peptide like CJC-1295 or Sermorelin at the same time. The synergy between GHRP and GHRH can amplify GH release by 5-10x compared to either alone.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +Tolerating current dose well with no significant side effects after 2 weeks
- +Not noticing improvements in sleep, recovery, or body composition
- +GH pulse response seems blunted based on how you feel
- +Seeking stronger appetite stimulation for weight gain goals
Decrease if
- -Experiencing significant water retention or bloating
- -Persistent tingling or numbness in hands (carpal tunnel symptoms)
- -Blood sugar becoming difficult to manage
- -Cortisol-related symptoms like anxiety or sleep disruption
Signs of right dose
- ✓Improved sleep quality with vivid dreams
- ✓Better workout recovery and reduced soreness
- ✓Gradual improvements in body composition
- ✓Stable energy levels without excessive hunger
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
units
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Natural Growth Hormone Optimization
GHRP-2 excels at stimulating your pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone. Unlike synthetic HGH, it works with your body's natural feedback systems, creating more physiological GH pulses that mimic what your body did when you were younger.
Recovery and Muscle Building
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts love GHRP-2 for its ability to speed up recovery between workouts. The elevated GH and IGF-1 levels help repair muscle tissue faster, reduce soreness, and support lean muscle growth—especially when combined with proper training and nutrition.
Deep Sleep Enhancement
One of the most noticeable effects users report is dramatically improved sleep quality. GHRP-2 taken before bed can enhance deep sleep phases, which is when your body does most of its repair work. Many users report waking up feeling more refreshed and recovered.
Anti-Aging and Vitality
As we age, natural GH production declines significantly. GHRP-2 helps restore more youthful GH levels, which can translate to better skin elasticity, improved energy, enhanced recovery capacity, and that overall feeling of vitality that tends to fade with age.
Appetite Stimulation
Unlike many peptides that suppress appetite, GHRP-2 is known for increasing hunger. This makes it ideal for hard-gainers trying to build muscle or anyone who struggles to eat enough calories. The appetite boost typically kicks in within 20-30 minutes of injection.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Pregnant or breastfeeding—safety not established in pregnancy
- ×Active cancer or history of cancer—elevated GH/IGF-1 may promote tumor growth
- ×Pituitary tumor or other pituitary disorders—could worsen underlying condition
- ×Uncontrolled diabetes—GHRP-2 can affect blood sugar regulation
- ×Known allergy to GHRP-2 or related peptides
- ×Under 18 years old unless under medical supervision for growth disorders
Use with caution if
- !History of carpal tunnel syndrome—GH elevation can worsen symptoms
- !Pre-diabetic or insulin resistant—monitor blood sugar closely
- !Taking corticosteroids—may affect cortisol response
- !History of fluid retention or edema
- !Cardiovascular conditions—consult physician first
- !Using other growth hormone secretagogues simultaneously
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- •Insulin syringe (29-31 gauge, 0.5-1mL)
- •Alcohol swabs
- •Sterile GHRP-2 vial (typically 5mg or 10mg)
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue
Best sites
- •Abdomen (2 inches from navel)—most common and convenient
- •Front of thigh (middle third)
- •Back of upper arm (tricep area)
Technique
- 1.Clean injection site with alcohol swab and let dry completely
- 2.Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger
- 3.Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle into the pinched skin
- 4.Inject slowly and steadily
- 5.Remove needle and apply light pressure—do not rub the site
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
GHRP-2 has been studied in numerous human clinical trials and is generally well-tolerated at standard doses. The most common side effects are increased appetite and temporary water retention, which typically subside with continued use. It stimulates both GH and cortisol release, though cortisol elevation is usually mild and transient. Unlike synthetic HGH, GHRP-2 works within your body's natural feedback loops, reducing the risk of excessive GH levels.
Multiple Phase 1-2 clinical trials have evaluated GHRP-2 safety and efficacy. Dr. Cyril Bowers and colleagues at Tulane University conducted extensive research demonstrating its GH-releasing properties and tolerability. While not FDA-approved, it has a substantial body of human research supporting its safety profile at recommended doses.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Increased appetite
GHRP-2 significantly stimulates hunger, often within 20-30 minutes of injection. This is due to its action on ghrelin receptors.
Management: Plan meals around injection times. Use this to your advantage if trying to gain weight. Consider Ipamorelin if appetite increase is unwanted.
Water retention
Mild fluid retention is common, especially in the first few weeks. May notice puffiness in face, hands, or ankles.
Management: Usually resolves within 2-4 weeks. Reduce sodium intake, stay hydrated, and consider reducing dose if severe.
Tingling or numbness
Paresthesias (pins and needles sensation) in hands or feet, related to elevated GH levels.
Management: Often temporary and dose-dependent. Reduce dose if persistent. May indicate GH is working effectively.
Flushing
Temporary warmth or redness at injection site or face shortly after injection.
Management: Normal and harmless—resolves within minutes. No action needed.
Less Common
- •Elevated cortisol
- •Headaches
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- ×Persistent carpal tunnel symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness in hands)
- ×Significant blood sugar elevation or difficulty managing diabetes
- ×Pregnancy confirmed or suspected
- ×Development of any new medical condition—consult your provider
- ×Severe or persistent side effects not improving with dose reduction
Always consult with a healthcare provider before stopping or if you experience any concerning symptoms. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent synergy—combining GHRP with GHRH amplifies GH release 5-10x. Can inject together.
- !Both are GHRPs—using together is redundant and may cause excessive appetite stimulation.
- !Both are GHRPs—do not stack together. Choose one based on appetite preference.
- ✓Good synergy as a GHRH analog. Can be combined for enhanced GH release.
- ✓Safe to combine for recovery benefits. Different mechanisms, no interactions.
With medications
- !Insulin - GH has anti-insulin effects. May need insulin dose adjustment. Monitor closely.
- !Diabetes medications - May affect blood sugar control. Monitor glucose levels carefully.
- !Corticosteroids - Both affect cortisol/HPA axis. Use with caution and medical supervision.
- ✓Thyroid medications - GH can affect thyroid hormone conversion. Monitor thyroid levels.
With supplements
- ✓Arginine - May enhance GH release when taken together. Safe combination.
- ✓Glutamine - May support GH release. Safe to combine.
- ✓Melatonin - Both taken before bed. May have additive sleep benefits.
- ✓Protein supplements - Essential for muscle building goals. Take protein 30+ minutes after peptide injection.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •Increased appetite within 20-30 minutes of each injection
- •Possibly deeper sleep and more vivid dreams
- •Mild water retention or puffiness
- •Getting used to the injection routine
What's normal
- •Hunger increase is expected and often significant
- •Sleep improvements may be noticeable quickly
- •Some water weight gain is common
- •Flushing or warmth after injection
What's next
- →Continue consistent dosing schedule
- →Track sleep quality and recovery
- →Note any side effects to discuss dose adjustments
- →Maintain fasted state for each injection
Week 3-4
What you might notice
- •More consistent sleep improvements
- •Faster recovery between workouts
- •Possible subtle improvements in skin quality
- •Appetite effects may stabilize somewhat
What's normal
- •Water retention often decreases as body adapts
- •Energy levels may improve
- •Hunger remains elevated but becomes more manageable
- •Full GH benefits take time to manifest
What's next
- →Consider adding GHRH peptide if seeking maximum results
- →Assess tolerance and adjust dose if needed
- →Continue tracking progress and recovery
- →Ensure nutrition supports your goals
Week 5-8
What you might notice
- •More noticeable improvements in body composition
- •Enhanced workout performance and recovery
- •Skin may appear more youthful and elastic
- •Consistent sleep quality benefits
What's normal
- •Changes are gradual—not overnight transformations
- •Results depend heavily on diet and training
- •Some side effects may diminish with adaptation
- •GH benefits compound over time
What's next
- →Continue at effective dose
- →Consider blood work to check IGF-1, glucose levels
- →Evaluate whether to continue beyond 8 weeks
- →Maintain consistent injection schedule
Week 9-12+
What you might notice
- •Significant cumulative improvements in recovery and body composition
- •Sustained energy and vitality improvements
- •Continued sleep quality benefits
- •Hair, skin, and nail improvements possible
What's normal
- •Benefits plateau at optimal levels
- •Body adapts to elevated GH—results maintain rather than accelerate
- •Some users cycle off for 4-8 weeks before resuming
What's next
- →Evaluate results and decide on continuation
- →Consider cycling off to maintain pituitary sensitivity
- →Get follow-up blood work if continuing long-term
- →Maintain healthy lifestyle habits during any break
Signs It's Working
Sleep and Recovery
- ✓Falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply
- ✓Waking up feeling more refreshed and rested
- ✓More vivid or memorable dreams
- ✓Reduced muscle soreness after workouts
- ✓Faster recovery between training sessions
Body Composition
- ✓Gradual increase in lean muscle mass
- ✓Reduction in stubborn body fat over time
- ✓Improved muscle fullness and definition
- ✓Better workout pumps and vascularity
- ✓Clothes fitting differently (more muscle, less fat)
General Vitality
- ✓Improved overall energy levels
- ✓Better skin elasticity and quality
- ✓Stronger hair and nails
- ✓Enhanced sense of well-being
- ✓Increased appetite (confirms peptide is working)
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not injecting on empty stomach—food significantly blunts GH release response
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular timing is important for best results
- •Dose too low—may need to work up to 200-300mcg per injection
- •Not combining with GHRH—adding CJC-1295 or Sermorelin dramatically increases effectiveness
- •Poor peptide quality—ensure you're using a reputable, tested source
- •Unrealistic expectations—GHRP-2 enhances natural GH, it doesn't replace it like HGH
- •Not enough time—full benefits take 8-12 weeks of consistent use
Key Research
"Differential pulsatile secretagogue control of GH secretion in healthy men"
Norman C et al., 2013
Finding: Testosterone and estradiol positively determine GH responses to GHRP-2 in older men, while BMI negatively affects pulsatile GH secretion during GHRP-2 infusion.
View Study"Relative effects of estrogen, age, and visceral fat on pulsatile growth hormone secretion in healthy women"
Veldhuis JD et al., 2009
Finding: GHRP-2 was more stimulatory than GHRH for GH release in women. Age and estrogen status together explained 60% of the variability in GHRP-2 effectiveness.
View Study"Preservation of GHRH and GH-releasing peptide-2 efficacy in young men with experimentally induced hypogonadism"
Veldhuis JD et al., 2009
Finding: L-arginine combined with GHRP-2 provides a robust GH stimulus that remains effective even during short-term hormone deficiency, unaffected by visceral fat or IGF-1 levels.
View Study"Novel relationships of age, visceral adiposity, IGF-I and IGF binding protein concentrations to GHRH and GHRP efficacies in men"
Veldhuis JD et al., 2009
Finding: Abdominal visceral fat is a dominant negative predictor of both GHRH and GHRP-2 effectiveness. Fasting IGF-I concentration positively correlates with secretagogue efficacy.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions