Growth Hormone Protocol
GHRP-2Complete Dosing & Administration Guide
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
Dosing
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
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
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.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete GHRP-2 research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full GHRP-2 Profile