Tesamorelin and ipamorelin are growth hormone-releasing peptides used to increase endogenous production of growth hormone. They have some similarities but also differences in their mechanisms of action and clinical uses. Here we’ll compare the characteristics of these two intriguing peptides.
What are Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin?
Tesamorelin and ipamorelin belong to a class of peptides called growth hormone secretagogues (GHS). This means they stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete more growth hormone naturally.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin, an artificial GHS peptide, consists of the same 44 amino acid sequence as human growth hormone, with the addition of a trans-3-hexenyl molecule. It imitates the stimulating impact of the hormone ghrelin.
Tesamorelin is an authorized medical solution for lessening surplus abdominal fat in individuals with HIV who have lipodystrophy. This injectable medication is available under the brand name Egrifta. If you’re interested, you can find places to buy Tesamorelin.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide, meaning it contains five amino acids. It’s a fragment of the GHRP (growth hormone-releasing peptide) ipamorelin, with similar but more selective effects.
Ipamorelin is not an approved drug, but is available as a research peptide. Bodybuilders use it off-label to boost GH and IGF-1 production for its anabolic effects.
Mechanisms of Action
While they ultimately have the same effect of increasing growth hormone levels, tesamorelin and ipamorelin have some differences in their mechanisms:
Tesamorelin
- Binds and activates GHSR receptors on somatotroph cells in the pituitary gland
- Stimulates increased transcription of the GH gene
- Induces sustained, pulsatile release of endogenous GH
Ipamorelin
- Activates GHRP receptors on hypothalamic neurons
- Signals ghrelin cells to release Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
- GHRH then acts on the pituitary to spike GH secretion
Activating GHRP receptors on hypothalamic neurons, Tesamorelin serves as a signaling agent to stimulate ghrelin cells, prompting the release of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH).
GHRH, in turn, acts on the pituitary gland, leading to a surge in the secretion of growth hormone. If you’re considering options to enhance your growth hormone levels, you can explore places to buy Ipamorelin online as well.
Growth Hormone Effects
By increasing growth hormone, tesamorelin and ipamorelin can have wide-ranging effects:
- Increased protein synthesis and muscle growth
- Mobilization of fat for energy
- Strengthening of joints and connective tissue
- Improved skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction
- Enhanced workout capacity and recovery
- Neuroprotective benefits in the brain
These benefits make GH peptides appealing for anti-aging, bodybuilding, and fitness uses. Higher GH may also aid weight loss and improve cholesterol.
Unique Characteristics
Despite similarities, the two peptides have some unique distinctions:
Tesamorelin
- Very potent GH stimulator, with less need to stack
- Can be taken in the morning for daytime GH spikes
- Once daily dosing provides a convenient protocol
- Less hunger side effect than GHRP peptides
Ipamorelin
- Milder GH boost but can be stacked with other peptides
- Causes a pulse shortly after dosing, so evening is preferable
- Has less systemic effects compared to other GHRPs
- May have cognition and neuroprotective benefits
Clinical Applications
Currently, only tesamorelin is approved as a medical treatment:
- Reduces excess visceral fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy
- Improves fat distribution distorted by HIV drugs
- Requires daily injections for months for full effects
Emerging uses being explored:
- Counteract natural GH decline with aging
- Improve age-related loss of muscle mass and bone density
- Accelerate wound healing after surgery or injury
- Aid recovery from burns or trauma
Dosing Considerations
As research chemicals, recommended dosing protocols are:
Tesamorelin
- 0.5-1mg daily, usually before bed
- Half-life is 30-60 minutes so a single dose provides a GH pulse
Ipamorelin
- 200-300mcg 2-3 times per day
- Often combined with a GHRH like MOD-GRF for enhanced effect
- Building steadily to higher doses reduces side effects
Conclusion
Tesamorelin and ipamorelin are both growth hormone secretagogues with proven abilities to increase natural GH production through different mechanisms. Tesamorelin is the more potent medical treatment while ipamorelin offers flexibility in fitness uses. Their shared benefits include potential anti-aging effects, body recomposition, and injury recovery. Further research will clarify the best applications of these peptides.
