Peptide Series: Part 7: Growth Hormone Peptides (The Basics)

Important Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or guidance. Some peptides discussed may or may not be approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing references are based on anecdotal reports from research communities and are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health-related decisions. This is for informational purposed only.

Before we dive into specific growth hormone peptides, it’s important to understand how growth hormone (GH) naturally works in your body.

Growth hormone (GH) is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of your brain. When GH is released into your bloodstream, it travels to different tissues and organs, where it triggers important biological processes.

Here’s how GH works step-by-step:

1. GH binds to receptors on target cells, like muscle, fat, and bone cells.

2. This binding activates cellular signals that tell these cells to grow, repair, or change their function.

3. One of the main effects of GH is to stimulate the liver (and other tissues) to produce Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which carries many of GH’s effects throughout the body.

4. IGF-1 promotes cell growth, protein synthesis, and tissue repair, making it a key player in muscle building, fat metabolism, and healing.

5. GH also affects how your body uses energy. It encourages fat cells to break down fat and release it for fuel, while helping preserve muscle mass.

GH isn’t released steadily, your body releases it in pulses, mostly during deep sleep and after exercise. This pulsatile release helps regulate growth and metabolism without overwhelming your tissues.

Growth hormone helps with:

• Repairing tissues and muscles

• Boosting fat metabolism

• Strengthening bones and joints

• Promoting healthy skin and organ function

• Recovering from workouts

While traditional GH injections remain in use, newer peptide therapies are steadily gaining popularity.

Why? Because they encourage your body to produce its own natural GH, which may be safer and more balanced.

These peptides fall into two main groups:

1. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Analogs

2. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS peptides or GHRPs)

Both types tell your body to release GH, but they do so in different ways. Let’s look at each.

What Are GHRH Analogs?

GHRH analogs are lab-made versions of a natural hormone your brain produces called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).

When injected, they:

• Travel to your pituitary gland

• Bind to the same receptors as natural GHRH

• Trigger GH release in a natural, rhythmic way (like your body’s own pulses)

Think of GHRH analogs as the “on switches” that tell your body, “It’s time to release growth hormone!”

Common GHRH Analogs:

• Sermorelin

• CJC-1295

• Tesamorelin

What Are Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS Peptides)?

GHS peptides, also called growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), work differently.

They activate the ghrelin receptor (also called the growth hormone secretagogue receptor), which is involved in hunger signals and GH release.

Activating this receptor causes a strong surge of GH, working independently of the GHRH system.

Common GHS Peptides:

• GHRP-6

• GHRP-2

• Hexarelin

• Ipamorelin

Why Combine GHRH Analogs and Secretagogues?

Combining a GHRH analog with a GHS peptide mimics how your body naturally controls GH release: two different signals working together to create a bigger, longer-lasting pulse of GH.

For example, many people use CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin together to help with:

• Muscle recovery

• Fat loss

• Sleep quality

Common Side Effects of Direct GH Therapy

While direct injections of synthetic GH can boost levels quickly, they may cause side effects, such as:

• Joint pain and swelling

• Water retention and bloating

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression causing numbness/tingling)

• Increased insulin resistance or blood sugar issues

• Gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement in men)

• Possible increased risk of abnormal cell growth or tumors

Because synthetic GH floods the body with a steady supply, it can disrupt your natural hormone rhythms and increase the risk of side effects.

Why Peptides May Be a Better Alternative

Peptides like GHRH analogs (CJC-1295) and Growth Hormone Secretagogues (Ipamorelin) work by stimulating your own pituitary gland to release GH naturally, instead of adding external GH.

Benefits of peptide therapy include:

• More natural, pulsatile GH release that mimics your body’s normal rhythm

• Lower risk of side effects because they don’t flood your system with GH

• Can be combined to fine-tune GH release patterns for better results

• Often more affordable and easier to administer

• Less risk of causing insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances

Key Labs to Monitor

1. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

• IGF-1 reflects overall GH activity and is the primary marker for efficacy.

• Test baseline before starting therapy, and then every 3 months.

2. Blood Glucose and HbA1c

• GH can impact insulin sensitivity; monitoring helps detect early insulin resistance or blood sugar changes.

• Test baseline and every 3–6 months.

3. Cortisol and Prolactin

• Some GH secretagogues (like GHRP-6 or GHRP-2) can increase cortisol or prolactin levels, which may cause side effects like fatigue, mood changes, or hormonal imbalances.

• Test baseline, and if symptoms suggest imbalance.

4. Liver and Kidney Function Tests (CMP-Complete Metabolic Panel)

• To ensure safe metabolism and clearance of peptides and related hormones.

• Test baseline, and periodically (every 6–12 months).

5. Lipid Panel

• GH can affect lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors.

• Test baseline and periodically during therapy.

6. Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)

• GH and IGF-1 levels can interact with thyroid hormones; monitor for optimal metabolic function.

• Test baseline and if symptoms arise.

Special Notes on DAC-containing Peptides (like CJC-1295 with DAC)

• Regularly check liver and kidney function because DAC components may build up over time.

• Monitor IGF-1 to avoid excessive GH exposure over the long term.

Always work with a healthcare provider or a compounding pharmacy experienced in peptide therapy to guide dosing and monitor your health. Peptides can be powerful tools, but they also carry risks if not used properly.