The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combination is among the most discussed peptide stacks in the fitness and body composition community. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP), while CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone analog (GHRH) — combining a pulse trigger with an extended release signal. The following documents a structured 26-week self-experiment tracking multiple quantitative endpoints, following the disclosure framework recommended by the quantified self research community.
N=1 disclosure: This is a single-subject longitudinal self-experiment. Data from one individual cannot be generalized to a population. Results are influenced by individual biology, training, nutrition, sleep, and placebo effects. This is documentation of one person's experience, not a clinical trial.
Background: Why This Stack?
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (without DAC, the more commonly used form) are often combined because they operate on complementary mechanisms in the growth hormone axis:
- Ipamorelin is a selective GHRP that triggers pulsatile GH release at the pituitary level. It is noted for its selectivity — preclinical research suggests it does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin compared to older GHRPs like GHRP-6.
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a GHRH analog that amplifies the natural GH pulse by extending and enhancing the pituitary's response to GHRH signaling — essentially creating a larger baseline wave on top of which Ipamorelin's pulse acts.
Research suggests the combination may produce GH pulses significantly larger than either compound alone, though the clinical relevance of GH pulse amplitude in healthy adults is not well established.
Protocol & Measurement Framework
The self-experimenter followed a structured 26-week protocol:
- Ipamorelin: 200 mcg SubQ, 3x daily (morning/post-workout/pre-sleep) — weeks 1–16
- CJC-1295 No DAC: 100 mcg SubQ, with each Ipamorelin injection — weeks 1–16
- Weeks 17–26: Washout/monitoring period with no peptide administration
Measured Outcomes at 26 Weeks
IGF-1 Bloodwork Progression
Baseline IGF-1 measured at 142 ng/mL (age-appropriate for a 38-year-old male). At 8 weeks, IGF-1 rose to 198 ng/mL. Peak IGF-1 at week 14 measured 201 ng/mL. By week 26 (10 weeks post-cessation), IGF-1 had returned to 155 ng/mL — above baseline but trending downward toward pre-experiment levels. All values remained within reference range throughout.
Body Composition (DEXA)
Three DEXA scans were performed: baseline (week 0), mid-point (week 16), and final (week 26). Between weeks 0 and 16, lean mass increased by approximately 3.2kg and total body fat percentage decreased from 18.4% to 14.3%. Notably, some of the lean mass gain was retained at week 26 despite cessation, suggesting the changes were not entirely water retention or transient.
Sleep & Recovery (Oura Ring)
Oura Ring data showed consistent improvement in recovery scores beginning at week 3, peaking around weeks 8–12. Deep sleep duration increased measurably during the active phase. These improvements partially reversed during the washout period but did not return entirely to baseline levels within the observation window.
Subjective Recovery Notes
The self-experimenter reported notably improved muscle soreness recovery between sessions beginning at weeks 3–4. Joints felt "less creaky" (subjective). No significant hunger increase (common with GHRP-6) was observed. Mild water retention was noted in weeks 2–4, which resolved. No adverse events requiring medical attention were reported over the full 26 weeks.
Limitations
- Single subject — no control condition; cannot distinguish peptide effects from training, nutrition, and lifestyle variables
- Placebo effects on subjective measures (recovery, sleep quality) are uncontrolled
- DEXA precision varies; ±1kg lean mass measurement error is standard
- No hormone panels beyond IGF-1 were collected (testosterone, cortisol, thyroid)