The CJC-1295 + ipamorelin combination is the most widely used GH secretagogue stack. It exploits dual-pathway synergy — CJC-1295 stimulates the GHRH receptor while ipamorelin stimulates the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) — producing a larger GH pulse than either peptide alone.

Why this combination

The two pathways are synergistic, not merely additive:

CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) sets the stage by priming somatotrope cells for GH release
Ipamorelin (GHSR agonist) provides the acute trigger for GH secretion
Combined, they produce a GH pulse 2–3× larger than either alone

Ipamorelin is specifically chosen over GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or hexarelin because of its selectivity — minimal cortisol or prolactin co-stimulation. This makes it suitable for daily use without the side-effect burden of less selective ghrelin mimetics.

CJC-1295 versions: DAC vs no-DAC

CJC-1295 (no DAC) — also called mod-GRF 1-29. Half-life ~30 minutes. Produces pulsatile GHRH signaling. Preferred for mimicking natural GH patterns.

CJC-1295 DAC — Drug Affinity Complex enables albumin binding. Half-life ~8 days. Produces sustained, non-pulsatile GHRH stimulation. More convenient (2× weekly dosing) but may cause more receptor desensitization and water retention.

Recommendation: CJC-1295 (no DAC) for most users. The pulsatile pattern better mimics physiological GHRH secretion and produces less desensitization. CJC-1295 DAC is acceptable for users prioritizing dosing convenience.

Dose selection

Standard protocol (no DAC)

Component	Starting dose	Optimal dose	Maximum dose
CJC-1295 (no DAC)	100 mcg	100–200 mcg	300 mcg
Ipamorelin	100 mcg	200–300 mcg	300 mcg

Both peptides are combined in a single injection. Total volume is typically 0.3–0.5 mL.

DAC protocol

Component	Dose	Frequency
CJC-1295 DAC	2 mg	Twice weekly
Ipamorelin	200–300 mcg	Daily, bedtime

Timing strategy

Primary dose: 30 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach.

This timing exploits two physiological advantages:

Somatostatin tone is naturally lowest at night, allowing maximal GH release
The resulting GH pulse synergizes with natural nocturnal GH secretion during deep sleep

No food for 2–3 hours before injection. Insulin and elevated blood glucose suppress GH release via somatostatin stimulation. An empty stomach is essential.

Optional second dose: upon waking, fasted.

A morning dose provides a secondary GH pulse. Wait 30 minutes before eating. This dose is less important than the bedtime dose but adds to total daily GH exposure.

Third dose timing (if used): Mid-afternoon, 3+ hours after lunch and 3+ hours before dinner. Most users find diminishing returns from a third dose — the intra-day desensitization limits additional GH release.

Cycle structure

Phase	Duration	Notes
Titration	Weeks 1–2	Start at 100/100 mcg. Assess tolerance (water retention, tingling)
Full dose	Weeks 3–10	200/300 mcg or optimal individualized dose
Taper (optional)	Week 11	Return to 100/100 mcg
Off-cycle	4–6 weeks	Allow receptor resensitization, somatostatin normalization

Total cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off.

During off-cycle, GH levels return to baseline within 1–2 weeks. The benefits (body composition, sleep quality, skin/hair) gradually diminish but do not disappear immediately — some tissue-level adaptations persist.

Bloodwork targets

Marker	Test timing	Target range	Action if out of range
IGF-1	Baseline, week 4, week 12	Upper half of age-normal range	Reduce dose if above range
Fasting glucose	Baseline, week 8	<100 mg/dL	GH can impair insulin sensitivity; monitor
Fasting insulin	Baseline, week 8	<10 μIU/mL	Assess insulin resistance
HbA1c	Baseline, week 12	<5.7%	Long-term glucose control marker

IGF-1 is the primary monitoring marker. The goal is to optimize IGF-1 within the age-normal reference range, not to exceed it. Supraphysiological IGF-1 increases theoretical cancer risk and provides diminishing returns for recovery and body composition.

Managing common side effects

Water retention (most common): Expected in weeks 1–3, usually self-limiting. Moderate sodium intake, adequate hydration, and patience. Reduce dose if severe. See detailed management guide.

Tingling/numbness in extremities: GH-related. Transient and dose-dependent. Reduce dose if persistent or uncomfortable.

Carpal tunnel symptoms: Indicates IGF-1 may be too high. Check levels and reduce dose.

Increased hunger: Primarily from ipamorelin's ghrelin-pathway activation. Usually mild compared to GHRP-6. Manage with protein-rich meals.

Joint pain: Paradoxically, some users experience transient joint discomfort in the first 2 weeks. This typically resolves and may reflect fluid changes in joint spaces.

What to expect

Weeks 1–2: Improved sleep quality (often the first noticeable effect). Mild water retention. Vivid dreams.

Weeks 3–6: Better morning energy, improved workout recovery. Skin quality improvement begins. Body composition changes are subtle but may appear on DEXA.

Weeks 8–12: Cumulative improvements in body composition (reduced visceral fat, improved lean mass preservation), skin/hair quality, and recovery capacity. These are gradual, not dramatic.

What not to expect: This is not exogenous GH. The magnitude of body composition change is modest — a few percent body fat reduction, improved recovery, better sleep. Users expecting dramatic transformation from GHS peptides alone will be disappointed.