Performance
Performance peptides
Compounds selected to support strength, output, and lean mass — including growth-hormone secretagogues like CJC-1295/Ipamorelin and Tesamorelin. Each entry includes mechanism, evidence, route of administration, and how it fits a structured protocol.
Compounds in this category
How performance peptides work
Performance peptides in this category mostly work through the growth-hormone axis. Secretagogues like CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) paired with Ipamorelin (a ghrelin-receptor agonist) prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone in a natural, pulsatile pattern, raising IGF-1 to support recovery, lean mass, and sleep quality. Tesamorelin is a stronger GHRH analog with the most clinical validation, including FDA-approved use for visceral-fat reduction.
Because they amplify your own GH rhythm rather than replacing it, these are dosed to match the body's nocturnal pulse — typically bedtime and fasted — and run in defined cycles (commonly 12 weeks on, then a break) to avoid receptor desensitization.
Research context
Tesamorelin has solid human trial data, particularly for visceral adipose tissue reduction. The CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combination is well-characterized mechanistically for raising GH and IGF-1 with minimal cortisol or prolactin disturbance, though large outcome trials for physique and performance endpoints are more limited than for the metabolic compounds.
Expect supportive, cumulative effects — better recovery and body composition over a cycle — rather than the dramatic curves seen with the fat-loss class.
Safety considerations
GH-axis peptides are contraindicated with an active malignancy and with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and are avoided in pregnancy. They can raise blood glucose and cause water retention (which can aggravate carpal-tunnel symptoms), so IGF-1, fasting glucose, and HbA1c monitoring across a cycle is standard.
A key stacking rule: don't combine two GH-axis compounds at once — they compete for the same pathway without adding benefit. Clinician supervision and third-party-tested sourcing apply here as everywhere.
Educational information only — not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prescription. Peptides discussed here should be used under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Related compounds & protocols
Frequently asked questions
What does CJC-1295/Ipamorelin actually do?
Together they trigger a clean, pulsatile release of your own growth hormone, lifting IGF-1 to support recovery, lean mass, and deeper sleep — without the prolactin and cortisol spikes some older secretagogues cause.
Is this the same as taking HGH?
No. Secretagogues stimulate your own pituitary to release GH in a natural rhythm, rather than injecting synthetic GH directly. The ceiling is lower, but the profile is gentler and self-regulating.
How long is a typical cycle?
Commonly around 12 weeks on followed by a break, dosed at bedtime and fasted to match your natural overnight GH pulse.
Do I need bloodwork?
Yes — baseline and on-cycle IGF-1, fasting glucose, and HbA1c are standard so dosing stays in a safe, effective range.