Secretagogues before GH?

[Chicago_Wind]

Hey all, found this talk by a Dr. Gordon where he mentions using releasing hormones or peptides before jumping straight to growth hormone. Thought it was interesting, especially since GH is heavily regulated. He touches on cost, efficacy, and how these things work.

Key points:
* Peptides first, then GH
* GH needs a challenge test first
* GH has strict rules
* Peptides use different methods

 

[Kim_12]

Good share. Gordon's insights are usually spot on, especially with brain stuff.

 

[TrimSis]

I'm thinking about adding something like Sermorelin to my current TRT. I've been reading that a GHRP is also good to include. But I'm a bit confused about all the different combos of GHRH and GHRP. Can anyone explain why there are so many options? Thanks!

 

[Robin44]

I found some info on GH secretagogues:

another forum

It mentions GHRH (Sermorelin, Tesamorelin), Ghrelin (GHRP, Ipamorelin, Ibutamoren), Somatostatin, and Growth Hormone...

 

[Clean-Gang]

A lot of it comes down to half-life, I think. And some affect appetite, cortisol, gut stuff, etc. You really have to read up on each one. They can also work together. I'm currently trying MOD GRF 1 (or CJC 1295 w/o DAC) plus GHRP 2.

 

[Kim_12]

I've heard about Melanotan II for other reasons... Anyone have experience using it? I'm curious about the libido effects. I saw something about erections too?

 

[Chicago_Wind]

I've heard it called the "Barbie hormone" lol. Supposedly increases sex drive, gives you a tan, and even helps with erections. Just be careful with the dosage; start small to avoid nausea or flushing. Some people prefer PT-141 because it skips the tanning side effect.

 

[Clean-Gang]

I've heard about Melanotan II for other reasons... Anyone have experience using it? I'm curious about the libido effects. I saw something about erections too?

Yeah, Melanotan II can cause more than just a tan! It can definitely boost libido and, in some cases, help with erections. PT-141 is similar but without the tanning. I'd suggest starting with a very low dose of Melanotan II, like 100mcg, to see how you react. Nausea and flushing are common side effects.

 

[TrimSis]

I tried a peptide blend a while back - Sermorelin 15mg + GHRP6 6mg + GHRP2 20mg. Did it for about 3 months. Honestly, didn't notice a whole lot. Maybe I'm just not a good responder. Doc prescribed it hoping it would add some mass.

 

[Robin44]

I tried a peptide blend a while back - Sermorelin 15mg + GHRP6 6mg + GHRP2 20mg. Did it for about 3 months. Honestly, didn't notice a whole lot. Maybe I'm just not a good responder. Doc prescribed it hoping it would add some mass.

Oh no, that's disappointing! I was hoping it would be a quick fix.

 

[Wait_and_Weight]

coa's on telegram exist but probably fake. testing checks purity not toxins mostly. vendor's in this forum and the telegram group, 8k members, good reviews everywhere so not stressed but curious what others think.

 

[PulseBTW445]

Couple vendors' products test with higher endotoxin levels. Few manufacturers supply all the vendors so this could affect multiple brands. Only way to be sure is test what you buy before you use it. Janoshik's the gold standard but there's other US labs people trust too.

 

[RunBeer282]

Pre-workout CJC/Ipa fits the secretagogue strategy. The pulse amplifies GH release that exercise triggers. Midday also avoids sleep interference from evening dosing.

 

[Hawk_Wine]

Kisspeptin and PT-141 sit on different pathways than secretagogues - worth running them separately before adding the GH axis layer.

 

[Ready_Mode]

Tracking IGF-1 (not IGF-3) at baseline before starting is the cleaner approach - z-score gives context against age-matched reference ranges. Most protocols suggest pulling labs before first dose and again at 6-8 weeks to assess response before adjusting dose.

 

[Ant_Dude89]

Secretagogue-first before HGH is a newer protocol - not widely covered yet.

 

[plucky_ramen]

The age-dependent axis suppression concern diminishes meaningfully after 45 - when endogenous production is already substantially lower than peak, the theoretical risk of suppressing it further has less practical consequence. That's the argument for HGH directness at that point rather than stacking multiple secretagogues.

 

[PinLady]

The secretagogue-before-direct-HGH argument is about preserving pulsatile release versus replacing it - secretagogues work with the pituitary's own rhythm while direct HGH bypasses it entirely. For people who haven't had significant axis suppression, the secretagogue approach has a stronger theoretical case.