Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs Ipamorelin vs SHLP2
A three-way comparison to help you find the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
Full details →Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Full details →SHLP2
SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide similar to humanin. It has shown insulin-sensitizing and cytoprotective effects in research, with potential metabolic benefits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | Ipamorelin | SHLP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary to stimulate GH release. Highly selective with minimal effect on other hormones. | Enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Provides cytoprotective effects similar to humanin. May act through similar but distinct receptor pathways. |
| Typical Dosage | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Typical dosing ranges from 200-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily, often combined with CJC-1295. | Research compound with doses in the microgram to low milligram range studied in animal models. Human dosing not established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when administered fasted or before sleep. Often stacked with GHRH peptides. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. Various SHLP analogs (1-6) have different properties. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause mild headaches, lightheadedness, or increased hunger initially. | Limited data. Animal studies suggest good tolerability. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Ipamorelin, SHLP2 are all commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
Unique to Ipamorelin:
Unique to SHLP2:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Ipamorelin are commonly used for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Recovery & Healing, Sleep Quality.
Which Should You Choose?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger evidence for Recovery & Healing. Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Sleep Quality.
Commonalities
Both Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and SHLP2 are commonly used for Fat Loss, Anti-Aging & Longevity.
Which Should You Choose?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger evidence for Fat Loss.
Commonalities
Both Ipamorelin and SHLP2 are commonly used for Fat Loss.
Which Should You Choose?
Ipamorelin has stronger evidence for Fat Loss.