GHRP-2 Protocol Guide
GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin) is a potent growth hormone-releasing peptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate robust GH release from the pituitary gland. It produces strong GH release with moderate appetite stimulation, positioning it as the best balance of potency and tolerability among GHRPs. GHRP-2 is less appetite-stimulating than GHRP-6 but stronger than Ipamorelin, with moderate cortisol and prolactin elevation. This protocol covers reconstitution from a 5mg vial with 2mL bacteriostatic water, subcutaneous dosing at 100mcg before bed, and stacking with GHRH analogs for amplified GH output.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2)
- Category
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRP)
- Mechanism
- Activates ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) stimulating GH release; moderate appetite stimulation and cortisol/prolactin elevation; best potency-to-side-effect ratio among GHRPs
- Structure
- Hexapeptide (6 amino acids)
- Half-Life
- ~15-30 minutes
- Vial Size
- 5mg lyophilized powder
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Once daily (before bed)
- Cycle Length
- 8-12 weeks
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard GH Release | 100 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 8-12 weeks |
| Conservative Start | 50 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 1-2 weeks, then assess |
| Multi-Dose Protocol | 100 mcg | 2-3x daily (fasted) | Subcutaneous | 8-12 weeks |
Key principle: Administer on empty stomach before bed to synergize with natural nocturnal GH pulses. GHRP-2 is most effective when combined with CJC-1295 No DAC for GHRH+GHRP synergistic GH release. Moderate appetite increase occurs ~20 min post-injection.
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials Needed
- GHRP-2 5mg lyophilized vial
- Bacteriostatic water (2mL)
- 3mL mixing syringe (18-20ga)
- Insulin syringes (29-31ga) for dosing
- Alcohol swabs
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean vial stopper with alcohol
- Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly down the vial wall
- Gently swirl (never shake)
- Wait 5 minutes for full dissolution
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume (2mL recon) | Insulin Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
Administration Guide
Injection Sites
- Abdomen: Primary site, subcutaneous
- Thigh: Outer thigh, alternate sides
- Upper arm: Back of arm, alternate
Timing & Storage
- Timing: Before bed on empty stomach (2+ hrs post-meal)
- Appetite: Moderate hunger increase ~20 min post-injection
- Vial duration: ~50 days at 100mcg/day
- Storage (reconstituted): Refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
Expected Timeline
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Moderate appetite increase (less than GHRP-6)
- Water retention (mild)
- Injection site redness (mild)
- Elevated cortisol and prolactin (moderate)
- Numbness/tingling at higher doses
GHRP-2 has the most favorable side effect profile among the stronger GHRPs, balancing potent GH release with manageable side effects.
Precautions
- Monitor cortisol and prolactin during extended use
- May elevate IGF-1 - monitor in subjects with cancer history
- Lower desensitization risk than Hexarelin but still possible
- Use caution with diabetes - GH affects insulin sensitivity
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- CJC-1295 No DAC: Gold standard GHRH + GHRP synergy
- Ipamorelin: Rotate for variety in GH secretagogue protocols
- BPC-157: Tissue repair support during GH protocols
- TB-500: Systemic recovery enhancement
- DSIP: Sleep quality support for nocturnal GH protocols
Popular Stacks
- Balanced GH: GHRP-2 100mcg + CJC-1295 No DAC 100mcg before bed
- Recovery: GHRP-2 + BPC-157 250mcg + TB-500 750mcg
- Anti-Aging: GHRP-2 + CJC-1295 No DAC + Epithalon
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| GH Axis | IGF-1, GH (fasting) | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
| Hormones | Cortisol (AM), prolactin | Baseline, Week 4 |
| Metabolic | Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c | Baseline, Week 6 |
| Basic Panel | CBC, CMP | Baseline, Week 8 |
IGF-1 is the primary confirmation marker. GHRP-2 has moderate cortisol/prolactin effects - monitor these especially at higher doses or multi-dose protocols.
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