Growth hormone
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
An orally active, long-acting ghrelin-receptor agonist (growth hormone secretagogue) that raises GH and IGF-1 by stimulating the pituitary. Convenient as a once-daily oral, but its sustained, continuous activation is more desensitization- and side-effect-prone (water retention, appetite, insulin sensitivity) than a selective pulsatile injectable like ipamorelin.
Common doses
| Indication | Route | Dose | Duration | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GH/IGF-1 elevation (recovery, sleep, body composition) | Oral | 10–25 mg once daily | Time-limited blocks with breaks; commonly dosed at night | Tier 3 |
Limitations · Who should NOT use this
Reliably raises IGF-1 and increases fat-free mass on the scale, but much of the early gain is water and strength effects are inconsistent — it is not a steroid-like anabolic. Sustained activation is more desensitization- and side-effect-prone than pulsatile injectables: water retention, increased appetite, and effects on insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose are common considerations. Caution with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or cancer history. IGF-1 monitoring is advisable. Long-term safety in healthy adults is not established.
Regulatory notes
Not FDA-approved for any indication; investigated but never approved. Available through research-chemical and some gray-market channels. Prohibited in sport — growth hormone secretagogues including ibutamoren are on the WADA prohibited list (S2). Carries metabolic considerations (blood glucose, insulin sensitivity) that warrant medical oversight.
Sources
- Murphy MG, et al. MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998;83(2):320-325.
- Nass R, et al. Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic (MK-677) on body composition in healthy older adults. Ann Intern Med 2008;149(9):601-611.
- Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW. The safety and efficacy of growth hormone secretagogues. Sex Med Rev 2018;6(1):45-53.
Community signal — MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Recent posts and videos mentioning MK-677 (Ibutamoren) from the cron-ingested Reddit + Bluesky pipelines and the curated /experts directory. Not endorsement — directional context only.
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