kise
Iron
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- Nov 22, 2025
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Introduction
I see many people on this forum do not know the difference between chondrocytic igf1 and serum. They wonder how come most ISS studies on GH don’t show much or any increase in FAH? It’s because HGH (semi-continuous exposure) is not a viable option for Local IGF-1. My thread will go over the most viable option (GH pathway) for Local IGF-1. (I will have thread on local IGF-1 vs Serum soon)
Summary
A highly effective approach for enhancing local IGF-1 signaling involves combining GHRP-2, CJC-1295 (no DAC), and a somatostatin (SST) inhibitor such as melatonin.
For optimal results, injections should be performed after at least 3 hours of fasting, followed by a carbohydrate intake 30 minutes post-injection to support the GH → IGF-1 conversion.
Reasoning
The most reliable way to stimulate local IGF-1 is to amplify your body’s natural GH pulse rather than forcing a prolonged, artificial elevation. GHRP-2 and CJC-1295 (no DAC) do exactly that.
They avoid issues such as STAT5b resistance, which can blunt GH → IGF-1 signaling.
(As referenced in “Regular Meals Matter: Bone Growth and Beyond,” disturbances in STAT5b severely impair IGF-1–dependent growth.)
- GHRP-2 → GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor)
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) → GHRH receptor
By activating both pathways, they enhance GH secretion far more than either alone.
This dual-pathway synergy is repeatedly supported in GH-stimulation research. ( Lol they grew from GHRP nasal spray as well ).
SST Inhibition
Somatostatin is one of the body’s strongest GH-inhibiting hormones. It works directly against GHRH and suppresses pituitary GH release.
To get the highest possible GH peak, lowering somatostatin is essential. Melatonin has been shown in studies to increase GH lower SST. For example, one study shows dosages up to 5mg melatonin increased GH and decreased SST compared to placebo both prior and after exercise.
References : Nassar E, Mulligan C, Taylor L, Kerksick C, Galbreath M, Greenwood M, Kreider R, Willoughby DS. Effects of a single dose of N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (Melatonin) and resistance exercise on the growth hormone/IGF-1 axis in young males and females. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Oct 23;4:14. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-14. PMID: 17956623; PMCID: PMC2174513.
Pihoker C, Badger TM, Reynolds GA, Bowers CY. Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature. J Endocrinol. 1997 Oct;155(1):79-86. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1550079. PMID: 9390009.