I’m looking for some guidance on where to go next with HGH versus CJC/IPA or tesamorelin.

I’m 34 years old, 166lbs, and around 14% body fat. I started at 185lbs about three months ago when I began using peptides. I’m currently taking a low dose of Reta and have run several protocols, including a Mito stack (SS-31, MOTS-c, and NAD+), 12 weeks of KLOW, and approximately 14 weeks of CJC/IPA at 200/200 mcg nightly, fasted before bed.

During the CJC/IPA cycle, my IGF-1 increased from 182 to 218 ng/mL, and my Z-score increased from 0.5 to 0.9.

I’m currently taking a break from CJC/IPA and debating among three options:

1. Run tesamorelin alone for at least four weeks.
2. Try HGH during the break from secretagogues.
3. Start back with CJC/IPA long term after completing my break.

HGH is appealing, and I’m curious whether it would provide noticeably better recovery, sleep, body-composition, or muscle preservation benefits than the secretagogues. If I tried it, I would likely use only 1–2 IU daily, either fasted in the morning or before bed.

For those who have tried both HGH and secretagogues, did HGH provide enough additional benefit to justify the added risks and monitoring? How quickly did your IGF-1 return to baseline after stopping? Would you recommend trying HGH, using tesamorelin alone, or simply returning to CJC/IPA?

Any experiences, recommendations, or things I should consider would be greatly appreciated.

@pep_researcher From everything I've researched it does need to be refrigerated to preserve longevity. I'm not sure about the about the HA deteriorating the GHK-cu though, good question.

@ResearchCat Metabolism was trash before I started peptides and reignited that flame, but it seems to be functioning fine now, or maybe it’s just all the peps lol.

Yes, I included my lab work in the original post, but unfortunately I never got a true baseline IGF-1 test. My first test was a couple of weeks into my CJC/IPA cycle, and the second was at the every end of the 16-week protocol. During that time, my IGF-1 increased from 182 to 218 ng/mL, and my Z-score went from 0.5 to 0.9.

Thanks everyone, I ordered the BAC water (along with other supplies) from peptidetest.com.
Im still curious on the NA Selank vs regular selank. This would be my first run at selank so I'm unclear on the differences aside from what chatgpt told me.

Good evening! I just finished my 12-week KLOW protocol and plan to cycle off for a while. It worked really well for me, my injuries seemed to heal faster, my hair and skin looked better, and my gut health improved.

Now I’m interested in making topical hair and face serums using copper peptides. I’ve been using minoxidil for about 10 years, and it has definitely helped regrow and maintain my hair, but I’d eventually like to come off it. I’ve heard great things about AHK-Cu for hair, although I don’t want to lose the progress I’ve made with minoxidil.

I’d also like to make a face serum for my wife (and probably me too). From what I’ve read, AHK-Cu and SNAP-8 can make a good combination and may be considerably cheaper than buying premade products.

I see that @southernaminos has GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu in stock and on sale. Would that be a good place to start? I still can’t seem to find SNAP-8 anywhere. How much of each product would I need, and does anyone have a recipe or formulation to follow?

For the hair serum, I found The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density and thought it might work as a base:
Ordinary hair serum

I’m still looking for a good base for the face serum. Any recommendations or guidance would be appreciated!

@jackiee thanks for the reply, found this video super helpful... DIY topical GHK-cu-snap 8 for pennies on the dollar. I just checked out @ionpeptide it looks like they have a bunch of already premade topical solutions for hair and face...wonder if its just cheaper/less hassel to do that way. I already ordered the ordinary brand serums off amazon though, Do you recommend the raw or lypholized snap-8? I only have BAC water and saline for sprays, randy recommends sterile...suppose I could find some (don't see it at Ion).

@Stan-Douglas Lol, I don’t want to “get huge”, I actually like being lean and cut. I’d rather stay shredded and preserve muscle than add a bunch of size. I’m talking about a very low, therapeutic dose, like 1–2 IU max daily. I know people who use doses like that for improved sleep, skin/hair, recovery, metabolism, body recomp, etc. Not to “get huge” or pack on soma dem GAINZZZ

But I appreciate the feedback, sounds like your vote is not for HGH and I actually agree with you and should prob just stick with tesa or CJC/IPA.