Bloodwork results: 3 months on CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
Just got my latest labs back after 3 months of running 100mcg CJC-1295/100mcg Ipamorelin nightly. I’m 42, and my primary goal was improving sleep quality and recovery from my lifting sessions. My IGF-1 levels moved from 145 ng/mL to 210 ng/mL, which is exactly where my doctor wanted to see them. Sleep-wise, I’m definitely hitting deeper REM cycles—my sleep score on my tracker is consistently in the 85-90 range now. The only downside is that I’ve noticed some mild water retention in my hands, especially in the mornings, but it usually subsides by midday. Has anyone else dealt with the 'puffy' side effect? Does it eventually go away as your body acclimates, or is this just part of the territory with GH-secretagogues? Overall, I’m very happy with the results, especially the improved recovery time between heavy leg days.
That is an impressive increase in your IGF-1 levels; hitting that 210 ng/mL range is a great indicator of successful pituitary stimulation from the synergy of the GHRH analog (CJC) and the GHRP (Ipamorelin). It is common to experience that 'water retention' you mentioned, particularly in the hands or joints. This is often attributed to the temporary increase in serum growth hormone levels, which can lead to intracellular fluid shifts and sodium retention before your body fully acclimates to the dose. Many experienced users find that staying diligent with hydration—or slightly adjusting electrolyte intake—can help mitigate that bloat. Since you are tracking your sleep quality so closely, it is great to see the REM cycles improving; that recovery boost is often the biggest qualitative benefit for those of us lifting regularly. As always, keep monitoring those labs and ensure you are taking regular off-cycle periods to maintain pituitary sensitivity. Great progress on your protocol!