Research & Educational Use Only. This protocol guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol.
Growth Hormone Secretagogue StackEvidence Grade: B (Both Compounds)
MK-677 + Sermorelin Stack Protocol Guide
The MK-677 + Sermorelin stack combines an oral GH secretagogue (MK-677/Ibutamoren) with an injectable GHRH analog (Sermorelin) for comprehensive GH optimization. MK-677 is a non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist that sustains elevated GH levels over 24 hours, increases appetite, and improves sleep. Sermorelin is a GHRH(1-29) analog that stimulates natural pulsatile GH release. Together, MK-677 provides a sustained GH baseline while sermorelin amplifies natural GH pulses, creating a more physiologic GH profile than either alone.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is a non-peptide oral ghrelin receptor agonist with a 24-hour half-life that provides sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation. It improves deep sleep architecture (stage 3/4 NREM), increases appetite through ghrelin mimicry, and maintains IGF-1 levels comparable to young adults. Its oral convenience makes it highly practical for long-term protocols.
Sermorelin Synergy
Sermorelin adds natural pulsatile GHRH signaling that MK-677 alone does not provide. While MK-677 creates a relatively flat GH elevation via ghrelin, sermorelin triggers distinct GH pulses from the pituitary. This pulsatile pattern is more physiologic and may be more effective for fat loss and tissue repair than flat elevation.
Combined Dosing Protocol
Protocol
Compound 1
Compound 2
Timing
Duration
Standard
MK-677 12.5mg oral at bedtime
Sermorelin 200mcg SubQ at bedtime
Both PM
12 weeks
Enhanced
MK-677 25mg oral at bedtime
Sermorelin 300mcg SubQ at bedtime
Both PM
12-16 weeks
Maintenance
MK-677 12.5mg oral EOD
Sermorelin 200mcg 3x/week
PM
8 weeks
Reconstitution & Preparation
MK-677 Preparation
MK-677 capsules: typically 12.5mg or 25mg
Also available as liquid (25mg/mL)
Oral dosing, no reconstitution
Store at room temperature
Sermorelin Preparation
Sermorelin vial: 3mg or 6mg lyophilized
3mg vial: reconstitute with 3mL BAC water = 1,000mcg/mL
200mcg = 20 units | 300mcg = 30 units
Refrigerate, use within 30 days
Stacking Schedule (AM/PM Timing)
AM Protocol
No AM dosing for standard protocol
Both compounds taken at bedtime
Avoid carbs/fats 2 hours before sermorelin
PM Protocol
Before bed (fasted 2+ hrs): Sermorelin 200-300mcg SubQ
At bedtime: MK-677 12.5-25mg oral
Both synergize with natural nocturnal GH surge
MK-677 improves deep sleep quality
Expected Timeline
Week 1-2
MK-677 increases appetite and improves sleep within days. Sermorelin enhances nocturnal GH. Possible water retention. Sleep notably better.
Week 3-4
IGF-1 levels rising. Skin and hair quality beginning to improve. Water retention stabilizes.
Week 5-8
Visible body composition changes. Fat loss and lean mass gains. Nails growing faster. Skin elasticity improved.
Week 9-16
Full anti-aging and body composition benefits. IGF-1 at target range. Sustained improvements in sleep, recovery, skin.
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
Increased appetite (MK-677, very common)
Water retention / bloating (MK-677, weeks 1-3)
Lethargy or vivid dreams (MK-677)
Tingling in hands (GH effect)
Injection site irritation (sermorelin)
Precautions
MK-677 can impair insulin sensitivity - monitor glucose
Diabetics use with extreme caution
Cancer history - GH may promote tumor growth
MK-677 appetite may counteract weight loss goals
Cycle 12 weeks on, 4 off
Blood Work Recommendations
Panel
Markers
Timing
GH/IGF-1
IGF-1, GH (fasted)
Baseline, Week 6, Week 12
Metabolic
Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c
Baseline, Week 8, Week 16
Basic
CBC, CMP
Baseline, Week 8
Lipid
Cholesterol panel
Baseline, Week 12
Fasting glucose monitoring is critical with MK-677. Some subjects see 5-15 mg/dL increases. Discontinue if HbA1c rises above 5.7%.
