Ibutamoren (Mk-677)

Ibutamoren (Mk-677) is an orally administrated growth hormone secretagogue. (Not a SARM) A secretagogue is the term for a substance that chemically signals for the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. In other words, Ibutamoren could be compared to peptides like GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin, only it doesn’t require any injections nor does it have any side effects like GHRP-6. This Secretagogue was developed in an aim to combat such conditions as muscle wasting, obesity and osteoporosis. It was also targeted towards treatment of elderly hip fracture patients, so there are a myriad of studies done on safety.

Method of Action

  • Mimics Ghrelin – Hunger hormone, Ghrelin stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
  • MK-677 causes up to 12 very strong GH pulsations from your pituitary gland after ingestion (you would need to inject GHRP-6 12+ times per day to achieve this same benefit from peptides)
  • No shutdown of natural GH production
  • Non-hormonal – Can be stacked with other SARMS.

Health Benefits of Ibutamoren

1) Ibutamoren Improves Body Shape

  • MK-677 is known to increase growth hormone levels and metabolism.
  • It controls the destructive effects of insulin on body composition. This helps it increase leanness and decrease fat storage.
  • MK-677 reverses diet-induced nitrogen wasting and promotes proper nitrogen balance in the body.
  • Instead of reducing fat storage directly, MK-677 increases calorie deposition into the muscle (instead of fat).
  • Mk-677 increases IGF-1 levels by about 39-89%, which in turn increases muscle mass, and improves loose skin. Improves the longer you stay on it.

2) Ibutamoren Increases Bone Strength

MK-677 helps prevent hip fractures in elderly patients. Growth hormone stimulates osteoblasts and increases bone strength when given to older adults (65 years or older).

3) Ibutamoren Reduces Tumor Growth

In elderly mice, an analog of MK-677 stopped tumor growth. It also prevented more tumors from forming and increased life span.

4) Ibutamoren May Increase Longevity

Ibutamoren increases growth hormones, which can reverse the presentation of aging. Growth hormones can strengthen the immune system, slow aging, protect against age-related diseases, and increase lifespan

5) Nootropic Effects

Some people use Ibutamoren as a nootropic because it acts on the ghrelin receptor, which has nootropic effects.

Side Effects

Side effects include weight gain, increased appetite, skin problems, lower insulin sensitivity, and muscle weakness. Numbness in hands, and lethargy.

Dose

Common doses are 5-25 mg per day.

The clinical studies have exceeded years in study length without any major issues or side effects.

My Personal Experience

My first thought when I started reading about MK-677 was only that it would help me to pack on tons of new muscle. I only looked at the PHYSICAL benefit versus the THERAPEUTIC effect. From personal experience, I would say that MK-677 has more therapeutic effect on humans than physical. It does help build bones, heal injuries, help the appearance of your skin…blah, blah, blah… BUT! It does more to help improve body shape versus packing on pounds of lean mass. MK-677 is absolutely NOT the ultimate bulking research chemical contrary to what some people would lead you to believe.

That’s right, I said it and someone will probably email me and tell me why I am wrong and they will tell me that growth hormone does this and that…but they are referring to exogenous GH – injections to be exact; and that is not what MK-677 is about. It is your OWN body’s GH pulses. More of them, but still your own GH.

Can it be PART of a bulking stack? Absolutely! Especially if you have a low appetite. MK-677 increases appetite therefore you may eat more (A lot more if not careful). An unwanted side effect if you are trying to lose weight.

Back to my experience. I started at the recommended dose of 25 mg in the morning. Wow! Hunger pangs all day long, water retention, and felt a little dizzy with a side of lethargy. I ran it this way for about 8 months and felt like absolute garbage the whole time. On the plus side, an old injury in my shin with an exposed nerve healed. I have not had any problems since. The 10 lbs of water weight came off within a month of discontinuing use also. Sleep was amazing except when my arm would fall asleep but I lived with it.

I have used it on two different occasions; fluctuating between 5-10 mg per day before bedtime to alleviate some of the sides. It is my personal belief that it can be used for longer periods of time at a lower dose and still receive the same benefits – just my personal belief mind you, not fact. An herbal water pill seems to help with the edema (water retention) and something like Hordenine seemed to help me with the hunger.

Take Away

Overall, I enjoy MK-677. The therapeutic benefits that it can offer such as better sleep, improved body shape, tighter skin, and injury healing are truly amazing! I do not use it year round but will most likely use it for 6 months out of the year for the benefits that it can provide.

Where Can I Purchase MK-677?

As usual, please check out my Trusted Vendors page here. There you will find places to find the highest quality MK-677 with the best prices around.

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