Low growth hormone levels badly influence the overall well-being and appearance of men and women. It’s absolutely ok to search for effective solutions for improving your well-being and fighting HGH deficiency. Not all available HGH medications are tested enough to be considered safe or effective; this is why it is better to choose injectable GH which is approved by FDA and is the most effective one among others.
Ibutamoren or MK-677 is one of the HGH-increasing non-peptide agonists marketed as a cost-efficient and applicable remedy for GH-deficient people. It is different from HGH injections because MK-677 it’s administered orally and may be more convenient than making daily injections. However, Ibutamoren is not yet approved by the FDA and the research on its safety is scarce.
In this article, we discuss what MK-677 is, its benefits and side effects, reviews, and alternatives.
What is MK-677 and how does it work?
Ibutamoren belongs to the category of substances that induce the secretion of human growth hormone. They are also called growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs).
Ibutamoren’s action mechanism is similar to ghrelin (also called a hunger hormone). When we feel hunger, our body produces ghrelin which increases appetite and stimulates growth hormone production. Under MK-677 influence, ghrelin receptors make the pituitary release more HGH to normalize blood sugar levels after food intake. Ibutamoren goes in a pill form due to its non-peptide structure, which is less affected by stomach acids and has a 4-to-6 hours half-life.
Ibutamoren common effects
Studies in animals reveal that MK-677 increases GH levels approximately 30 minutes after pill intake and holds the effect for several hours. Ibutamoren is one of the most persistent and active GH secretagogues.
Our body releases HGH in a pulsatile manner, and Ibutamoren increases the number of these pulses, leading to an increase in plasma levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). IGF-1 is responsible for HGH anabolic effects.
Research reveals that MK-677 has the potential to maintain HGH production at maximum levels continuously. In 2008, scientists took 65 elderly people for a randomized trial and gave them MK-677 daily for two years. At the end of the trial, participants achieved HGH and IGF-1 increases similar to young adults.
Although the effects of MK-677 seem promising, this compound still requires more research. It’s not FDA-approved, so buying Ibutamoren from unlicensed distributors can be risky for your health.
MK-677 benefits
As GHS, MK-677 increases HGH levels. A trial conducted on 32 older adults reported that taking MK-677 for two weeks led to a 55% increase in IGF-1 levels. Four-week therapy resulted in an 88% increase.
Still, MK-677’s effects on patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) aren’t studied enough. One study accessed Ibutamoren’s short-term effects on GH-deficient adolescents. After four days of taking MK-677, participants obtained IGF-1 levels as in healthy adults. The long-term effects of MK-677 on GH-deficient patients and children with GHD are still to be studied.
MK-677 can also improve lean body mass. According to studies, Ibutamoren induces noticeable (6 lbs) muscle gain during two-month therapy. However, water retention has also increased. Additionally, no changes in adipose tissue were observed. The above-mentioned Ibutamoren trial with 65 elderly people also reported weight gain with no effects on fat tissue. So, despite increasing HGH levels, MK-677 has no effects on weight loss.
Other benefits of MK-677 include reduced LDL levels, improved bone density, and better sleep. It is yet unknown if MK-677 can result in muscle atrophy.
Ibutamoren adverse effects
Due to Ibutamoren’s similarity to ghrelin hormone, the most reported MK-677 side effect is increased appetite. However, this effect fades if MK-677 is taken for a long time due to body adaptation for GHS levels. Among temporary MK-677 side effects, one can distinguish as:
- increase in leptin, prolactin, and cortisol levels,
- elevated thyroid hormones levels,
- testosterone levels drop.
MK-677 might cause cardiovascular issues. Scientists had to withdraw one Ibutamoren trial because several testees were noticed to have congestive heart failure. Although some vendors sell MK-677 as an anabolic steroid, the drug is not regulated and can’t be considered safe and effective.
Customer reviews on Ibutamoren (MK-677)
Despite MK-677’s lack of regulation, many people take the risk to try the supplement and share their reviews on the Web. Among the Ibutamoren benefits noted by reviewers are the following:
- fast recovery,
- improved sleep,
- improved muscle strength.
One of the most common uses of Ibutamoren is for the treatment of sports trauma. Some reviews mentioned faster recovery of tendons and joints. Still, MK-677 results are hard to predict because the supplement is produced without any quality protocols. Sometimes customer reviews can’t be considered a trustworthy source of information since every human is individual and reactions are different. The MK-677 results mentioned in reviews are different, and this is obvious. Because MK-677 manufacturers don’t comply with any regulations, the contents of the drug may have allergens or other substances that may be harmful to health.
MK-677 reviewers also reported the following side effects:
- headaches,
- tiredness,
- swelling,
- high appetite,
- hunger cravings.
Some people who’ve tried Ibutamoren recommend taking the drug before sleep to keep from overeating. However, to achieve the best results consider supervised therapy based on legal drugs. HGH therapy, when guided by a professional, perfectly balances HGH levels. After a thorough examination and lab tests, the therapist will prescribe an individual HGH dosage. In case of any unusual effects, you can always address a doctor to discuss any concerns and adjust the dosage.
Ibutamoren alternatives
Besides MK-677, one can find alternative medications to boost HGH levels. Some of them are listed below. Let’s discover their pros and cons.
GHRP
GHRP stands for growth hormone-releasing peptide and is a chemical compound that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. The GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 are synthetic growth hormone secretagogues that act similar to MK-677.
GHRP was discovered in 1997. Scientists have been studying these compounds for their ability to increase GH secretion for 15 years. It’s been discovered that GHRP-6, along with increasing GH levels, affects prolactin and cortisol. However, GHRP-2, a synthetic analog of GHRP-6, has less effect on cortisol and prolactin and stimulates more intense GH release. GHRP-2 is considered a more efficient peptide to accelerate HGH levels in GH-deficient patients.
GHRP is administered via injections; their peptide structure is fragile and the half-life period lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours. GHRP has side effects comparable to Ibutamoren, and they are weight gain, water retention, and increased hunger.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is also a growth hormone secretagogue affecting ghrelin receptors. Ipamorelin has a peptide structure and has a 2-hour half-life which makes it less tenacious than MK-677. Ipamorelin should be administered via injections to preserve its action. However, Ipamorelin may be more convenient for some patients as it doesn’t increase prolactin, leptin, and cortisol levels, unlike MK-677. Both substances increase hunger, so there’s a risk to gain extra pounds.
HGH
The severe form of growth hormone deficiency is characterized by a very low growth hormone production and may appear after a severe brain injury that affects the pituitary gland. Treating such a condition requires proper medications and MK-677 isn’t an option. According to studies on GH-deficient patients, MK-677 causes no effect on HGH levels in patients with injured pituitary. It’s also unclear if Ibutamoren addresses GHD symptoms in any way. For example, people with GHD usually suffer from extra abdominal fat gained because of the illness. As was mentioned before, there are no effects of MK-677 on fat reduction.
HGH therapy is a GHD treatment method recognized by the scientific community and verified in numerous trials. The therapy supposes using injectable HGH which is administered daily. HGH injection is the most effective way to administer an active substance because the full dose goes directly to the patient’s bloodstream bypassing the liver. Besides, the FDA has approved injectable HGH therapy only. Clinical trials have shown that HGH therapy effectively addresses such GHD symptoms as excess weight, bone thinning and muscle mass reduction, mood swings, and more.
HGH has fewer side effects compared to Ibutamoren. Patients may experience HGH temporary negative effects such as swelling and increased sugar levels in the blood. When taking MK-677, the list of side effects adds up to sleep deprivation, headaches, and food cravings.
How to choose the proper medication?
Growth hormone deficiency is a severe medical condition that can progress throughout life. Adult-onset GHD brings unpleasant changes in physical endurance and body composition, cardiovascular system, lipid profile, and bone density. Addressing GHD is crucial for preserving your health and well-being and it should be done with the help of legal and approved medications.
Although Ibutamoren can increase HGH levels, its effectiveness for GH-deficient patients hasn’t been proved. The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved MK-677, so the agonist requires more research to establish its safety. Taking Ibutamoren without a doctor’s prescription is not recommended.
If you worry about your growth hormone levels, it’s best to address a professional. A qualified doctor will take required tests and examine your health history to choose the proper medication for your particular case. Today HGH injections are the only legal option to treat GHD. With HGH injections, your body receives an exact amount of active substance and brings the desired results faster. For any additional questions concerning injectable HGH therapy, contact us, and our experts will provide you with a free detailed consultation.
