MK-677 Ibutamoren Growth Hormone Secretagogue Side Effects, Benefits & Buying Guide, Risks, Dosage & Cycling Guide, Supplements Reviews

Ibutamoren MK-677, a substance commonly encountered within bodybuilding communities, shows potential for enhancing muscle growth, energy levels, recovery rates, and bone density due to its influence on growth hormone release. However, while it is often seen as a GH secretagogue and solution for various athletic and fitness goals, it is important to remember that MK-677 is currently unapproved for human use and is categorized as a toxin, while being developed by companies like Lumos Pharma for treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency. Despite anecdotal evidence suggesting its effectiveness in achieving physical enhancements, it also carries a range of potential side effects including increased appetite, swelling, anxiety, numbness, muscle pain, and negative impacts on bone mineral density and glucose metabolism. The lack of comprehensive toxicity data and understanding of long-term risks underscores the need for caution when considering the use of such substances. We recommend HyperGH 14x (legal Ibutamoren MK-677 GH secretagogue) and Crazy bulk's Ibuta 677. HyperGH 14x is the perfect legal Ibutamoren GH secretagogue alternative, because of its unique 14 HGH secretagogues ingredients including growth factors from deer antler velvet, Alpha-GPC etc. Checkout full list of best Ibutamoren brands.

Introduction

Ibutamoren or Ibutamoren Mesylate also known as MK-677 or Nutrobal, has become a favorite among many athletes who participate in heavy-weight sports, such as bodybuilding and weightlifting. Despite its illegality, it's widely used for quick muscle growth and enhancing physical performance along with other substances like anabolic steroids, SARMs etc.

To simplify, Ibutamoren is an oral drug that increases GH secretion. It is a small, non-peptide compound that works as "agonist of the ghrelin receptor" and encourages your body to release more growth hormones. These growth hormones are typically produced in your pituitary gland, which is a tiny organ found at the base of your brain.

When you take Ibutamoren, it triggers your pituitary gland to release more of these hormones into your bloodstream. This could be beneficial for people who don't naturally produce enough growth hormones or have growth hormone deficiency.

The way Ibutamoren works is by imitating the actions of a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin is naturally produced in your stomach and plays several crucial roles in your body. It signals your brain to feel hungry, encourages your body to store fat, and also stimulates the release of growth hormones. Because of its role in creating feelings of hunger, ghrelin is often referred to as the "hunger hormone."

So in layman's terms, when you take Ibutamoren, it's like you're telling your body to act as if it has more ghrelin, "it is hungry" or that "you are fasting". This encourages your body to release more growth hormones, which can then help with muscle building and improved athletic performance. (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190751/ , Ghrelin: Ghrelin as a Regulatory Peptide in Growth Hormone Secretion )

Research has also revealed that fasting or intermittent fasting can dramatically increase ghrelin levels and thereby human growth hormone levels. Consuming Ibutamoren has similar effects.

So Is Ibutamoren a SARM or steroid does it work like SARMS?

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, often referred to as SARMs, are not the same as anabolic steroids. Instead, they're created in a lab as "synthetic ligands," meaning they are specifically designed to attach to androgen receptors in your body. Androgens are types of hormones that play a key role in the development and maintenance of masculine traits, muscle mass etc.

When SARMs latch onto these "androgen receptors", they can trigger certain actions depending on their specific chemical structure. They can act as full agonists, partial agonists, or antagonists, which basically means they can either fully activate the receptor, partially activate it, or block it.

As for Ibutamoren Mesylate (MK-677), it's important to note that it is not actually a SARM as it does NOT act on any "adrogen receptor". It's not a steroid either. Instead, it's classified as a non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), which means it stimulates the release of growth hormone, acting as "Ghrelin Receptor Modulator". It specifically mimics the function of the endogenous hormone ghrelin, as explained earlier, and encourages your pituitary gland to produce and release more growth hormones. (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757071/, Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Mimetic on Body Composition and Clinical Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4205082/, The role of ghrelin in GH secretion and GH disorders )

Now, regarding whether Ibutamoren suppresses testosterone or androgen production, it's generally understood that Ibutamoren does not have this effect. Unlike some SARMs or anabolic steroids, Ibutamoren does not interfere with your body's testosterone or androgen production because it operates on a different pathway (i.e., the ghrelin receptor and growth hormone release), not the androgen receptors. However, this does not mean it's free of side effects. Any substance that alters your body's hormone levels should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Benefits of Ibutamoren in Growth Hormone Release & Bodybuilding

When you take Ibutamoren (MK 677), it acts as a "ghrelin receptor agonist." In simpler terms, this means it sticks to the same parts of your body cells that ghrelin would, causing similar effects. One of these effects is that it encourages your body to produce more human growth hormone. This is a type of hormone that helps your muscles to grow and cells to regenerate.

Because of this, people who are into bodybuilding saw the potential in Ibutamoren. They saw how it could help build muscle more easily and quickly, and so they began to include it in their fitness routines.

But that's not all Ibutamoren does. It also helps your body produce more of something called "growth factor IGF-1." This is a hormone that functions similarly to insulin (hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar). Growth factor IGF1 helps your muscles grow, and it also assists in managing your body's energy use.

Furthermore, Ibutamoren (MK 677) can act as a booster for the process of cell multiplication. This means it can help your body make more cells, which could be beneficial for things like tissue repair and muscle growth. It also stimulates your body's anabolic processes, which involve building up and repairing bodily tissues.

This can be particularly helpful for individuals involved in intense training or physical activities as it can potentially speed up recovery times and promote muscle growth.

Is Ibutamoren a suitable option for bodybuilding?

Indeed, Ibutamoren presents significant benefits for bodybuilding, comparable to those of anabolic steroids. However, it's not without its risks, and potential side effects should be considered.

Keep in mind, Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its use is considered both prohibited and illegal. Furthermore, it's detectable and punishable in most sports competitions globally.

Certain bodies conduct doping tests. If banned substances, as listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for the current year, are discovered, consequences follow according to the relevant regulations.

Is MK-677 considered a sports supplement?

No, it's not. MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren or Nutrobal, is actually a medicine developed with therapeutic intentions. Despite this, it has been widely used (illegally, as it's not approved by the FDA) within the sports industry, especially in the realm of bodybuilding.

Despite often being classified as a SARM—a point highlighted by its alphanumeric code name— MK-677 is not a traditional SARM. It was initially created to treat severe conditions related to muscle wasting such as cancer, cachexia, and eating disorders, as well as conditions associated with bone density loss like osteoporosis. It's also used to manage diseases related to appetite and obesity.

Pros of MK-677 - Why might I need it for athletic performance?

Ibutamoren, also known as SARM MK-677, behaves like a specific ghrelin receptor promoter, which boosts the release of growth hormones. It also hinders somatostatin receptors and enhances growth hormone signaling in the front section of your pituitary gland. By reducing somatostatin levels, it immediately triggers the release of growth hormone in the body.

This action of Ibutamoren has been associated with impressive outcomes in professional bodybuilding, leading to:-

Enhanced physical strength & Greater muscle development

Ibutamoren plays a vital role in rebuilding muscle mass due to its potent anabolic, or muscle-building, action. It also aids in fat metabolism, promoting weight loss and energy utilization in the body.

Users of Ibutamoren have reported gaining between 2.5 to 5 kilos of lean muscle within just one cycle. However, the extent of the benefits can vary greatly based on the specific training and diet regimen followed.

Indeed, outcomes can differ from person to person. Factors such as age, height, physical fitness, overall health, genetics, and many other elements can influence the final results.

It's worth noting that Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, can be utilized in different ways. While it's often used in Bulking cycles to aid muscle growth and rebuilding, it's also commonly employed in Cutting cycles for efficient fat loss.

Fat loss

As previously stated, Ibutamoren, (MK-677) is effective in both muscle-building and fat-cutting cycles, essentially serving as an all-in-one product. This versatility is another reason why it's so prevalent in bodybuilding communities. Particularly valuable during cutting cycles, it helps boost the body's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)—this essentially means it helps increase your metabolism, making your body more efficient at using fats to produce energy and helping create a lean, chiseled, ripped look. Besides, some studies demonstrate its benefits in reducing even abdominal, visceral fat. (Source: academic.oup.com/jcem/article/83/2/362/2865156 ,Two-Month Treatment of Obese Subjects with the Oral Growth Hormone (GH) Secretagogue, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism)

Strengthened bone density.

Boosting bone density and slowing down their natural wear and tear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, enabling you to have more productive workouts. This is where Ibutamoren MK-677, comes in.

Its use increases levels of the protein hormone Osteocalcin, which strengthens bones and shields them from harm. Enhancing bone density is a key function of Ibutamoren.

One of its medical uses is to increase the release of growth hormone in the body, which stimulates osteoblasts—these are the cells responsible for forming new bones.

Improved athletic performance, energy & stamina

The athlete's trifecta of success—"Endurance, Physical Strength, Energy"—can be easily achieved with the use of MK-677, largely due to its ability to enhance the release of growth hormone in the body and improve oxygen absorption by muscles.

Quicker recovery, Minimizing muscle loss & Nitrogen retention

Ibutamoren gives you the distinct advantage of minimizing muscle loss during workouts. Just as it increases bone density, it also reduces muscle losses and strengthens muscle rebuilding—this is one of the key benefits of Ibutamoren.

MK-677 also promotes the reversal of nitrogen waste in the body, counteracting a condition known as "catabolism." This is a common issue for many athletes, leading to gradual loss of muscle and fat tissue. MK-677 restores the nitrogen balance in the body, actively preventing muscle loss, and is extremely helpful in building lean muscle mass and faster recovery from workouts.

Cognitive benefits- Sharper focus, Boosted mental state and Increased motivation.

In addition to physical benefits, Ibutamoren also significantly enhances cognitive functions. This means it improves perception, thinking, and memory, as well as problem-solving abilities, creative expression, focus and motivation—all crucial for an athlete.

Increase in Sleep quality

Another key benefit of using MK-677 is related to sleep and rest, both vital for the mind and body. In demanding sports like bodybuilding, a well-structured program that includes rest days and quality sleep is essential. MK-677 can help in this regard and it activates the growth hormone axis without increasing levels of cortisol.

Boosted immune system.

Higher Growth hormone levels (GH levels) caused by Ibutamoren can contribute to enhancing the body's immune function in several ways. It can help in the production and maturation of immune cells, which play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens and illnesses. Additionally, growth hormone can assist in the regulation of inflammatory responses, which are key aspects of the immune response.

A key advantage of MK-677 is that it doesn't interfere with your growth hormone levels unlike some other substances. This implies that you can use Ibutamoren cycles without worrying about your growth hormone levels—in fact, quite the contrary. And you won't need to deal with regular painful growth hormone injections during your cycle.

Blood Pressure Regulation

MK677 SARM contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system in part by enhancing Nitric Oxide levels. This substance is crucial in managing blood pressure and it appears that nitric oxide also has a significant protective role in combating auto-immune diseases.

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Cons of MK-677: Ibutamoren MK-677 Side Effects & Concerns

Despite its alluring promises, it's important to note that ibutamoren is currently categorized as a toxin and is prohibited in competitive sports due to its potential for misuse and the unknown range of side effects it may induce.

One of the most concerning aspects of ibutamoren use is the lack of comprehensive clinical data regarding its safety profile. At present, ibutamoren is not approved for human use, meaning that comprehensive toxicity studies have not been conducted and published. As such, there is not a thorough understanding of all potential side effects, particularly the long-term risks associated with its use.

Although there are anecdotal reports suggesting ibutamoren's potential in promoting muscle growth, there's also a host of possible adverse effects associated with its use. These include, but are not limited to the following:-

Increased appetite: Leading to undesirable weight gain.

Water Retention: Ibutamoren (MK-677) can cause water retention in the body. This refers to an accumulation of excess fluids in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities. This can cause bloating or puffiness in various parts of the body, typically in the hands, feet, and ankles.

Swelling or Edema: Related to water retention, swelling or edema is a condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body. Ibutamoren might cause this side effect, which can result in localized swelling in the feet, legs, or arms, or more generalized swelling throughout the body.

Anxiety: Ibutamoren MK-677 may contribute to feelings of anxiety in some users. Anxiety is a psychological condition that can manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty in concentrating, and feelings of fear or impending doom. These feelings might be linked to the body's response to the drug or related to other factors such as personal health, diet, exercise, and mental state.

Numbness: Some users of Ibutamoren may experience numbness or reduced sensation in certain areas of the body. This can manifest as a lack of feeling or sensitivity, often in the extremities like the fingers and toes. Numbness might be temporary or persist for the duration of the drug's usage.

Muscle Pain: Ibutamoren can potentially cause muscle pain in some individuals. This discomfort may result from inflammation, muscle strain, or nerve impingement. The pain can range from a mild, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation. It can be isolated to one area or affect large portions of the body, depending on individual responses to the drug. It may also cause Joint pain if you have previous medical conditions or elevated hormone levels.

Negatively impact bone mineral density: Ibutamoren has been reported to negatively impact bone mineral density, potentially increasing the risk for fractures or other bone-related injuries.

Rise in fasting blood glucose levels: MK-677 is associated with a rise in fasting blood glucose levels and a decrease in insulin sensitivity, suggesting potential detrimental effects on glucose metabolism and overall endocrine health.

Lethargy and Drowsiness: MK-677 (Ibutamoren) can also cause lethargy or drowsiness as a side effect, commonly referred to as "zombie effect/sleepwalking" in the bodybuilding community. This is because it can increase levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body, which can promote sleep and relaxation. In some cases, the increased appetite that MK-677 can cause may also contribute to feelings of lethargy or fatigue.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar: MK-677 can also indirectly lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This condition often arises from a body's poor insulin response, especially in individuals with developing insulin resistance. If MK-677 raises blood sugar levels, these individuals' pancreas may release excessive insulin, lowering the blood sugar too much and causing hypoglycemia. Early stage or moderate insulin resistance combined with MK-677 can worsen the condition and progress one towards diabetes. One study showed Ibutamoren MK-677 may trigger insulin resistance & diabetes in bodybuilders. (Source: www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0086/ea0086p341 , New onset diabetes triggered by use of growth hormone secretagogue for body building, a case report ). To identify hypoglycemia or a Ghrelin spike, it's recommended to regularly monitor blood sugar levels, especially when using MK-677, GH or GH secretagogues or any substance that can significantly alter blood sugar.

Cancer: MK 677 does not instigate cancer development, but it can accelerate the growth of pre-existing tumors. The level of risk it presents varies depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, age, the presence of undiagnosed cancers, a propensity for developing cancers, environmental influences, and so on. It's plausible to consider that a few 8-week cycles in your 20s or 30s wouldn't be more detrimental than occasionally smoking a pack of cigarettes during a night out over the long run.

Brain damage: Long-term use of Ibutamoren (MK-677) can lead to continuous activation of ghrelin receptors, which some researchers believe may have potential risks to brain health. These concerns stem from animal studies showing that prolonged activation of these receptors could reduce the brain's stress tolerance and increase fear responses. However, clinical studies on humans have not reported elevated levels of stress or anxiety. Additionally, MK-677 may promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus, as indicated by animal studies. Yet, in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease, this growth hormone secretagogue showed no protective effect.

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MK 677 Ibutamoren - dosage & cycling guide

Ibutamoren MK-677 is a potent substance that is not yet approved by the FDA for long-term use. Its sale and usage without a prescription is illegal and it's checked for in doping tests during sports events.

Instructions for its use are based on user reviews rather than clinical trials. It's notable for its long half-life of about 24 hours, meaning only one dose is needed per day. This is a plus for experienced bodybuilders who tend to prefer substances with long half-lives. Ibutamoren's robust chemical structure allows it to be used in low doses while still providing significant results.

However, dosages can vary among individuals based on factors like body weight, height, fitness level, genetic factors, and the specific goals the user wants to achieve with its use.

A typical dosage ranges from 10 to 30 mg per day, with the most experienced users typically taking between 20 and 30 mg. The cycle usually lasts 8 to 14 weeks for male users and 6 to 8 weeks for female users. Ideally, the dose is taken about 30 to 40 minutes before training for optimal physical gains. However, usage & cycling instructions may can vary depending on the user's goals.

Different MK-677 (Ibutamoren) usage cycles for various users: How to take?

Beginners: A beginner's cycle should typically involve lower doses, with a suitable starting point being 10 mg once a day for a moderate 12-week cycle. This is believed to provide significant physical benefits without major health risks or side effects. The dosage remains the same for the first 11 weeks and can be increased in the 12th week.

Experienced users (Conservative): Even experienced users can opt for a conservative and safer approach to avoid severe side effects. A daily dose of 15 mg is considered relatively safe from the extreme side effects. This dosage is maintained consistently throughout a 12 to 14-week cycle.

Experienced bodybuilders with high requirements: For those with higher demands, higher doses are chosen, necessitating a shorter cycle to prevent serious health problems. An 8-week cycle is typically selected, with daily doses between 40 and 50 mg. However, such high doses are often associated with serious side effects.

For muscle rebuilding (Bulking): A daily dose of 30 mg is usually followed for an 8-week cycle to target muscle rebuilding.

For fat burning (Cutting): For those aiming to burn fat, a daily dose of 20 mg is used during the cycle.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) after an Ibutamoren cycle:

Ibutamoren MK-677 is NOT a traditional SARM and not an anabolic steroid, therefore it doesn't cause the same disruptions to the body's hormonal balance and does not mess with other hormones eg. testosterone. As a result, it's generally not recommended to do a post cycle therapy (PCT) after completing an Ibutamoren cycle. In fact, many individuals use Ibutamoren itself as part of their post cycle therapy regimen.

Ibutamoren Stacks

Since Ibutamoren works on increasing HGH levels & not a traditional SARM, it's recommended & can be stacked it with most other anabolic steroids, SARMs or supplements. It can be effectively stacked with :-

Testosterone & similar anabolic steroids (eg. Dianabol, Deca Durabolin) - Combining testosterone and Ibutamoren (for HGH release) can be remarkably beneficial. Steroids such as testosterone enhance the size of muscle fibers, but they do not increase the total count of these fibers. On the other hand, HGH has the unique capability to increase the actual number of muscle fibers in your body. So, Ibutamoren mk-677 can also be stacked with most anabolic steroids, Testosterone boosters and Testosterone boosting SARMS and peptides as well.

Ibutamoren can also be stacked with HGH - Use only HGH on your workout days, which are typically Monday to Friday. Then, on your rest days, which are usually Saturday and Sunday, just take 25mg of MK677 and no HGH.

Other SARMS like Ostarine (MK-2866), Andarine (S4), Ligandrol (LGD-4033) and Cardarine (GW-501516) depending on the body composition goals - The Ibutamoren benefits can be further amplified when Ibutamoren is stacked, or used in combination, with other Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) like Ostarine (MK-2866), Andarine (S4), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), and Cardarine (GW-501516). For example, MK-677 with Cardarine (GW-501516) will be excellent stack for cutting & weight loss.

Each of these SARMs has a unique set of benefits and uses. For example, Ostarine (MK-2866) is used for cutting, bulking, and recomposing (losing body fat and gaining muscle at the same time). It's especially known for its muscle-protecting properties during caloric deficit, which makes it an ideal match for a cutting cycle with Ibutamoren.

Andarine (S4), on the other hand, is known for promoting bone health, lean muscle mass growth, and fat loss. When paired with Ibutamoren, the synergistic effects can lead to even greater muscle gain and fat loss simultaneously.

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is primarily used for bulking as it is excellent at building mass and strength, and when combined with Ibutamoren's growth hormone-enhancing effects, this can result in substantial size and strength gains.

Then we have Cardarine (GW-501516), which is not technically a SARM, but is often grouped with them due to its similar use cases. It's known for its ability to boost stamina and fat loss, making it perfect for cutting cycles. A stack of MK-677 and Cardarine is often used for cutting and weight loss, given Cardarine's effectiveness in fat burning and Ibutamoren's role in muscle preservation and recovery.

Where to buy MK-677 (Ibutamoren) for sale online?

For legal Ibutamoren (GH secretagogue), we recommend HyperGH 14x and crazy bulk's ibuta 677. HyperGH 14x is the perfect legal Ibutamoren GH secretagogue alternative, because of its unique 14 HGH secretagogues ingredients including growth factors from deer antler velvet, Alpha-GPC etc.

For research purposes, you can buy real Ibutamoren online from several companies, following is a list-

Chemyo mk 677

Enhanced Athlete mk677

Swiss Chems mk 677

Savage Line Labs Myo-HGH Ibutamoren

Science Bio mk 677

Peptide sciences mk 677

Wicked labz mk 677

Performance labs mk 677

Liquid mk 677 from StrateLabs

Half wicked steroids mk 677

There is no one best place to buy mk 677, as most online peptides & sarms companies sell it for research purposes, and not for human consumption. However, Chemyo mk 677, Swiss Chems, Savage Line Labs Myo-HGH Ibutamoren and Peptide sciences mk 677 are among the more popular brands. For legal Ibutamoren (GH secretagigue alternative), we recommend HyperGH 14x as the best brand for buying legal ibutamoren online!

Other legal ibutamoren brands worth mentioning are - Ibuta 677 crazy bulk, Brutal Force ibutalean, and Seromax. These are supplements with ingredients that mimic the benefits of real ibutamoren and come without side effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Ibutamoren MK-677 is seen as a promising substance in some fitness circles due to its purported benefits in muscle growth, bone density, and energy enhancement, it's crucial to approach its use with caution. Ibutamoren mesylate is under clinical development by Lumos Pharma and currently in Phase II for treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency while also being explored as potential treatments in HRT & peptide therapy. As of now, the substance is yet to receive FDA approval and is legally categorized as a toxin, with a wide range of potential side effects including increased appetite, anxiety, muscle pain, and negative impacts on bone and glucose metabolism. Without comprehensive human toxicity data or understanding of long-term effects, the true risk-profile of MK-677 remains elusive. Therefore, it is strongly advised to seek professional medical advice before incorporating such substances into any fitness or health regimen.

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