MK-677 (IBUTAMOREN): EFFECTS, BENEFITS, & MORE IN 2024

WHAT IS MK-677?

MK-677 (also known as Ibutamoren, Nutrobal and Oratrope) is an oral Growth Hormone Secretagogue and an agonist of the Ghrelin Receptor. It was developed by Reverse Pharmacology for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, muscle wasting conditions, and osteoporosis.

This is an extremely popular compound used as a replacement for regular HGH injections. It is not as powerful as elevated doses of HGH, but it is way cheaper, rarely faked, and orally bioavailable. This is a versatile PED that can be added to pretty much any cycle, whether you are cutting, bulking, maintaining or just trying to recover from an injury.

Often misinterpreted, MK-677 is NOT a SARM but a secretagogue, similar to a Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) like GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, and Hexarelin. Many just put this chemical under the umbrella class of SARMs as it can be used synergistically with practically any SARM, AAS (Steroid), or other PED (performance enhancing drug) on the market.

BUY MK-677

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BUY MK-677

Click on the link below to buy our recommended MK-677 and save 10% OFF with code ENH10 at checkout!

MK-677 (IBUTAMOREN) HISTORY

In 2017, Ammonett Pharma LLC receives a US patent to proceed with their brand drug Oratrope, a pill-form MK-677 [R].

In 2018, Lumos Pharma acquired the license for Ibutamoren (MK-677) [R]; they then referred to the compound as LUM-201.

Growth Hormone DeficiencIES

MK-677 is currently under investigation for the treatment of human growth hormone, growth hormone deficiency and deficiency and frailty in the elderly [R].

HOW DOES MK-677 WORK?

Growth Hormone Secretagogue

MK-677 works by activating the ghrelin receptor with IGF-1 feedback preventing excess GH production. Increased levels of GH stimulates protein synthesis to accelerate muscle growth and bone density. 

BROSCIENCE TIP

It may be possible to enhance the effects of MK-677 by using Huperzine A. According to some “broscientists”, it can inhibit somatostatin, a hormone that limits both GH levels and growth hormone production, allowing MK-677 to increase GH levels and increase growth hormone levels even more. There is no scientific data to prove that Huperzine A can actually do this, but there are anecdotal reports from people who experienced a noticeable increase in growth hormone levels and the intensity of Ibutamoren’s effects after introducing Huperzine A at 250 micrograms a day (more tips like this can be found in our guide towards the bottom of this page).

MK 677 Ibutamoren mechanism of action

MK677 PROS AND CONS

PROS:

  • VERY ANABOLIC DUE TO IGF-1 INCREASES
  • WILL IMPROVE STRENGTH NOTICEABLY
  • FAT LOSS THROUGH LIPOLYSIS
  • WILL INCREASE BONE DENSITY AND JOINT STRENGTH
  • FASTER RECOVERY
  • INCREASED HUNGER
  • BETTER SLEEP
  • NUTRIENT PARTITIONING
  • COSMETIC BENEFITS: MUSCLES FULLNESS, HAIR, SKIN, & NAILS

CONS:

  • INCREASED FASTING BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS (CAN CAUSE PRE-DIABETES)
  • LETHARGY
  • EXTREME HUNGER
  • TINGLING/NUMBNESS TO EXTREMITIES (HANDS, FEET, ETC)
  • WATER RETENTION
  • HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
  • CARCINOGENESIS EFFECTS ON EXISTING CANCER
  • INCREASED PROLACTIN LEVELS
  • MINIMAL TESTOSTERONE SUPPRESSION

Don’t let this list of cons that’s just as large as the pros discourage you! Keep reading to find out more about them and how you can mitigate the side-effects completely.

MK-677 BENEFITS

While more serious clinical trials and clinical research that is underway with MK-677 benefits and side-effects, we’ve compiled A LOT (thousands) of responses and blood panels from our community to come up with a semi-exhaustive list  for you.

MUSCLE GROWTH

Even though Ibutamoren will increase IGF-1, one of the most anabolic hormones in our bodies, it will not accrue a significant amount of lean muscle mass all on its own [R].

It will, however, provide a new muscle growth pathway that together with SARMs or steroids will maximize your results. Furthermore, Ibutamoren has been proven to be anti-catabolic, so it will help preserve muscle on a caloric deficit [R].
 

STRENGTH AND PERFORMANCE

Ibutamoren is known for increasing water retention, which often helps improve muscle strength. The positive effect of high HGH on the joints and tendons will also help you become stronger and perform better while minimizing the chances of an injury [R].
 

FAT LOSS

Growth Hormone is known for boosting fat loss through lipolysis (mobilization of fat for energy), so you can expect the same to occur with MK-677 [R]. Unfortunately, it will make you hungry, so you may struggle to remain on a calorie deficit.

If you intend to use MK-677 for fat loss, I would suggest taking it before bed at least 3 hours after your last meal, followed by 3-4 hours of fasting after you wake up the next day.

This is because lipolysis can only occur when insulin levels are low, and this is best achieved through fasting. Doing cardio in the morning, during the 3-4 hours of fasting, will significantly increase fat loss.
 

BONE DENSITY & JOINT STRENGTH

Having elevated levels of Growth Hormone will not only make growth hormones strengthen bones, but it will also heal, repair, and strengthen your joints, ligaments and tendons [R].
 
Note that in some instances, the water retention caused by Ibutamoren can be too heavy and it can have a negative impact on the joints, causing them to feel stiff.
 

RECOVERY AND HEALING

Since HGH speeds up muscle tissue healing and regeneration, one can expect faster muscle recovery when taking Ibutamoren [R]. This means you will feel less sore and you will be ready to work out again sooner.
Many people claim that Ibutamoren has fixed chronic pain in some areas of their body, and it will definitely boost the speed at which your body heals itself (whether it be skin damage, skin burns, bone fractures, injured joints, etc…).
 
Ibutamoren can also strengthen the immune system and it has been shown to have antiviral properties which could make it a useful treatment for certain viruses.
 

INCREASED HUNGER

With MK-677, hunger can either be seen as a positive benefit or a detrimental side-effect [R]. If you are bulking up, hunger is always welcome (especially if you are the kind of guy who is never hungry and struggles to eat enough) but if you are on a cut it can make things harder.
Some users report no extra hunger when they take Ibutamoren before bed, so if you want to benefit from the increased hunger, take Ibutamoren first thing in the morning.
 

BETTER SLEEP

The sleep improvement caused by Ibutamoren is one of its best properties. You can expect REM sleep to be deeper and last for longer, and you will almost certainly wake up more refreshed and energized the next morning [R].

According to some people, 6 hours of sleep on Ibutamoren are as effective, refreshing and energizing as 8 hours of normal sleep.

This benefit will also contribute to muscle growth, fat loss, muscle building, and injury recovery.

NUTRIENT PARTITIONING

Ibutamoren will make nutrient partitioning more efficient, meaning that carbs, protein and fat will be used more efficiently [R]. If you are bulking up you will gain less fat than you otherwise would (as long as you control your insulin sensitivity, more on that in the On-Cycle Therapy chapter).
 

COSMETIC BENEFITS

The added water retention will make you look bigger (gains of up to 10lbs of water are possible, but they rapidly fade away after the cycle).
If you are very lean, water retention can fill you out and make your muscles pop but expect to lose some definition if you are on a calorie surplus. On a calorie deficit, the water retention is almost non-existent.
Ibutamoren will also improve the quality and appearance of your hair and skin [R].

MK-677 SIDE-EFFECTS

Unfortunately, MK-677 is not without side-effects and while the list of serious adverse reactions may look as exhaustive as the benefits, most of these side-effects of MK-677 can be mitigated through proper dosing, timing oral administration, food consumption, and supplementation (more on all of this in the On-Cycle Therapy chapter).

INSULIN SENSITIVITY/BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Ibutamoren will increase your blood sugar levels and cause insulin resistance. This side-effect can cause symptoms like lethargy, extreme hunger and tingling/numbness of extremities. It may even lead to Type 2 Diabetes in those who abuse it for months on end and those who have a family history (a genetic propensity) of this condition [R].
 
Fortunately, high blood sugar and insulin resistance can be easily mitigated (More information in the chapter about On-Cycle Therapy).
 

WATER RETENTION

Even though the water retention can be useful when it comes to looking bigger, getting stronger and lubricating your joints, it is an undesired effect for some people [R].
 
Firstly, if you are on a calorie surplus you can expect your muscles to lose definition, almost as if you gained 10lbs of fat in a few days. Your face may also look puffy and bloated.
 
Secondly, if the water retention becomes too heavy (due to taking a very high dose or eating insane amounts of carbs), it can have a negative impact on the joints.
 

 INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE

  If you didn’t know, excessive water retention can cause high blood pressure.

 

LETHARGY

Some users report feeling lethargic throughout the day if they take more than 15mg/day. This can either be due to insulin resistance or due to the compound itself.
 

CANCER

MK-677 will NOT cause cancer. However, if a user already has cancer (whether he is aware of it or not), Ibutamoren will speed up the growth and development of his cancer cells [R].

PROLACTIN & OTHER SIDE-EFFECTS

 PROLACTIN LEVEL INCREASES

Ibutamoren can increase your prolactin levels.
 
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production in females and it can cause gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive in males (More information on how to control Prolactin in the On-Cycle Therapy chapter). Thus, MK-677 erectile dysfunction is a thing if the user let’s prolactin levels increase substantially. [R] [R]
 

 INCREASED HUNGER

The sometimes increased appetite and hunger can be a negative side-effect for those who are trying to lose weight. Fortunately, it can be mitigated by taking the compound before bed instead of taking it in the morning (this does not always work).
 

 EXTREMTY GROWTH

Another possible side-effect of Ibutamoren is growth of hands, feet, nose and other parts of the body, but one would have to take it repeatedly for years on end for that to happen.
 

 ACNE

Acne is also possible but rarely reported. High Prolactin and IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor) can cause it.

 TESTOSTERONE SUPPRESSION

Finally, a rarely discussed but possible side-effect of Ibutamoren is mild testosterone suppression. After all, this compound mimics the hormone ghrelin, a hormone that can decrease testosterone levels. This side-effect was seen in a clinical trial as well, but in my personal experience and judging from all the bloodwork I have reviewed, the testosterone suppression caused by Ibutamoren is very mild and rarely causes any symptoms.
 

HOW TO AVOID & REVERSE SIDE-EFFECTS

Managing the side-effects of MK-677 during a cycle is easier than it seems. Having a clean diet, doing your cardio, avoiding alcohol, and sleeping right will help a lot but some rare possible side-effects like testosterone suppression, acne, and erectile dysfunction do occur.
 
If you are planning to use MK-677 in a cycle and you want to make sure your results are as good as possible while minimizing all side-effects and preventing the nasty side-effects like testosterone suppression, erectile dysfunction, and acne, you need to read THE SARM HANDBOOK by @enhancedinfo.
 
This best-selling eBook by enhancedinfo has truly become the No.1 book about SARMs ever written, with over 7000 copies sold and close to 300 5-star reviews, all for the price of a basic menu at McDonalds. Click on the link below to read it!

MK-677 DOSAGE FOR BODYBUILDING

Bodybuilders use anywhere from 10mg to 30mg a day of MK-677 but the sweetspot that most male users prefer is 20mg a day.

Female users can get amazing results with as little as 10mg a day, and they should never use more than 20mg a day.

HOW TO CYCLE MK-677

The most common MK-677 dose on a cycle consists of 20mg, split twice a day, taken for a total of 12 weeks or one full dose of MK-677 at 20mg taken at night before bed. The shortest MK-677 cycles are usually around 6 weeks (during a PCT) and the longest ones can last for up to 24 weeks. 

MK-677 can be taken anywhere from 6 weeks to 24 weeks at 20mg/day.

We really believe that 20mg a day for 12 weeks is the best approach to using MK-677, since it’s a protocol that allows most people to get amazing results without experiencing seriously nasty side-effects. This allows the user to take it synergistically with a SARM or AAS and finish it with the Post-Cycle Therapy that cycle calls for as well.

MK-677 ON-CYCLE THERAPY

It’s imperative to do your research before administering chemicals like MK-677. While the health benefits outweigh the side-effects in our opinion, there sometimes is a cost to research no matter what you do.

In this section, we’ll discuss many of the side-effects of MK-677 we touched on above and how to mitigate or at least control them.

PREVENTING MK-677 PROLACTIN-INDUCED GYNOCEMASTIA & ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

As we learned above, increased levels of Prolactin can not only cause gynecomastia but also erectile dysfunction in men [R].

We recommend using Vitamin B6 (P5P form) at 100mg before bed every single day of the cycle. Do this even if you think you are not prone to gyno, as this dose of P5P will not have any negative side-effects and will also have a good impact on overall health and will improve sleep quality too. If B6 does not work, try Cabergoline at 0.25mg every 3 days or Pramipexole at 0.125mg a day.

If sexual dysfunction persists, we recommend having Sildenafil (Viagra) on-hand while your prolactin levels start to decrease from the above supplementation. We’d like to note that vasodilators like Sildenafil or Tadalafil also help reduce blood pressure (effective when water retention is occurring); the very thing Tadalafil was designed for (until doctors realized it greatly improved sexual function).

INCREASING INSULIN SENSITIVTY ON MK-677

No one wants to raise their blood sugar levels and for sure no one wants to acquire Type 2 Diabetes. Typically, at-most, only fasted blood sugar levels will be elevated but in case one was predisposed to Type 2 Diabetes or becoming pre-diabetic, we recommend the following protocol for elevated blood pressure first.

The low insulin sensitivity (aka insulin resistance) and high blood sugar levels caused by MK-677 can be mitigated by taking 2 days off every week. For example, you can take MK-677 from Monday to Friday, stay off it during the weekend, and then resuming its use the next Monday. Alternatively, you can do 4 weeks on 1 week off.

If you do not want to take breaks, you can fight this side-effect by supplementing with Berberine (or a more advanced glucose disposal agent) at 300 to 500mg before a carbohydrate-heavy meal.

Alternatively, you can use Ashwagandha (250-500mg 2-3 times a day), Chromium Picolinate (200 micrograms 3 times a day) or Cinnamon Bark (600mg twice a day). Timing these supplements before carb-loaded meals is key for optimal results.

If you are using Ibutamoren on a calorie deficit for the purpose of losing fat, you can do intermittent fasting and/or decrease your carbohydrate intake to achieve better results while also keeping insulin resistance and high blood sugar in check.

MK-677 TL:DR

In a nutshell, we could say that MK-677 is an incredibly effective research chemical that will not only by itself effectively build up lean body mass and muscle mass and improve recovery but synergistically stack with any SARM or AAS to optimize progress even further.

This is an excellent option for those wanting to stack something with their other PEDs and also for experienced, enhanced lifters who simply want to use something during recovery or a bridge between cycles.
 
Take MK-677 2x per day every 12 hours or once per day before bed.

WHERE TO BUY MK-677

If you’ve decided to research with MK-677 and want to find the best MK677 for sale, choosing a reliable company to buy from is crucial, since buying it from a bad company could result in you getting no results or getting horrible side-effects due to being sold something that’s not actually MK-677.

We recommend going with Chemyo MK-677.

All of their SARMs and research chemicals come in 50 ml (milliliter) bottles, which is a full 20 ml more than the industry standard of 30 ml—that’s a 66% increase in the value you’re getting with these products.

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They have been in the game for half a decade and have truly become one of the most reputable and most respected providers for 99.9% pure SARMs and other research chemicals.

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