The short answer
MK-677 (ibutamoren) is an orally-active growth-hormone secretagogue — it signals your body to release more of its own growth hormone and IGF-1, without injections. It's used for muscle recovery, sleep quality and appetite at 10–25 mg once daily, typically before bed, in cycles of 8–16 weeks. Technically MK-677 is not a peptide and not a SARM — it's a non-peptide GH secretagogue, though it's often grouped with peptides. It's not FDA-approved and is sold for research.
Key takeaways
- Common dose: 10–25 mg/day, oral, once daily (long half-life means once-a-day works).
- Beginners: often start 10–12.5 mg to manage appetite and water retention.
- Timing: commonly before bed to align the GH pulse with sleep.
- Not a SARM, not a steroid — a growth-hormone secretagogue.
- Status: not FDA-approved; banned by WADA. Not medical advice.
What is MK-677 (ibutamoren)?
MK-677, also called ibutamoren, is a compound that mimics the hormone ghrelin and stimulates the pituitary to release more growth hormone (GH) and, downstream, IGF-1. Unlike injectable GH peptides, it's orally active and has a long half-life, so a single daily dose sustains elevated GH signaling. It's popular for recovery, sleep, body composition and appetite — but it's frequently misclassified, so let's be precise: it is not a peptide, not a SARM, and not a steroid. It's a non-peptide growth-hormone secretagogue.
MK-677 dosage
Commonly reported dosing is 10–25 mg once per day. Because the half-life covers a full day, splitting the dose isn't necessary. Most people start low and adjust based on appetite and water retention rather than chasing a higher number.
| User | Common daily dose | Timing | Typical cycle |
|---|
| Beginner | 10–12.5 mg | Before bed | 8–12 weeks |
| Standard | 15–25 mg | Before bed or AM | 8–16 weeks |
Ranges commonly reported in community and research contexts. MK-677 is not FDA-approved — educational only, not medical advice.
How to take MK-677 (and when)
MK-677 comes as capsules or a liquid; both are taken orally. Before bed is the most common timing because GH naturally pulses during sleep and dosing at night aligns with that — plus it lets you sleep through the initial appetite bump. If you find night-time hunger or vivid dreams disruptive, switching to the morning works just as well thanks to the long half-life.
MK-677 benefits
- Recovery & lean mass — elevated GH/IGF-1 supports muscle recovery and, over longer cycles, lean gains.
- Sleep quality — many users report deeper sleep, one of the most consistent anecdotal effects.
- Appetite — it increases hunger (helpful for bulking, a downside when cutting).
- Skin, hair & nails — commonly reported secondary benefits of higher GH.
MK-677 side effects
- Increased appetite — the most universal effect.
- Water retention / mild bloating — dose-dependent, often eases over time.
- Lethargy or vivid dreams — especially early on.
- Numb/tingling hands and possible effects on insulin sensitivity/blood sugar at higher doses — monitor if relevant to you.
MK-677 cycle length
Cycles commonly run 8–16 weeks. Because it's not suppressive the way hormones can be, some users run it longer, but breaks are sensible given limited long-term data and its effects on blood sugar and water balance.
Medical disclaimer. Educational only, not medical advice. MK-677 is not FDA-approved for human use; dosages are ranges reported in research and community practice, not recommendations. It can affect blood sugar and fluid balance — consult a licensed provider before use. MK-677 is prohibited by WADA.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good MK-677 dosage for beginners?
Most beginners start at 10–12.5 mg once daily and assess tolerance for a couple of weeks. Higher doses mainly increase appetite and water retention rather than results.
Should you take MK-677 in the morning or at night?
Either works because the half-life covers a full day. Many take it before bed to align the GH pulse with sleep; switch to morning if night-time hunger or vivid dreams are an issue.
Is MK-677 a SARM?
No. It's often sold alongside SARMs, but MK-677 is a growth-hormone secretagogue with a different mechanism — it doesn't act on androgen receptors.
How much MK-677 should I take per day?
Commonly 10–25 mg once daily. Start low, and note that more mainly increases side effects like appetite and water retention.
How long should an MK-677 cycle last?
Typically 8–16 weeks, then a break. Limited long-term data and its effects on blood sugar make cycling sensible.
Is MK-677 legal and banned in sport?
It's not FDA-approved and is sold for research only. It's also banned by WADA, so it's prohibited for tested athletes.
