In this MK-677 review, we will investigate what MK-677 did to me, my experiences, and whether I suffered from any side-effects.
MK-677 Review: What is MK-677
Before we get into the MK-677 review, lets take a look at what it is from our article on MK-677.
Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, is a non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptors and a growth hormone secretagogue. In simple terms, this means that Ibutamoren mimics the growth-hormone stimulating effects of the hormone ghrelin.
The Ibutamoren molecule (C27H36N4O5S)
Although Ibutamoren is not a SARM, it is commonly used in SARM stacks and its effects are similar to those of SARMs; namely, muscle growth and increased bone density, as well as other potentially beneficial effects, which we’ll examine below. Despite this, like most SARMs, Ibutamoren is not currently approved to be marketed for human consumption. Ibutamoren and SARMs can, however, be sold as research chemicals – ‘not for consumption’ – and so this allows users loophole access to them.
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At present, there are only a handful of clinical studies of growth hormone secretagogues like Ibutamoren. We will consider the clinical evidence for its effects and benefits.
How it Works
Ibutamoren works by promoting the secretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), both of which, broadly considered, stimulate processes of growth within the body, including muscle mass and strength increases, as well as reductions in body fat [R] [R]. Ibutamoren does this by mimicking the effects of ghrelin and binding to the ghrelin receptors in the brain, which are found in regions of the brain that control appetite, mood, the ‘biological clock’, memory and cognition.
Ghrelin, produced in the gut, is often referred to as the ‘hunger hormone’ because it regulates appetite, signalling your brain to eat. Its levels increase when you are dieting, increasing your feelings of appetite. Although ghrelin’s main effect is to make you consume more calories and store fat, it has a variety of other effects including regulating sleep patterns, reward-seeking behaviour, taste and metabolism of carbohydrates.
As you would expect, like ghrelin Ibutamoren stimulates appetite. It also increases growth hormone levels with little to no increase in other hormones such as cortisol, the body’s ‘stress hormone’ [R] [R]. Elevated cortisol levels, especially chronically elevated levels, are usually a bad thing and are linked, among other things, to fat gain, cognitive impairment and reduced immune function.
Why It’s Used
Ibutamoren is used by atheletes and physique competitors to stimulate muscle growth, as a result of increased growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, which we have already seen are responsible for growth processes in the body, including muscle growth.
At least one study has already confirmed that Ibutamoren is a powerful way of increasing lean muscle mass and stimulating metabolic processes. In a study of 24 obese young men, the 12 who were administered Ibutamoren for two months experienced significant increases in fat-free mass and an increase in basal metabolic rate. [R]
Other studies have shown that Ibutamoren could help reduce muscle wastage as a result of food deprivation, and, in a study of over 100 elderly subjects who had experienced hip fractures, Ibutamoren increased muscular power and strength, as well as helping to reduce the number of falls the subjects experienced [R] [R].
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Benefits
As with SARMs like Ostarine, Ibutamoren also increases bone density; however, the effect seems to take longer to manifest itself, mainly because Ibutamoren increases bone turnover. [R] [R] At first, Ibutamoren may actually decrease bone density, but over a longer period of time, at least 12 months, the drug increases bone density. Ibutamoren has been shown to increase bone density in obese young men (the study mentioned above) and in elderly adults and post-menopausal women. [R] [R]
In time, with further clinical trials, these effects should be substantiated in greater detail. In addition, like a number of SARMs, Ibutamoren appears to have a range of beneficial effects beyond muscular and bone development.
A Potential Nootropic?
One of the other beneficial effects of Ibutamoren, as you might expect of a drug that simulates the effects of ghrelin, is improved sleep quality. A small study showed that Ibutamoren improved sleep quality and duration of REM sleep in both young and elderly subjects. [R] There is significant anecdotal evidence for Ibutamoren’s beneficial effects for sleep.
‘All i can say is WOW from the first night i slept the deep sleep normally you get only on Z-drugs or hynotic Benzo’s (which i have been prescribed in the past due to sleep problems) but unlike those there is no suppresion of REM and no morning grogginess. This is shown on the sleep tracker results, unfortunately i did not do a control period before (more later) so can’t give an exact figure.’ [R].
Other potential beneficial effects include nootropic – i.e. cognitive – effects, both because of improved sleep quality and because IGF-1 has important roles to play in cognition and memory, and effects related to general longevity. Both growth hormone and IGF-1 levels are associated with longevity. [R]
Medicinal Properties?
Whether Ibutamoren has the potential to treat chronic illnesses or even fatal illnesses, as some SARMs appear to do, remains fully to be seen. Growth hormone deficiency, also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, results in abnormally short stature, albeit with normal body proportions. One study has already shown that Ibutamoren had beneficial effects on children with growth hormone deficiency, without negative effects on other hormones or blood glucose. [R]
Beyond treatment for growth hormone deficiency, it is unclear whether the range of potential applications will be as great as for SARMs. The broader range of potential applications for SARMs in the treatment of disease is an exciting development of recent years. The SARM RAD 140, or Testolone, which was developed specifically as an alternative to TRT for men with hypogonadism, is now being investigated for its potential applications in the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer.[R]
MK-677 Review: Background
I had just come off an LGD-4033 and GW-501516 cycle and looked to preserve some of my hard-earned gains acquired.
I was aware that MK-677 was increasingly used as an alternative to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and boasted a host of benefits aside from preserving gains.
Rats Army — an online company that specializes in flavored SARMs — stocked flavored MK-677, which I decided to try.
I came in with the intention of retaining my muscle mass, strength, and preventing any post-cycle weight gain.
I wasn’t disappointed.
MK-677 Review: What it Did
It is usually advised to take MK-677 for cycles of 12-24 weeks. However, as I took MK-677 as a stopgap between cycles to preserve as much muscle mass as possible, and I am under time constraints for personal reasons, the time between cycles is at an absolute minimum of 8 weeks, making it an exceptionally short MK-677 review.
The effects I experienced included:
- improved sleep quality
- fast growing nails and hair
- muscular retention
- constant energy
- zero fogginess
- improved skin quality
- strength retention
MK-677 Review: Side Effects
During this MK-677 review, I did not experience any of the oft-cited side effects suffered by some users.
Some of these side effects include tingling in extremities, Carpal tunnel, and elevated blood sugar.
Others report a voracious appetite as MK-677 is a ghrelin receptor agonist, meaning that the hormone responsible for signaling hunger is piqued.
I would deliberately take MK-677 before bed to avoid potential hunger pangs.
Apart from slight tingling in my forehead after the first few doses, I would feel improved wellbeing throughout the cycle.
MK-677 doesn’t suppress testosterone levels and a PCT isn’t necessary.
MK-677 Review: Conclusions
This isn’t a compound for everyone. If you’re looking for something to help you build muscle, you would be better off choosing SARMs instead.
Some people stack MK-677 with compounds such as YK-11, RAD-140, LGD-4033, etc, to help improve appetite and sleep quality when bulking.
MK-677 can help with lipolysis if you can handle the increased appetite.
Sleep quality improves tremendously with vivid dreams every night without fail. My hair, skin, and nails were all in great shape throughout this short cycle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this product as it enabled me to keep a lot of gains I had made on cycle as well as improved my general wellbeing while I carried out a PCT.
