Full MK 677 review: Benefits, dosage and cycle length

MK 677, also known as Ibutamoren, has gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes due to its effect on growth hormone levels and IGF-1.

In this guide, we will review this interesting compound and provide answers to many common questions about Ibutamoren.

What is MK 677?

Some people mistake MK677 for a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator). In reality, it’s actually not a SARM, but a Growth Hormone secretagogue. Unlike SARMs, which target the androgen receptors much in the same way as anabolic steroids, Ibutamoren influences the levels of human growth hormone and IGF-1.

It does this by mimicking the hormone ghrelin in the brain. You may have heard about this hormone because it is a key chemical in hunger. 

Recently, a number of products that work in a similar fashion have surfaced on the market, including Growth-Hormone-Releasing-Peptide-6 and Hexarelin. 

One of the benefits of MK-677, compared to other growth hormone releasing substances, is that it doesn’t affect cortisol levels.

This is a huge advantage, because cortisol increases fat storage, anxiety and blood pressure. Ibutamoren does not have any of these unwanted effects.

Another unique property of Ibutamoren is that it is the only orally active Growth Hormone secretagogue.

How does Ibutamoren work?

At this point, we should first address the fact that Ibutamoren is a ghrelin receptor agonist and as a result, a human growth hormone (HGH) releaser.

The SARM Ibutamoren MK-677 works by imitating the hormone ghrelin in the organism (and more specifically in the human brain).

Ghrelin is one of the most essential hormones in the human organism – and it is broadly known as the “hunger hormone“.

Ghrelin also plays an important role in relation to the production of another very important hormone.

This is the human growth hormone (HGH).

MK-677 benefits

The benefits of MK-677 include muscle-building, reduced muscle wasting, better bone density, improved sleep, and anti-aging properties. It may also have nootropic effects and it can be beneficial in treating growth hormone deficiencies. Read on for a more in-depth look at these benefits. 

Helps build muscle

Ibutamoren is frequently used as an anabolic substance to increase lean body mass. It is the only Growth Hormone secretagogue that is orally active.

Growth hormone stimulates muscle size and strength, and Ibutamoren has proven to effectively stimulate the secretion of GH as well as IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor).

Reduces muscle wasting

Recent studies have shown that MK-677 can help reduce muscle wasting even when following a low protein diet. In one study, a group of healthy young adults were tested to determine whether MK-677 could reverse protein catabolism, and the results showed promising signs. As a result, MK-677 is theorized to be a possible effective treatment for individuals who suffer from catabolic conditions.

Improves sleep

Another reason that bodybuilders love MK 677, is because it drastically improves your sleep quality. In fact, in one study researchers noted that MK-677 administration led to a 20% increase in REM sleep, and 50% increase in stage IV deep sleep.

The deep sleep phase is where recovery takes place and as we all know, recovery is essential in maintaining muscle mass.

No suppression of testosterone

Since Ibutamoren does not affect the androgen receptors, it doesn’t cause any suppression of testosterone. This means that there is no need for PCT after a cycle of MK-677.

MK 677 side effects

Now that we have covered the benefits of this compound, it is time to discuss the MK 677 side effects. While Ibutamoren doesn’t suppress testosterone, there are potential side effects that may arise from the use of MK-677.

Some of the possible side effects that have been reported include:

• Water retention
• Increased hunger
• Reduced insulin sensitivity (rare)
• Headaches (rare)

Water retention

Water retention is a common side effect of MK 677. However, it’s not a problem for most people. Those who experience it, mainly do so during the first week of their cycle. Drinking more water can prevent or significantly reduce this side effect.

If you experience water retention in your legs, feet or hands, increase your water intake. In most cases, the water retention will go away in a couple of days. However, if it doesn’t, don’t worry, as this side effect is usually harmless and will disappear once your cycle is over.

Increased hunger

An increase in appetite or hunger is a common effect of MK 677, which can be either beneficial or undesirable depending on the intended goal.

If you want to prevent this effect as much as possible, take the dosage before going to sleep. When an increased appetite is desired by you, take the dosage in the morning. This effect wears off in a few weeks into the cycle anyway.

You should notice an increase in hunger in the first week or two. But some people don’t even experience this, we are all different so not everyone experiences this but most people do.

Reduced insulin sensitivity

Some people report that their insulin sensitivity got reduced on their MK 677 cycle. Very few people report this, but still, some do. This could be a problem for type 2 diabetes patients.

The good news is that clinical trials have researched this by measuring blood glucose levels. It turns out that MK 677 doesn’t actually change blood glucose levels at all, proving that Ibutamoren won’t reduce insulin sensitivity.

It is possible that the few that reported this, actually had a bunk product. This goes to show the importance of purchasing from a reliable source such as HQSARMS.

MK 677 Dosage and cycle length

Ibutamoren is used in dosages ranging from 10mg to 50mg per day.

Research has shown that 10mg is as effective as 50mg for GH production, but IGF-1 levels are dose-dependent.

Most users find that a daily dose of 25mg of MK-677 provides the greatest benefits with minimal side effects.

When to take MK 677

The half-life of Ibutamoren is 24 hours, according to recent studies. This means that it can be taken in a single dose once a day, roughly at the same time. If you want to know “when to take MK677 during the day“, there are several options.

Some people take their dosage in the morning, others prefer the evening. When you take your dose in the morning, you can benefit from the fact that it will increase hunger, which means that you can gain weight faster. If you take it in the evening, you can prevent being hungry and instead get amazing sleep. As we all now, it is during sleep that recovery takes place.

It is also possible to split the dosage and take half of it in the morning and the other half in the evening.

Ibutamoren cycle length

A typical cycle for MK677 lasts between 8 and 16 weeks. Some users prefer to take it for much longer: Ibutamoren cycles up to 6 months are not uncommon. There are actually good reasons to take it for an extended period of time.

While the increase in growth hormone levels is pretty much instant and remains stable over time, IGF-1 levels take a while to build up. This basically means that the longer you take Ibutamoren, the more effective it is.

During clinical trials the participants where given 25 mg daily for a period of 2 years.

Week	MK-677 dosage
1 – 8	25mg/day

How long does it take to work?

You may experience a significant increase in appetite during the first week of taking Ibutamoren, which some people describe as extreme hunger. By the second week, you should notice an improvement in your sleep quality.

The anabolic effects of MK-677 take at least four weeks to manifest in muscle mass or strength, and become more apparent with prolonged use.

Stacking MK 677

To maximize its benefits, ibutamoren is often stacked with other SARMs and related compounds.

For those looking to cut, MK-677 can be effectively stacked with Cardarine or Stenabolic. Cardarine is a PPAR delta agonist that stimulates the body’s metabolism, while Stenabolic is a Rev-ErbA agonist that regulates circadian rhythm and metabolism. Together with MK-677, these compounds can help to burn fat and improve endurance during physical activity.

On the other hand, for those looking to bulk up, a stack that combines MK-677 with LGD-4033 and RAD-140 is highly recommended. This combination can help to increase muscle mass and strength, while also improving recovery time and reducing inflammation.

For more information, read our blog post: Stacking SARMs: The ultimate guide.

Frequently asked questions