MK-677: Best Telehealth Providers for Muscle Growth & Athletic Performance (2026)
An oral growth hormone secretagogue that mimics the action of ghrelin, stimulating growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Unlike injectable peptides, MK-677 is taken orally and has a long half-life.
Reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, PharmDPharmDMK-677 at a Glance
Category
Muscle Growth & Athletic Performance
Administration
Oral capsule
Telehealth Providers
6 compared
Price Range
$50 – $180/mo
Typical Dose
10-25mg
Frequency
Once daily (oral)
Protocol Duration
3-6 months
Prescription
Required
Research highlight: Clinical studies demonstrate MK-677 produces sustained IGF-1 increases of 30-90% from baseline over 12-month use, with dramatically improved deep sleep as one of the most consistent early benefits.
What is MK-677 Used For?
Also known as: Ibutamoren
- Growth hormone elevation
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased lean mass
- Bone density support
How MK-677 Works
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin by binding the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) in the hypothalamus and pituitary. This triggers a robust, sustained elevation in GH and downstream IGF-1 levels. Unlike injectable GH secretagogues, MK-677 is active for 24 hours after a single oral dose, making it uniquely convenient. It significantly increases GH pulse amplitude and frequency without suppressing the body's feedback loop.
MK-677Dosing & Administration
| Typical Dose | 10-25mg |
| Frequency | Once daily (oral) |
| Protocol Duration | 3-6 months |
| Route | Oral capsule |
Note: Take before bed on empty stomach
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Your prescribing physician will determine the appropriate dose based on your medical history and treatment goals.
What to Expect from MK-677
Dramatically improved deep sleep and vivid dreams are typically reported within the first 1–2 weeks and are among the most consistent benefits. Increased appetite and water retention are also noticed early. Body composition improvements (lean mass gain, gradual fat loss) become apparent at 8–12 weeks. Clinical studies show sustained IGF-1 increases of 30–90% from baseline over 12-month use.
Who Should Consider MK-677?
- Those seeking improved sleep quality and deep sleep
- Lean mass gain and body composition improvement
- Bone density support
- Anti-aging and longevity optimization (oral convenience)
MK-677 Side Effects
- Increased appetite (can be pronounced)
- Water retention and mild bloating
- Fatigue or lethargy (especially during daytime dosing)
- Mild blood glucose elevation (IGF-1 can reduce insulin sensitivity)
- Tingling or numbness in extremities (carpal tunnel-like)
- Vivid dreams (usually not unpleasant)
This is not a complete list of side effects. Always consult your prescribing physician before starting MK-677.
6 Telehealth Providers Offering MK-677
Sorted by lowest price. All providers require a prescription from a licensed physician.
| Provider | Price | Dose | Rating | Consultation | Lab Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amino Asylum United States | $50/one-time | 60 capsules | 3.8/5 | Async Telehealth | Not included |
| Defy Medical Tampa, FL | $120/monthly | 25mg/day oral | 4.1/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
| Hone Health Pittsburgh, PA | $149/monthly | 25mg/day oral | 4.0/5 | Async Telehealth | Included |
| Maximus Los Angeles, CA | $149/monthly | 25mg/day oral | 4.0/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
| Evolve Telemed San Diego, CA | $150/monthly | 25mg/day oral | 4.0/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
| TruLife Health Scottsdale, AZ | $180/monthly | 25mg/day oral | 4.1/5 | Video Telehealth | Included |
How to Choose the Best Telehealth Provider for Growth Hormone Peptides
Growth hormone optimization requires accurate diagnosis, careful dosing, and lab monitoring. These are the criteria that matter most.
Baseline Lab Requirements
IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and a metabolic panel should be checked before starting any GH peptide protocol. Providers who skip labs cannot properly assess response or monitor safety.
Protocol Customization
GH peptides vary widely in mechanism (GHRH analogs, GH secretagogues, direct GH stimulators). The best providers select based on your specific goals — body recomposition, sleep, anti-aging, or performance.
Stacking Knowledge
GHRH analogs (CJC-1295, sermorelin) and GH secretagogues (ipamorelin, GHRP-2) work synergistically. Providers experienced with peptide stacking can design protocols that amplify results through complementary mechanisms.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
GH elevation can reduce insulin sensitivity over time. Responsible providers monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c at baseline and periodically, especially in pre-diabetic patients or those on MK-677.
Dosing Titration
Growth hormone peptides should start low and titrate based on lab response (IGF-1 levels) and side effects. Providers who prescribe a fixed dose without follow-up labs are not optimizing your protocol.
Clear Cycle Planning
Most GH peptide protocols run 3–6 months before reassessment. Look for providers with structured cycle plans, including when to re-test labs, when to adjust, and when to cycle off.
Frequently Asked Questions About MK-677
Is MK-677 a SARM?
No. MK-677 is often grouped with SARMs but is technically a growth hormone secretagogue — it has no affinity for androgen receptors and does not have androgenic effects. It works exclusively through the ghrelin/GH axis. It is not a controlled substance in the US, though it is prohibited by WADA.
When should MK-677 be taken?
Most protocols use MK-677 before bed to leverage the increase in appetite (minimized during sleep), maximize the nocturnal GH pulse it amplifies, and benefit from improved deep sleep. Some users split the dose, taking half at night and half in the morning, to manage appetite more evenly.
How long can MK-677 be used?
Clinical trials have studied MK-677 for up to 24 months continuously. Most telehealth protocols run 3–6 months, followed by labs (IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c) and a break. Long-term use requires monitoring of blood glucose, as sustained IGF-1 elevation can modestly impair insulin sensitivity.
Does MK-677 suppress testosterone?
No. MK-677 works through the GH/IGF-1 axis and has no effect on the HPG axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) that controls testosterone production. It does not cause hormonal suppression and does not require post-cycle therapy (PCT).
MK-677 Alternatives for Muscle Growth & Athletic Performance
Compare other muscle growth & athletic performance peptides available through telehealth.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
A combination of a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog (CJC-1295) and a growth hormone secretagogue (Ipamorelin). Together they stimulate natural growth hormone production without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin.
GHRP-2
A synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates pituitary growth hormone secretion by binding ghrelin receptors. Produces strong, pulsatile GH release without significantly raising cortisol. Often stacked with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 for synergistic effect.
GHRP-6
One of the original synthetic growth hormone secretagogues. Similar to GHRP-2 but with a pronounced ghrelin-mimicking appetite-stimulating effect. Favored by those looking to increase caloric intake alongside growth hormone optimization.
IGF-1 LR3
A long-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with an arginine substitution that reduces binding to IGF-binding proteins, extending its half-life. IGF-1 is the primary downstream mediator of growth hormone's anabolic effects.
Sermorelin
A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone naturally. Often used as a gentler alternative to direct HGH therapy.
Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved growth hormone-releasing factor analog originally indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Increasingly used off-label for body composition optimization and visceral fat reduction.