Growth

Hexarelin

Hexapeptide · GHS-R agonist · 6 amino acids

FDA · CATEGORY 2 (2023)

Half-life

~1 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Preclinical only

Risk

Moderate

Overview

Known for

The STRONGEST growth hormone releasing peptide. Most potent GH release of all GHRPs. Also has cardioprotective properties. But significantly increases cortisol and prolactin. Desensitises quickly (4-6 weeks).

Mechanism

Most potent GHRP for GH release. Also has direct cardiac protective effects (independent of GH). BUT raises cortisol/prolactin and desensitizes quickly.

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Secondary
Supply & nature
SecretagogueSecretagogue
FDA category
Category 2 (2023)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Preclinical only
Risk level
Moderate
Best studies
5 references
  • Ghigo et al. (1994) JCEM 78(3):693-8 — Potent GH release characterization
  • Deghenghi et al. (1994) Life Sci 54:1321-28
  • NOT FDA APPROVED
  • Known for desensitization after 4-6 weeks continuous use
  • Significant prolactin elevation documented

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
100-200mcg
Research range
100–200 µg
Cycle
4 weeks on / 4 weeks off
Onset
10 days first effects
Full effect
35 days
Half-life
~1h
~1 hour
Protocol

100-200mcg per injection, 1-2x daily. Lower doses than other GHRPs due to potency.

Time to effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks

FULL: 4-6 weeks (then desensitisation)

Week 1: Strong GH pulse felt — tingling, flushing, hunger. More noticeable than milder GHRPs.

Week 2-4: Rapid improvements in recovery and body composition. Strongest GHRP effect.

Week 4-6: ⚠️ Desensitisation begins. Effects plateau and diminish. Must cycle off for 4+ weeks.

This is a sprint, not a marathon. Use for 4-6 week bursts then switch to Ipamorelin or take a break.

Recommended vial
  • 2mg vials

At 200mcg/day, 2mg = 10 days ✓. Must cycle 4 wks on/off — smaller vials align with cycles. 10mg = 50 days ⚠️ exceeds shelf life AND cycle length.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Cortisol elevation (significant), prolactin elevation (significant), hunger, flushing, water retention, numbness/tingling

Interactions

Somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists

Handle with research caution

  • Do NOT combine with exogenous HGH
  • Do NOT combine with other GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6) — Hexarelin is already the strongest, stacking = excessive cortisol/prolactin
  • Monitor prolactin levels — may require management

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C

Videos & talks

Independent educational content from researchers, clinicians and science communicators — not affiliated with Pepnerd.

Educational resources only. Videos are independent third-party content. Pepnerd is not affiliated with these creators and does not endorse or make claims based on their content. All products are for in-vitro research.