GHRP-6 — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide and one of the original growth hormone secretagogues. It stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor and is known for producing the most pronounced hunger response among GHRPs. It also demonstrates gastroprotective and cardioprotective properties independent of GH release.

GHRP-6 activates the GHS-R1a receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering GH release through phospholipase C-mediated calcium signaling. As a ghrelin mimetic, it powerfully stimulates appetite through hypothalamic NPY/AgRP neurons — significantly more than GHRP-2 or Ipamorelin. GHRP-6 also suppresses somatostatin release from the hypothalamus, permitting larger GH pulses. Beyond the GH axis, GHRP-6 has demonstrated direct cardioprotective effects — it reduces infarct size in ischemia-reperfusion models through PI3K/Akt signaling, independent of GH. It also protects gastric mucosa against NSAID-induced damage, suggesting direct cytoprotective signaling through peripheral ghrelin receptors.

• Bowers et al. first characterized GHRP-6 as a potent GH secretagogue in the 1980s, establishing the GHRP class (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism)
• Studies showed GHRP-6 combined with GHRH produces synergistic GH release up to 5x greater than GHRH alone (Neuroendocrinology, 1995)
• Berlanga et al. demonstrated GHRP-6 reduced liver fibrosis in cirrhotic rats by 75% through anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic mechanisms (Liver International, 2007)
• Cardioprotection studies showed GHRP-6 reduced myocardial infarct size by 40% in rat ischemia-reperfusion models (Peptides, 2010)
• Gastroprotective studies demonstrated GHRP-6 prevented NSAID-induced gastric lesions through direct mucosal protective mechanisms
• Research showed GHRP-6 stimulates cortisol and prolactin more than Ipamorelin but less than hexarelin

• Standard dose: 100–300 mcg subcutaneous injection, 2–3 times daily
• Timing: fasted state — upon waking, pre-workout, and before bed
• GH amplification stack: combine with 100 mcg CJC-1295 (no DAC) at each injection for synergistic release
• Saturation dose: ~100 mcg (1 mcg/kg) — higher doses increase appetite and cortisol without proportional GH benefit
• Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
• For appetite stimulation (underweight/recovery): 200–300 mcg 30 minutes before meals
• Wait 15–30 minutes after injection before eating for maximum GH release
• Can be taken sublingually in some preparations, though bioavailability is lower

Known Side Effects

• Intense hunger (the most appetite-stimulating GHRP) — onset within 15–20 minutes of injection, lasting 30–60 minutes
• Cortisol elevation: moderate, transient (higher than Ipamorelin, comparable to GHRP-2)
• Prolactin increase: mild to moderate, transient
• Water retention and bloating, particularly in the first 2 weeks
• Occasional dizziness or flushing immediately post-injection
• Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
• Potential for fat gain if increased appetite is not managed through dietary discipline

Safety Profile

GHRP-6 has a long safety track record from preclinical and clinical research spanning over 30 years. It is generally well-tolerated at standard doses. The intense appetite stimulation is the most notable side effect and can be either beneficial (for underweight individuals) or problematic (for those targeting fat loss). Cortisol and prolactin elevations are transient and return to baseline within 1–2 hours. Long-term use considerations are similar to GHRP-2: monitor IGF-1 levels, blood glucose, and discontinue during active malignancy. Not recommended for diabetics without medical supervision due to GH's anti-insulin effects. Contraindicated in pregnancy. The hunger response may be unmanageable for some users — switching to Ipamorelin is recommended if appetite disruption is problematic.

Week 1: Intense hunger within 20 minutes of each injection — this is the most immediate and obvious effect. Improved sleep quality with pre-bedtime dosing. Mild water retention. Weeks 2–4: Appetite normalizes somewhat (partial desensitization). Recovery from exercise improves noticeably. Skin quality begins to improve. If calories are controlled, initial body composition changes become visible. Weeks 5–8: Clear improvements in lean mass and recovery. Fat loss progresses if diet is managed. Hair and nails grow faster. Sleep quality remains enhanced. Weeks 9–12: Peak body composition benefits. IGF-1 levels typically elevated 20–50%. Cycling off allows the GH axis to resensitize for subsequent courses.

Prices sourced from peptides.gg marketplace. Prices may vary.