Hexarelin — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and one of the most potent GHRPs, producing the largest GH release of any peptide in its class. It acts through the ghrelin receptor and also exhibits significant cardioprotective properties independent of GH release. However, it is prone to desensitization with continuous use.

Hexarelin binds the GHS-R1a receptor with higher affinity than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, producing the most robust GH release in the GHRP family. Peak GH levels after hexarelin administration can reach 50–120 ng/mL in healthy subjects. Beyond the pituitary, hexarelin has direct cardiac effects — it binds to CD36 receptors on cardiomyocytes, activating PPARγ-dependent pathways that reduce cardiac fibrosis, improve contractility, and protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. This cardiac effect is independent of GH and persists even when GHS-R1a is blocked. Hexarelin also increases cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH more than other GHRPs, making it the least 'selective' secretagogue. Notably, hexarelin is prone to tachyphylaxis — GH response diminishes significantly after 4–8 weeks of continuous use, making cycling essential.

• Studies show hexarelin produces the highest peak GH levels of any GHRP — up to 120 ng/mL in young healthy subjects (European Journal of Endocrinology, 1996)
• Broglio et al. demonstrated hexarelin's cardioprotective effects are mediated through CD36 receptors, independent of GH release (Endocrine, 2001)
• Clinical research showed hexarelin reduced cardiac fibrosis markers and improved ejection fraction in patients with cardiac dysfunction
• Desensitization studies confirmed GH response decreases by 50–60% after 8 weeks of continuous dosing (Clinical Endocrinology, 1997)
• Animal studies demonstrated hexarelin reduced infarct size by 40–60% in cardiac ischemia models
• Research in GH-deficient adults showed hexarelin effectively discriminated between pituitary and hypothalamic causes of GHD

• Standard dose: 100–200 mcg subcutaneous injection, 1–2 times daily
• Cardioprotective protocol: 100 mcg twice daily for 4 weeks, then 4 weeks off
• GH stimulation: 200 mcg pre-bedtime for enhanced nocturnal GH pulse
• Diagnostic use: 1 mcg/kg IV for GH reserve testing
• Cycle strictly: 4–8 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off due to desensitization
• Combine with CJC-1295 (no DAC) for synergistic GH release during active phase
• Avoid doses above 200 mcg — cortisol and prolactin elevation increases without proportional GH benefit

Known Side Effects

• Cortisol elevation: the highest among GHRPs — transient but significant, especially at doses >200 mcg
• Prolactin increase: more pronounced than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6
• Water retention and facial puffiness, especially in the first 2 weeks
• Increased appetite (less than GHRP-6 but more than Ipamorelin)
• Desensitization of GH response with continuous use beyond 4–8 weeks
• Tingling, flushing, and dizziness post-injection
• Injection site irritation

Safety Profile

Hexarelin has been studied in clinical trials and is well-tolerated at standard doses for short-term use. Its main limitation is rapid desensitization — the GH-releasing effect diminishes with continuous use, necessitating strict cycling. The more pronounced cortisol and prolactin elevations compared to other GHRPs make it a less popular choice for long-term protocols. Its cardioprotective effects, however, make it uniquely valuable for individuals with cardiac concerns. Contraindications: active malignancy, uncontrolled diabetes, prolactinoma, pregnancy. Monitor cortisol and prolactin levels during use. Safe for intermittent use with proper cycling.

Week 1: Strong GH response — improved sleep quality, vivid dreams. Water retention begins. Hunger may increase. Weeks 2–4: Peak GH response period. Body composition improvements begin — increased lean mass, improved recovery. Skin quality improves. Weeks 5–8: GH response begins to diminish (desensitization). Cardioprotective benefits continue. This is when many users choose to cycle off. After cycling off for 4–8 weeks, full GH responsiveness returns for subsequent cycles.

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