Peptide Schedule
Hexarelin6 residues (approx.)HAWFKEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.Uses closest standard amino acids for non-standard residues.

Hexarelin

Growth HormoneInjectionResearchGrade B~70 min half-life
GHRPGrowth HormoneGH SecretagogueGhrelin Receptor AgonistCardioprotectiveCD36 Agonist4 weeks on / 4 weeks off

Benefits

Strongest GH pulse of any GHRP
Potent muscle growth and fat loss
Enhances deep sleep when dosed at night
Cardioprotective properties shown in research
Synergistic with GHRH peptides
Half-Life
~70 min
Route
Injection
Frequency
Daily
Vial Sizes
2mg, 5mg
BAC Water
2mL
Safety Grade
Grade B
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About Hexarelin

Hexarelin is the most potent growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) available, producing the largest GH pulse of any secretagogue. It works by mimicking ghrelin at the pituitary and hypothalamus. However, it also significantly raises cortisol and prolactin — more than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 — and is prone to desensitization with continuous use. It's best used in short cycles for maximum GH output, stacked with a GHRH for amplified GH output.

Who Should Consider Hexarelin

  • Adults seeking the most potent GH pulse for short-term body recomposition cycles
  • Individuals interested in peptide-based cardioprotective support (research context)
  • Experienced peptide users comfortable managing cortisol and prolactin elevation
  • Athletes in short recovery-focused phases who can cycle on and off appropriately
  • Researchers studying GHS-R1a and CD36-mediated cardiac signaling pathways

How Hexarelin Works

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) at both the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering the strongest GH pulse of any GHRP. Unlike more selective GHRPs, hexarelin also activates ACTH/cortisol and prolactin pathways. Independently of GH release, hexarelin binds the CD36 scavenger receptor on cardiomyocytes, producing direct cardioprotective effects including reduced fibrosis, preserved cell shortening during ischemia-reperfusion, and regulation of intracellular calcium.

What to Expect

Days 1-3

Initial GH pulse detectable within 30 minutes of first dose. Mild hunger increase and possible facial flushing. Sleep quality may begin to improve with evening dosing.

Week 1

Consistent GH and IGF-1 elevation. Noticeable appetite increase. Mild water retention and potential tingling or numbness at higher doses.

Weeks 2-3

Recovery benefits become apparent. Fat loss and improved sleep solidify. Cortisol and prolactin effects may be noticeable at aggressive doses.

Week 4

Peak GH response before receptor desensitization sets in. Best body composition changes observed. Transition to off-cycle period recommended.

Weeks 5-8
off-cycle

GHS receptor sensitivity resets over 2-4 weeks. Most body composition gains are retained. GH and IGF-1 gradually return toward baseline.

Dosing Protocol

LevelDose / InjectionFrequency
Beginner100mcgDaily
Moderate200mcg2x Daily
Aggressive300mcg2x Daily

Note: Most potent GHRP for raw GH release. Raises cortisol and prolactin more than other GHRPs. Desensitization can occur — cycle 4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. Best on empty stomach.

How to Inject Hexarelin

Inject subcutaneously on an empty stomach (no food 30 minutes before or after). Best timing is before bed to amplify the natural nocturnal GH pulse, or post-workout. For maximum GH output, stack with a GHRH such as CJC-1295 No DAC injected at the same time.

Cycling Protocol

On Period
4 weeks
Off Period
4 weeks

Hexarelin desensitizes GHS receptors with continuous use. Cycle 4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off to maintain GH responsiveness. Some protocols use 5 days on, 2 days off within each on-cycle week.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
1.17h
Bioavailability
SC: estimated 60-70%; Oral: ~0.3%
Tmax
~0.5 hours (GH peak at ~30 min)
Data Confidence
moderate

Source: Human plasma t½ ~55-70 min (Ghigo et al. 1994, PMID 8126144; rat IV t½ 75.9 min, PMID 10611139)

Pharmacokinetics — Active Dose Over Time

Loading the interactive decay curve.

Side Effects

Cortisol and prolactin elevation (higher than other GHRPs). Desensitization with continuous use. Water retention. Intense hunger. Tingling and numbness.

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy or history of cancer (GH and IGF-1 elevation may promote tumor growth)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data in humans)
  • Severe cardiac arrhythmias (requires cardiac monitoring despite cardioprotective research)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes or significant insulin resistance (GH elevation impairs glucose tolerance)
  • Known hypersensitivity to hexarelin or related GH secretagogue peptides
  • Active pituitary tumors or intracranial hypertension

Drug Interactions

  • Exogenous growth hormone (HGH) — concurrent use risks supraphysiological GH levels and amplified side effects
  • Glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) — may blunt GH release and reduce hexarelin efficacy
  • Insulin — combined GH elevation can worsen glucose tolerance; monitor blood sugar closely
  • Somatostatin analogs (octreotide) — directly oppose GH release and will negate hexarelin effects
  • Testosterone and estrogen compounds — may potentiate GH-releasing effects of hexarelin, requiring dose adjustment

Storage & Stability

Before Reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2-8°C, stable up to 12 months
After Reconstitution
Refrigerate, use within 3-4 weeks
Temperature
2-8°C (36-46°F)

Molecular Profile

Amino Acids
6
Molecular Weight
887.04 Da
Sequence
HAWFK
HydrophobicPolarPositiveNegativeSpecialHow we generate these icons

Related Peptides

References

  1. Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin, a new synthetic hexapeptide, after various routes of administration in man (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994)PubMed 8126144
  2. Growth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans: a dose-response study (Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995)PubMed 7957536
  3. Identification and characterization of a new growth hormone-releasing peptide receptor in the heart (Circ Res 1999)PubMed 10532947
  4. Hexarelin treatment preserves myocardial function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction (Am J Transl Res 2018)PubMed 29887943
  5. Kinetics and disposition of hexarelin, a peptidic growth hormone secretagogue, in rats (Drug Metab Dispos 2000)PubMed 10611139

Frequently Asked Questions