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Hexarelin

The strongest growth hormone-releasing peptide for serious muscle and recovery goals. Hexarelin is one of the most potent GHRPs (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides), producing strong GH pulses through the ghrelin receptor. More potent than GHRP-6 but with greater effects on cortisol and prolactin. Often used in research for its powerful GH-releasing properties.

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🧬Key Characteristics
  • Length: 6 amino acids
    (Hexapeptide structure.)
  • Potency: Very high
    (Among the strongest GHRPs available.)
  • Half-life: ~15-30 minutes
    (Short duration, multiple daily doses.)
  • Desensitization: Can occur
    (May need cycling to maintain response.)
Peptide sequence
His-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂
Similar structure to GHRP-6 but with D-2-Nal (D-2-naphthylalanine) replacing D-Trp, which increases potency but also cortisol/prolactin effects.
Key takeaway: Hexarelin produces the strongest GH release among common GHRPs but with more side effects. Desensitization can occur with extended use. Best for short-term use or cycling. Less selective than Ipamorelin.

Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Potent GH release
One of the strongest GHRPs for stimulating growth hormone pulses.
Muscle growth
Strong anabolic signaling for muscle development.
Fat mobilization
May enhance lipolysis and body composition.
Recovery
Supports faster recovery from intense training.
Cardiac effects
Some research suggests potential cardiovascular benefits.
Short-term use
Best used in cycles to prevent receptor desensitization.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

Hexarelin Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Strong GH pulse, increased muscle pump
Performance & Recovery
Noticeably improved sleep, faster recovery
Other Benefits
Most potent GHRP; some appetite increase, possible cortisol elevation
2
Week 3–4
Physical Changes
Visible muscle fullness, early fat mobilization
Performance & Recovery
Enhanced workout recovery, strength improvements
Other Benefits
Cardioprotective effects (unique to Hexarelin)
3
Week 5–6
Physical Changes
Peak body composition changes for cycle
Performance & Recovery
Maintained recovery benefits
Other Benefits
Receptor desensitization may begin; monitor response
4
Post-Cycle
Physical Changes
Gains maintained with proper training
Performance & Recovery
Recovery returns to baseline
Other Benefits
4-6 week cycles recommended due to desensitization; take equal time off

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

How It Works

GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide) — Strongest GHRP

Receptor → GH Secretion → Systemic Effects → Outcomes

🎯
Target

GHS-R1a (Ghrelin Receptor) — Maximum Activation

Hexarelin is the most potent GHRP available, producing the strongest GH release per dose. It activates the ghrelin receptor more intensely than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, but this maximum stimulation comes with a key limitation: rapid receptor desensitization.

Cellular Signal

Maximum IP3/DAG Activation → Peak GH Output

The intense ghrelin receptor activation produces the highest GH spikes of any GHRP. However, the aggressive stimulation causes GHRH receptors to downregulate faster than with milder GHRPs. This is why Hexarelin cycles must be kept short (4-8 weeks max).

🔄
Systemic Effect

Peak GH/IGF-1 → Rapid but Time-Limited Results

The high GH output produces strong IGF-1 elevation and robust anabolic effects, but diminishing returns set in faster than other GHRPs. Hexarelin also has notable cardioprotective properties — it binds CD36 receptors on cardiac tissue, potentially protecting against ischemic damage.

What You Notice

Strong Initial Effects → Diminishing Over Weeks

Pronounced effects on sleep, recovery, and body composition in the first 2-4 weeks. Effects typically plateau or diminish by weeks 4-6 due to desensitization. Best used in short, intense cycles with adequate off-time between cycles.

What Makes This Peptide Different

Hexarelin is the most potent but shortest-cycle GHRP. While Ipamorelin can be run for extended periods with minimal desensitization, Hexarelin's aggressive receptor activation causes diminishing returns after 4-6 weeks. It also has unique cardioprotective properties via CD36 receptor binding — a mechanism not shared by other GHRPs.

GHRP Comparison — Selectivity vs Potency

PeptideHalf-LifeGH PatternWhat's Unique
Ipamorelin~2 hoursSelective GH pulseMost selective — long cycles, minimal desensitization
GHRP-2~15-30 minStrong GH pulsePotent — moderate desensitization over time
GHRP-6~15-20 minStrong GH pulseStrong hunger — ideal for bulking phases
Hexarelin~70 minStrongest GH pulseMost potent — short cycles only (4-8 weeks), cardioprotective

Dosing Protocol

Growth Hormone

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
5 mg
Reconstitution
2.5 ml BAC water
Dose
100-300 mcg per injection
Timing
1-3x daily (AM, post-workout, and/or PM)
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Duration
4-8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Protocol Notes
Most potent GHRP but causes more desensitization. Limit cycles to 4 weeks for best results. Start at lower end of dose range.

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why shorter cycles (4-8 weeks)? Hexarelin's intense receptor activation causes desensitization faster than other GHRPs. Limiting cycles to 4-8 weeks with extended off-periods preserves receptor sensitivity for future use.

Why lower doses (100-200 mcg)? Hexarelin is potent enough that higher doses don't proportionally increase GH release but do accelerate desensitization. Conservative dosing extends the effective window.

Hexarelin Pricing

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Reconstitution calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Educational Videos

How to Reconstitute Peptides

Handling

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder Storage (Very Stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted Storage (Fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

Storage & Handling Guide

Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

FAQ

How potent is Hexarelin compared to other GHRPs?

Hexarelin is considered one of the most potent GHRPs for stimulating GH release. However, this potency comes with stronger effects on cortisol and prolactin compared to milder options like Ipamorelin. It may also cause desensitization with prolonged use.

What is Hexarelin and how does it work?

Hexarelin is a synthetic growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It works by binding to ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a), mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin. It's a 6-amino acid peptide and one of the strongest GHRPs available.

Does Hexarelin cause desensitization?

Yes, Hexarelin can cause receptor desensitization with prolonged continuous use, reducing its effectiveness over time. This is more pronounced than with other GHRPs like Ipamorelin. Many protocols recommend cycling (e.g., 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off) or using lower doses to minimize desensitization.

What are the side effects of Hexarelin?

Common side effects include water retention, increased appetite, tingling/numbness in extremities, and elevated cortisol and prolactin levels. The cortisol and prolactin effects are more pronounced than with Ipamorelin. Some users experience lethargy, headaches, or vivid dreams. Most effects are dose-dependent.

What is the typical Hexarelin dosage?

Research dosages typically range from 100-300 mcg per injection, administered 1-3 times daily on a 5 days on, 2 days off schedule (8 weeks on, 8 weeks off). Due to its potency, many start at the lower end. Shorter cycles (4-8 weeks) may be preferred due to desensitization concerns.

Can Hexarelin be stacked with other peptides?

Yes, Hexarelin is commonly stacked with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 for synergistic GH release. The combination amplifies the GH pulse more than either alone. It's not typically stacked with other GHRPs since they work on the same receptor. Some use it in rotation with milder GHRPs.

Does Hexarelin have cardioprotective effects?

Research suggests Hexarelin may have cardioprotective properties independent of GH release. Studies show it can protect heart cells from ischemia and may improve cardiac function. These effects appear to be mediated through cardiac ghrelin receptors (GHS-R1a) rather than GH elevation.

How does Hexarelin affect hunger?

Hexarelin increases appetite by activating ghrelin receptors, though typically less intensely than GHRP-6. The hunger effect usually occurs 20-30 minutes post-injection and subsides within a few hours. This can be beneficial for bulking phases but may be unwanted during cutting.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

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