Hexarelin
INVESTIGATIONALMost potent growth hormone releasing peptide
By the INFOPEPTIDOS editorial team · content based on scientific literature.
Updated: August 2026.
Key points
- What it is: the most potent growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP).
- Main use: intense GH stimulation and recovery; cardiac research.
- Typical dose: 100 mcg, 1–3 times a day, subcutaneous injection.
- Key result: the largest GH peak of the GHRPs, but with fast desensitization.
- Common effects: fluid retention, drowsiness and, at high doses, a rise in prolactin.
- Comparison: more potent than GHRP-2/6 and Ipamorelin, but used in short cycles.
- Status: not FDA-approved.
Technical data: Molecular formula C47H58N12O6 · Molecular weight 887.0 g/mol. Source: PubChem.
Overview
What is hexarelin?
Hexarelin is the most potent of the growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs). It triggers the largest GH peak of the group, but the body develops tolerance (desensitization) relatively quickly, so it is usually used in short cycles. It is also researched for possible cardioprotective effects.
Key benefits
Very intense GH stimulation for recovery and body composition in short cycles. Unlike other GHRPs, it has a specific research line on cardiac-tissue protection.
Mechanism of action
It strongly activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R), triggering a large GH pulse. Its potency also accelerates receptor desensitization, which limits the effective cycle length.
Quick start guide
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 100–300 mcg | 1–3 times/day (SC) | 8–12 weeks |
Subcutaneous route, often fasted. The specific dose must be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Reconstitution: units in the syringe
Example with a 5 mg vial + 2 ml of bacteriostatic water → a 2.5 mg/ml solution. On a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
| Dose | Volume | Units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.04 ml | 4 U |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 ml | 8 U |
Is your vial or water different? Calculate the exact units below.
🧮 Calculate your exact syringe dose →Hexarelin vs Ipamorelin
| Hexarelin | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| GH potency | Very high | Moderate |
| Desensitization | Fast | Slow |
| Cortisol/prolactin effect | Mild to moderate | Minimal |
| Typical use | Short cycles | Continuous use |
⚠️ Who should NOT use it
- People with active cancer — raising GH/IGF-1 is discouraged.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- People with diabetes — monitor glucose.
- Always under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
What to expect
- Week 1-2: strong GH response, better sleep and recovery.
- Week 2-4: body-composition improvements.
- Week 4-6: possible desensitization; a break is advisable.
- After the break: sensitivity recovers for a new cycle.
- Side effects: fluid retention, drowsiness, prolactin at high doses.
- Most effective for: intense GH boosts in short cycles.
Side effects & safety
- Increased appetite after injection.
- Mild fluid retention.
- Drowsiness; useful before bed.
- Slight rise in prolactin or cortisol at high doses.
- Tingling or numbness in the hands.
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or swelling.
- Signs of infection at the injection site.
- Severe numbness or tingling (carpal tunnel).
- Persistent thirst or high glucose.
- If you are pregnant or have active cancer.
Frequently asked questions
What is hexarelin?
It is the most potent growth hormone releasing peptide; it triggers a large GH peak.
Why is it used in short cycles?
Because its potency accelerates receptor desensitization, which reduces the effect with continuous use.
What is the hexarelin dose?
Typically 100 mcg, 1-3 times a day, subcutaneously. The regimen is set by a professional.
How does it differ from Ipamorelin?
Hexarelin is much more potent but desensitizes quickly; Ipamorelin is milder and more sustainable.
What are the side effects?
Fluid retention, drowsiness and, at high doses, a rise in prolactin.
Is hexarelin approved?
It is not FDA-approved for human use.
Research areas
- GH stimulation
- Recovery
- Body composition
- Cardiac protection (research)
- Short GH cycles
Related peptides
- GHRP-2 — Balanced, more sustainable GHRP.
- Ipamorelin — Selective, mild GHRP.
- CJC-1295 — GHRH analog to combine.
Related articles
Related topics
- Hexarelin and GH
- Hexarelin dose
- Hexarelin vs ipamorelin
- Hexarelin desensitization
- Hexarelin heart
- Hexarelin cycle
Summary
What it is: The most potent GHRP.
How it is researched: Subcutaneous, 100 mcg, 1-3 times a day.
Key features: Large GH peak; fast desensitization. Not FDA-approved.
Related peptides: GHRP-2, Ipamorelin and CJC-1295.
References
- Guan C et al. (2023). Hexarelin alleviates apoptosis on ischemic acute kidney injury via MDM2/p53 pathway. Eur J Med Res. PubMed · DOI
- Mao Y et al. (2014). The cardiovascular action of hexarelin. J Geriatr Cardiol. PubMed · DOI
- Jiang B et al. (2022). Hexarelin attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by inhibiting SMC phenotype switch and inflammasome activation. Microvasc Res. PubMed · DOI
- Agbo E et al. (2019). Hexarelin protects cardiac H9C2 cells from angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy via the regulation of autophagy. Pharmazie. PubMed · DOI
Studies compiled from PubMed for informational purposes; many are preclinical or research-stage and do not constitute medical advice.