Hexarelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP), specifically a hexapeptide, designed to stimulate the body’s natural release of growth hormone (GH). Structurally similar to GHRP-6 but more potent and longer-lasting, Hexarelin binds to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) and promotes significant GH secretion without increasing appetite—unlike some other GHRPs.
Hexarelin has been studied for its potential benefits in muscle growth, fat loss, enhanced recovery, improved sleep quality, and cardiovascular health. Unlike anabolic steroids, it doesn’t directly introduce hormones into the body but rather amplifies the body’s own hormonal production.
Due to its strong GH-releasing properties and minimal desensitization over time, Hexarelin is favored in research environments and among performance enhancement circles. However, it is not FDA-approved for medical use and is typically sold for research purposes only.
Hexarelin Dosage
Hexarelin dosage typically varies depending on the goal—whether for research, recovery, anti-aging, or muscle-building purposes. As a potent growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP), even small doses can yield significant GH spikes, so conservative use is advised.
Common Dosage Range
- Typical dose: 100–200 mcg per injection
- Frequency: 1–2 times per day (morning and/or post-workout)
- Cycle length: 4–12 weeks, followed by a break to avoid desensitization
Dosing Guidelines by Use Case
Goal | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Anti-aging | 100 mcg | Once daily (AM) | Low dose, long-term use |
Muscle growth | 100–200 mcg | 2x daily | Combine with clean diet + training |
Injury recovery | 200 mcg | 1–2x daily | May aid in tissue repair |
Fat loss | 100–150 mcg | AM, fasted state | Can support GH-induced lipolysis |
Important Considerations
- Desensitization risk: Long-term daily use can reduce effectiveness. Cycling is recommended (e.g., 8 weeks on, 4 off).
- No increased effect beyond 200 mcg/dose: GH release plateaus at higher doses.
- Stacking: Often combined with other peptides like CJC-1295 (no DAC) or Ipamorelin for synergistic GH release.
Safety & Side Effects
- Monitor for water retention, tingling in extremities, and elevated prolactin/cortisol.
- Not FDA-approved for human use. Sold for research purposes only.
Hexarelin Before and After
Before Using Hexarelin
- Baseline Growth Hormone Levels: Normal to slightly declining, especially with age.
- Recovery & Healing: Slower recovery from workouts, injuries, or general fatigue.
- Body Composition: Stable or increasing body fat, slower muscle gains.
- Sleep Quality: Average to poor—light sleep, frequent waking.
- Libido/Testosterone: May be suboptimal in aging individuals.
- Energy & Mood: Lower motivation or endurance, especially post-30s.
After Using Hexarelin (Typical Anecdotal Reports, 4–12 Weeks)
1. Increased Growth Hormone Levels
- Lab-tested users often show a spike in GH and IGF-1 levels.
- Leads to improved protein synthesis and fat metabolism.
2. Improved Muscle Growth & Recovery
- Faster recovery between workouts.
- Mild lean muscle gains (especially when stacked with other peptides).
3. Fat Loss
- Reduced subcutaneous fat, especially with diet/exercise.
- Most notable around the abdomen and flanks.
4. Better Sleep
- Deeper, more restful sleep.
- Enhanced REM cycles and fewer disturbances.
5. Joint & Tissue Healing
- Anecdotal reports of reduced joint pain and faster tendon recovery.
- Supported by limited animal studies showing cardioprotective effects.
6. No Appetite Spike
- Unlike GHRP-6, Hexarelin does not cause ghrelin-related hunger surges.
Potential Side Effects
- Water retention
- Numbness or tingling (carpal tunnel–like symptoms)
- Desensitization with prolonged use (receptors can downregulate)
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation with high doses or long-term use
Clinical Data?
Small human trials have shown:
- Cardioprotective benefits (e.g., improved left ventricular function)
- Increased GH secretion without tumor-promoting risks in the short term
But again, this is not a medically approved substance, and long-term safety is unknown.
Bottom line: If you’re considering Hexarelin for performance or anti-aging, the “after” effects can look impressive—but they’re based mostly on non-clinical evidence. Use should always be approached cautiously, ideally under medical or research supervision.
Research Confirmed Effects
1. Hexarelin in Heart Protection
Hexarelin has shown cardioprotective effects in rat models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury achieved through binding to growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and receptor CD36. Treatment with hexarelin showed improvements in cardiac systolic function, a decreased level of malondialdehyde (a marker for oxidative stress), and a greater number of surviving cardiomyocytes compared to those treated with saline. The beneficial effects of hexarelin treatment were also shown to be slightly superior to those of equimolar ghrelin treatment.
Another study focused on the impact of hexarelin on male ghrelin-knockout mice after myocardial infarction, providing further evidence of its cardioprotective properties. Hexarelin significantly reduced the mortality rate within 2 weeks compared to a control group, and improved various cardiac function parameters, such as ejection fraction and peak rates of pressure rise and decline. This effect on cardiac function, along with reduced heart cell death, was achieved by binding to GHSR and preventing apoptosis. Moreover, hexarelin treatment was also here shown to be more effective than ghrelin treatment in terms of heart function improvements.
In a study investigating its therapeutic role, rats with CAL-induced heart failure were treated with subcutaneous injections of hexarelin or saline. The results showed that hexarelin treatment significantly improved LV function, reduced oxidative stress, and ameliorated myocardial remodeling.
In both mouse and rat models of heart disease a study examining its impact on myocardial infarction (MI), hexarelin treatment resulted in improved left ventricular function, reduced cardiac fibrosis, and a decrease in interstitial collagen deposition. This cardioprotective effect was also observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), where hexarelin treatment reduced left ventricular hypertrophy, improved cardiac function, and lowered blood pressure. The mechanism behind these benefits appears to be related to hexarelin’s ability to modulate the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and its impact on collagen synthesis and degradation.
Hexarelin’s effects on cardiac function and fibrosis are accompanied by a shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system activity, leading to lower heart rates and reduced blood pressure. This shift helps reduce myocardial remodeling and supports overall cardiac health.
2. Hexarelin and Its Cardioprotective Effects in Diabetic Rats
Thus hexarelin has demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in various models of heart disease, whereas in one study, it was shown to improve cardiomyocyte function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This improvement was achieved by reversing changes in cardiomyocyte contraction and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transients, which are commonly disrupted in diabetic conditions. Additionally, hexarelin treatment corrected the abnormal action potential duration and transient outward potassium current (Ito) density seen in diabetic cardiomyocytes. The treatment was also associated with antiapoptotic changes, with upregulated GHSR expression and altered expression of apoptosis-related proteins, such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and caspase-9. This suggests that hexarelin may hold therapeutic potential for managing cardiac dysfunction in diabetic patients.
3. Hexarelin and Improved Fat Measures
Hexarelin seems to haveo potential also in improving lipid metabolic aberrations in nonobese insulin-resistant male mice. In a study mice were given twice-daily intraperitoneal injections of hexarelin for 12 days, resulting in notable improvements in glucose and insulin tolerance, alongside decreased plasma and liver triglycerides. These benefits are thought to be connected to hexarelin’s ability to enhance adipocyte differentiation and improve lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue. Although hexarelin-treated mice exhibited increased food intake, it did not affect their total body weight. In fact, hexarelin treatment was associated with decreased fat mass and increased lean mass, suggesting that it corrected the abnormal body composition often linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
4. Hexarelin and Muscle Protection
Furthermore, the peptide has been found to protect skeletal muscle from mitochondrial damage in rat models of cisplatin-induced cachexia, a common side effect of cancer chemotherapy. Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle atrophy, and cisplatin treatment can cause a decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis, mass, and fusion index, along with increased oxidative stress. Studies showed that hexarelin could reverse these detrimental effects by antagonizing chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. This suggests that targeting mitochondrial health might be an effective strategy to mitigate muscle wasting in cachexia.
In addition to its impact on mitochondria, hexarelin has also demonstrated beneficial effects in preventing dysregulation of skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis in rat models. This dysregulation contributes to muscle atrophy and is associated with altered calcium signaling pathways. Cisplatin-treated rats displayed reduced muscle weight, smaller fiber diameter, increased intracellular calcium levels, and decreased calcium transients. Hexarelin treatments helped normalize calcium homeostasis, preserving muscle function and reducing atrophic indicators.
Lucas Turner –
Noticeable increase in strength and lean mass. Great GH stimulator.
Sofia Rivera –
Worked faster than I expected. Sleep and recovery both improved
Adam Barnes –
Using this for GH pulse study—consistent spikes and well tolerated
Nicole Perry –
Felt tighter, more defined within 10 days. Will cycle again
Jacob Flores –
One of the most effective secretagogues I’ve used. Good sleep quality boost too