Growth Hormone

Hexarelin

Hexarelin Acetate

The strongest GH secretagogue - with cardioprotective effects

Hexarelin produces the largest GH release of any secretagogue and has unique cardioprotective properties. More potent than ipamorelin but with a less selective profile.

Hexarelin illustration
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Admin routes

Subcutaneous, Intravenous

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Popularity

Medium

Side effects

Generally mild

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AU vendors

0 rated

Key benefits

1Strongest GH release of any secretagogue peptide
2Unique cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor
3Promotes fat loss and muscle growth
4Improves cardiac function independently of GH
5Well-studied safety profile
6Effective at low doses

📈What to expect

1
Week 1–2

Strong GH pulse; improved sleep and recovery

2
Week 2–4

Increased appetite (ghrelin activation); muscle fullness

3
Week 4–6

Peak GH response; body composition changes

4
Week 6–8

GH response begins to attenuate; cycle off

Based on community reports and published research. Individual results vary significantly.

💊Dosing protocols

GH stimulation

Dose

100–200 mcg

Frequency

Once or twice daily

Duration

4–8 weeks (cycle to avoid desensitisation)

Cardioprotection

Dose

100 mcg

Frequency

Once daily

Duration

4–8 week cycles

Dosing information is sourced from published research and community protocols. This is not a recommendation. Consult a healthcare professional.

Research status|Phase 2 clinical trials - extensive preclinical data

Overview

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue that produces the strongest growth hormone release of any peptide in its class. It was one of the first GHRPs studied clinically and remains notable for its unique cardioprotective effects - it binds to cardiac receptors (CD36) independently of its GH-releasing action, providing direct heart protection.

⚙️How it works

Binds to ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptors on pituitary somatotrophs with high affinity, triggering strong GH release. Also binds to CD36 receptors in cardiac tissue, providing cardioprotective effects independent of GH action. Unlike ipamorelin, hexarelin does increase cortisol and prolactin to some degree, and GH response attenuates (desensitises) with prolonged daily use.

Side effects

Increased cortisol levels
moderateCommon
Increased prolactin levels
moderateCommon
Water retention
mildCommon
Increased appetite
mildCommon
GH response desensitisation with continuous use
moderateCommon

📅Research history

1994

Synthesised as an analog of GHRP-6 with enhanced potency

1997

Clinical trials demonstrate strongest GH release of any secretagogue

2000s

Cardioprotective effects via CD36 receptor binding discovered

2010s

Used in research for cardiac ischaemia protection

2020s

Niche use for short GH-boosting cycles and cardiac research

Desensitisation concern

Hexarelin's major limitation is rapid GH-release desensitisation - typically within 4–8 weeks of daily use, the pituitary becomes less responsive. This is more pronounced with hexarelin than ipamorelin. Most protocols cycle it 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off to maintain effectiveness.

Cardioprotective effects

Hexarelin's binding to CD36 receptors in the heart is unique among GH secretagogues. Research has shown it reduces cardiac fibrosis, protects against ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and improves cardiac output - effects that persist even when GH release has desensitised. This makes hexarelin of interest beyond just GH optimisation.

References

  1. [1]Broglio F, et al. 'Effects of acute and prolonged hexarelin administration on GH secretion.' European Journal of Endocrinology, 2002.
  2. [2]Locatelli V, et al. 'Hexarelin and growth hormone releasing substances.' Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 1999.

Frequently asked questions

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The dosing protocols listed are sourced from published research and community reports and do not constitute a recommendation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. Australian regulations classify many peptides as Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances. Check current TGA guidelines before purchasing.