Hexarelin
100 mcg · 2-3×/day
Robert
Founder, F*CK Getting Old — independent researcher, not a medical professional.
Last reviewed · 3 cited sources
Evidence
- Human Studies
- 15
- Animal Studies
- 25
- Clinical Status
- Research
- Confidence
- Low
- Long-Term Safety
- Limited — most human data comes from short-duration pharmacology studies, not long-term supplementation
What this score is: a measure of how much research exists and how far along it is (animal-only vs. human trials, research-stage vs. FDA approved) — not how safe, effective, or worth trying a compound is. A low score usually means “early stage” or “understudied,” not “bad.” A high score doesn’t mean “better” for your goals than a lower-scored one.
This is not my personal rating of the compound, not a recommendation, and not medical advice. It’s a general research synthesis for informational purposes only, not a live literature count. See the linked research and talk to a licensed clinician before making decisions based on it.
Mechanism
Hexarelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) and one of the most potent ghrelin-receptor agonists studied, with some evidence of direct cardioprotective effects independent of GH release. It also has a notably higher effect on cortisol and prolactin than newer GHRPs like ipamorelin, and receptor desensitization with continued use is well documented.
Common Protocols
- 100 mcg subcutaneous, 2-3x daily, often cycled (e.g. weeks on/off) to limit desensitization
Side Effects
- Significant increase in cortisol and prolactin versus other GHRPs
- Water retention
- Increased hunger
- Injection site reaction
Interactions
- Combining with other GH secretagogues compounds both GH and cortisol/prolactin effects
Practical Details
- Cost
- $$
- Typical Vial Size
- 5 mg
- Storage
- Refrigerate after reconstitution
Key Studies & Reviews
- Maccario M et al. (2002). Impact of two or three daily subcutaneous injections of hexarelin on 24-h GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol secretion in humans. Eur J Endocrinol. PMID 11888836.
- Bisi G et al. (1999). Acute cardiovascular and hormonal effects of GH and hexarelin in humans. J Endocrinol Invest. PMID 10342360.
- Ghigo E et al. (1997). Growth hormone-releasing peptides. Eur J Endocrinol. PMID 9186261.
Search the Research
Hexarelin FAQ
What is the typical Hexarelin dosage?
Commonly reported protocols: 100 mcg subcutaneous, 2-3x daily, often cycled (e.g. weeks on/off) to limit desensitization. Our reference entry uses 100 mcg, 2-3×/day. These reflect protocols reported in research and user communities, not a medical recommendation — dosing should be decided with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Hexarelin?
Reported side effects include: Significant increase in cortisol and prolactin versus other GHRPs; Water retention; Increased hunger; Injection site reaction.
Is Hexarelin FDA approved?
Hexarelin is not FDA approved for human use and is generally sold as a research chemical, so purity and dosing are not regulated.
How much research is there on Hexarelin?
Our evidence profile counts roughly 15 human and 25 animal studies, with low overall confidence. Long-term safety: Limited — most human data comes from short-duration pharmacology studies, not long-term supplementation.
Does Hexarelin interact with other drugs or supplements?
Combining with other GH secretagogues compounds both GH and cortisol/prolactin effects.
How do I reconstitute Hexarelin?
A common setup is a 5 mg vial mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, which puts a 100 mcg dose at about 4 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Use the reconstitution calculator with your own vial and dose to get exact numbers. Storage: Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Related compounds
Potent GH secretagogue; strong desensitization with prolonged use