The potent older-generation GHRP — bigger GH pulse than ipamorelin, but with cortisol and prolactin elevations that have pushed most users to cleaner alternatives.
Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide of the GHRP family (growth hormone releasing peptides). It activates the ghrelin receptor to trigger GH release, with higher potency than ipamorelin — but with the trade-off of meaningful cortisol and prolactin elevation at clinical doses.
Developed in the 1990s and extensively studied through the early 2000s. The clinical program was shelved largely because selective GHRPs (especially ipamorelin) offered most of the GH-pulse benefit with a much cleaner side effect profile.
Not FDA approved. WADA prohibited (S2). Available as a research chemical.
Hexarelin binds the GHS receptor more strongly than ipamorelin, producing a larger GH pulse per dose. The raw GH/IGF-1 numbers in early human trials were impressive.
Unlike ipamorelin, hexarelin activates the HPA axis enough to raise cortisol and prolactin at clinical doses. This is the main reason it fell out of favor for chronic use.
Separately from GH pulse, hexarelin has been studied for direct cardioprotective effects in animal models of ischemia. Independent of GH, not relevant to typical body-composition use.
Hexarelin’s higher potency comes with receptor tachyphylaxis. The 6-week dog study (PMID 10474131) showed the GH response actually primes up through week 3 before declining by week 6, with the downregulation being specific to hexarelin while GHRH response was largely preserved. The popular “4 weeks on” cycle is a reasonable middle ground, but the mechanism is more nuanced than a simple rapid shutdown at 4 weeks.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| GH elevation | Larger GH pulse than ipamorelin at equivalent doses in clinical trials |
| Cardioprotection (animal) | Reduced infarct size and improved ventricular function in rodent ischemia models — independent of GH pathway |
| Body composition | Lean mass gains + fat loss in short-term trials — similar magnitude to other GHRPs, not superior despite higher potency |
| Sleep quality | Pre-bed dose can improve slow-wave sleep, but the cortisol component may blunt the benefit for stress-sensitive users |
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDo not run continuously. Hexarelin desensitizes its own receptor faster than other GHRPs.
Ipamorelin (cleaner side effects, no tachyphylaxis issues) and CJC-1295+Ipamorelin (synergistic pulse) have largely replaced hexarelin in community protocols. It’s mostly used now by experienced users who specifically want the bigger per-dose GH pulse and accept the cortisol/prolactin cost.
2 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL = 1000 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.10 mL | 10 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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Hexarelin is a research peptide not approved by the FDA for human use. It is sold only as a research chemical, and StackTrax does not endorse or facilitate personal use.
Quality varies enormously among research-chemical suppliers. At minimum, look for:
StackTrax’s preferred partner NextGen Peptides does not currently carry Hexarelinin their catalog, which is why you don’t see a direct purchase link here. Other major research-chemical suppliers carry it; we don’t specifically recommend one for this compound.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
Before using any compound mentioned here, consult a qualified healthcare provider. StackTrax does not sell, prescribe, or recommend these substances for personal use.
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