Growth hormone secretagogue
Hexarelin
One of the strongest growth-hormone secretagogues in its class, studied mostly for hormone release and, in animals, for heart effects.
What it is
Hexarelin is a synthetic six-amino-acid ghrelin-receptor agonist developed for growth-hormone research. It produces a large, short growth-hormone pulse and, unusually for this family, has been studied in animal models of cardiac injury. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is prohibited in sport.
How it works
- 1
Activates the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary, triggering growth-hormone release.
- 2
Produces one of the strongest growth-hormone responses of the secretagogue family in comparative studies.
- 3
Also binds CD36 in cardiac tissue in laboratory models, which is the basis of claims about heart protection.
- 4
Raises IGF-1 secondarily with repeated use.
- 5
Tolerance to the growth-hormone response has been observed with continuous dosing.
What it's studied for
Reported and studied effects
- A rapid growth-hormone pulse
- Raised IGF-1 with repeated use
- Cardiac signalling effects in laboratory models
- Fluid retention and joint stiffness
Research protocol notes
Research context onlyResearch context only — no approved protocol exists. Human studies used single microgram-per-kilogram doses to characterise growth-hormone release. Community schedules of 100–200 micrograms once or twice daily for limited cycles come from forums, not trials, and the peptide is prohibited in sport.
These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.
Possible side effects and contraindications
Safety profile
Possible side effects
- Headache, flushing and dizziness
- Water retention and joint aches
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Possible prolactin rise
- Desensitisation of the GH response with sustained use
Contraindications and cautions
- Cancer history or active malignancy
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood
- Heart failure or arrhythmia without specialist supervision
- Prohibited in competitive sport
A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.
Evidence assessment
Small human studies document growth-hormone release; the cardiac and body-composition claims rest on animal or laboratory work, and it has no regulatory approval.
References
- 01Hexarelin growth hormone release — PubMed search
- 02Hexarelin and cardiac CD36 signalling — PubMed search
- 03World Anti-Doping Agency — Prohibited List
References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.
Related
Related peptides
Other entries in Growth hormone secretagogue.
Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295
A modified growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue whose albumin binding gives it an unusually long action. Studied in small human trials; not an approved medicine.
Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin blend
The classic growth-hormone stack in one vial: a GHRH fragment with a secretagogue, unapproved and prohibited in sport.
Growth hormone secretagogue
CJC-1295 (no DAC) / mod GRF 1-29
The short-acting sister of CJC-1295: a GHRH fragment that produces brief growth-hormone pulses instead of sustained elevation.