Hexarelin
Hexarelin (Examorelin)
Research Parameters
- Typical Dose Range
- 100 mcg, 2 to 3 times daily (research standard). Cycles typically capped at 4 to 6 weeks due to receptor desensitization.
- Half-Life
- ~70 minutes
- Administration Route
- Subcutaneous, Intranasal
Dosing information is for research purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA.
Hexarelin is the biggest GH-release peptide in the research toolkit. If Ipamorelin is the clean, daily-use option, Hexarelin is the heavy-hitter for short, aggressive protocols. It produces the largest GH pulse of any peptide in the ghrelin-mimetic class. That potency is the draw, but it comes with tradeoffs Ipamorelin doesn't have. Hexarelin spikes cortisol and prolactin alongside the GH release.
There's a second reason Hexarelin keeps showing up in research: the cardioprotective findings. Multiple studies suggest it acts directly on heart tissue independent of GH signaling, which has made it a research topic far beyond body composition. That's unusual for a peptide in this class.
For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Hexarelin is a hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic. It binds the GHS-R1a receptor more aggressively than selective alternatives, which explains both the larger GH pulse and the side effect profile. A secondary receptor target (CD36) is thought to underlie the cardioprotective effects observed in research independent of GH signaling. Research protocols cap cycles at 4 to 6 weeks to avoid receptor desensitization.
Citations
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hexarelin used for in research?
Research focuses on maximum GH release, cardioprotective effects, and body composition endpoints. It's the most potent GH secretagogue in the ghrelin-mimetic class. For research purposes only.
- How does Hexarelin compare to Ipamorelin?
Hexarelin produces a larger GH pulse but also elevates cortisol and prolactin; Ipamorelin is cleaner but weaker. Researchers pick Hexarelin for short, high-intensity cycles and Ipamorelin for sustained protocols. For research purposes only.
- Why are Hexarelin cycles typically short?
Research shows receptor desensitization develops faster with Hexarelin than with selective secretagogues, which is why protocols typically cap at 4 to 6 weeks before a washout. For research purposes only.