CalcMyPeptide
Growth HormoneAlso known as: Examorelin

Hexarelin

Hexarelin (Examorelin) is arguably the most potent synthetic Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRP) ever developed. Clinically unique among GHRPs, it exhibits profound cardioprotective properties, mitigating left ventricular dysfunction and ischemic injury independent of Growth Hormone release. While it forces an immense, immediate GH spike—often superseding even GHRP-2—it is notorious for rapid receptor desensitization, meaning cycles must be strictly capped at 4 to 6 weeks before efficacy plummets.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: Moderate1 peer-reviewed citation

Quick Stats

Half-Life~60-120 minutes
Dose Range100-200 mcg/injection
Frequency1-2× daily
Vial Sizes2 mg, 5 mg
Bioavailability~100% (subcutaneous)
Year Developed1990

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight
1024.18 g/mol
CAS Number
PubChem ID
Developer
Europeptides / Romano Deghenghi

Mechanism of Action

Hexarelin is the most potent ghrelin receptor agonist in the GHRP family, producing the strongest GH release pulse. However, it is also the most non-selective, causing significant elevations in cortisol and prolactin. Uniquely, Hexarelin has documented cardioprotective properties — it directly protects cardiac tissue through mechanisms independent of GH release.

The major limitation of Hexarelin is desensitization: continuous use beyond approximately 4 weeks leads to diminishing GH response as receptors downregulate. This necessitates cycling protocols.

Source: PMID: 12165110

Background & History

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GHRP developed by Europeptides (France) in the 1990s. It is the most potent GHRP known, producing the largest GH pulses of any peptide in its class. Uniquely, Hexarelin also independently stimulates the release of cortisol and prolactin more than any other GHRP and shows cardiovascular cardioprotective properties independent of GH — binding to cardiac CD36 receptors to reduce ischemic damage. This dual GH+cardiac mechanism is the subject of ongoing research.

Research Use Cases

  • Maximum-potency GH stimulation for short-term anabolic cycles
  • Cardiovascular protection and post-infarction cardiac repair (independent of GH)
  • Evaluation of pituitary GH reserve (diagnostic)

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose100-200 mcg/injection
Frequency1-2× daily
Half-Life~70 minutes
Common Vial Sizes2 mg, 5 mg

Dosing Protocols

Standard Protocol (4-week cycle)

Dose
100 - 200 mcg
Frequency
1-2× daily
Note: Cycle off after 4 weeks to prevent receptor desensitization. 2-4 week break required.

Body-Weight Dosing Reference

Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 100200 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

WeightLowTargetHigh
120 lb(54 kg)77 mcg116 mcg154 mcg
140 lb(63 kg)90 mcg135 mcg180 mcg
160 lb(73 kg)104 mcg156 mcg209 mcg
180 lb(82 kg)117 mcg176 mcg234 mcg
200 lb(91 kg)130 mcg195 mcg260 mcg
220 lb(100 kg)143 mcg214 mcg286 mcg
250 lb(113 kg)161 mcg242 mcg323 mcg

💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the Hexarelin Reconstitution Calculator →

Administration

Route
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
Inject fasted. Pre-bed dose is most popular for cardioprotective and GH benefits.
Fasting Required?
Yes — inject on an empty stomach

Expected Timeline

Week 1-4
Strongest GH pulse of any GHRP. Rapid body composition improvements in this window.
After Week 4
Desensitization begins. Results plateau. Begin off-cycle rest period.

Who Is It For?

Short-Burst GH Maximization

High

Most potent GHRP GH pulse in brief 4-week cycles before desensitization.

Cardiac Health

Moderate

Documented cardioprotective effects independent of GH release via CD36 receptor.

Reconstitution Example

Vial
2 mg
Water
2 mL
Concentration
1 mg/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
10 mcg
Dose of 100 mcg = 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

Safety & Considerations

Research peptide. Subject to receptor desensitization — cycle 4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. Significantly elevates cortisol and prolactin. Has cardioprotective properties independent of GH.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Prohibited (S2)

Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping controls should not use Hexarelin.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Interactions & Contraindications

Significant cortisol and prolactin elevation with chronic use. Desensitizes GHS-R1a faster than other GHRPs — limit continuous use to 4 weeks. Contraindicated in prolactin-sensitive conditions (e.g., prolactinoma). Not for use during active cancer treatment.

Synergies & Common Stacks

+ CJC-1295 no DAC

Produces the highest combined GH release of any GHRH+GHRP combination. Reserve for aggressive short-term protocols due to desensitization risk.

Dosing Quick Reference

Hexarelin— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
100-200 mcg/injection
Half-Life
~70 minutes
Frequency
1-2× daily
Route
Subcutaneous
2 mg vial5 mg vial
💧 2 mL BAC water📐 1 mg/mL concentration💉 10 mcg/unit (100u syringe)
Growth Hormonecalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Hexarelin cause desensitization?
Hexarelin's high potency leads to ghrelin receptor downregulation after approximately 4 weeks of continuous use. To maintain effectiveness, cycle 4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off.
What is the Hexarelin dose?
100-200 mcg per injection, 1-2 times daily on an empty stomach. Due to desensitization, limit cycles to 4 weeks.

References

  1. Deghenghi et al. "Hexarelin, a new GH-releasing peptide".” Life Sciences (1994). PMID: 8164528

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