Growth Hormone

Hexarelin

Examorelin

Potent GHS-R1a hexapeptide (examorelin) with documented desensitization. Cardiac papers are not a DIY heart protocol. Cycle language exists because the receptor fades.

Not FDA-approved - research chemicalWADA (S2) - prohibited in sport at all times
Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: August 2026Evidence: Moderate1 peer-reviewed citation
Typical research dose
100-200 mcg/injection
Frequency
1-2× daily
Half-life
~60-120 minutes
Common vials
2 mg / 5 mg
CAS
140703-51-1
Molecular weight
1024.18 g/mol

Use-case scores

0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.

  • Muscle / recomp3.5/10

    Strong GH pulse plus cortisol/prolactin plus tachyphylaxis. Community ceiling. Cardiac papers are not a gym indication.

Compound card

Sequence
His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 (examorelin)
Class
Potent GHS-R1a hexapeptide with documented desensitization
Formula
C50H69N15O9
Status
Not FDA-approved · research use
Dose it
2 mg + 2 mL BAC water → 1 mg/mL · 100 mcg ≈ 10 units (U-100)
Open in calculator

How it works

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 (examorelin) is a potent GHS-R1a hexapeptide with documented desensitization. Cardiac CD36 papers are not a DIY heart protocol.

Research Use Cases

  • ✓Potent GHRP identity and why cycles exist
  • ✓Not a post-infarction or cardioprotection treatment page

Dosing

PhaseDoseFrequencyNotes
Standard Protocol (4-week cycle)100 - 200 mcg1-2× dailyCycle off after 4 weeks to prevent receptor desensitization. 2-4 week break required.

Administration

Route / form
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
Inject fasted. Pre-bed dose is most popular for cardioprotective and GH benefits.
Empty stomach?
Yes - Empty stomach (typical for this injectable class).

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 it is 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

VialWaterConcentrationExample dose
2 mg lyophilized2.0 mL BAC1 mg/mL100 mcg = 0.10 mL = 10 units on a U-100.

Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.

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.

Limits of current evidence

  • Cardioprotective papers are not a reconstitution indication.
  • Continuous daily use is the wrong way to read a desensitizing secretagogue.

Verdict

Hexarelin hits hard and then fades. Desensitization is why people cycle it. Cardiac literature is not a DIY heart protocol. It is not the clean GHRP.

Interactions & Contraindications

Cortisol and prolactin. Tachyphylaxis. Prolactinoma-class caution. Active cancer is a hard no.

Synergies & Common Stacks

Largest GHRH+GHRP pulse folklore, fastest receptor fade. Short cycles, not a heart-repair stack.

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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