Redose
Hexarelin is a synthetic, six-amino-acid peptide that acts as a potent growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP). It belongs to the broader family of growth hormone secretagogues, compounds that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH). Hexarelin is a research compound with no approved therapeutic use in any major regulatory jurisdiction.
What is Hexarelin
Hexarelin, also known by the INN name Examorelin, was developed in the 1990s as part of research into synthetic ghrelin mimetics. Its chemical structure is His-D-2-MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, a modified hexapeptide designed to be more metabolically stable than natural ghrelin while retaining potent GHS-R1a receptor activity.
Unlike growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), which acts upstream at the hypothalamic level, Hexarelin works primarily at the pituitary to directly stimulate GH secretion. It also synergizes with endogenous GHRH, meaning GH pulses are amplified when both pathways are active simultaneously.
Hexarelin is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or equivalent agencies for human therapeutic use. It is classified as a research chemical in most countries and is prohibited in competitive sport under WADA rules.
How it Works
Hexarelin binds with high affinity to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the same receptor activated by the endogenous hunger hormone ghrelin. This binding triggers a signaling cascade in pituitary somatotroph cells that results in a sharp pulse of GH release.
Key pharmacological characteristics include:
- Receptor target: GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptor), also CD36 scavenger receptor (relevant to cardiac tissue research)
- GH release pattern: Produces a pronounced GH pulse, typically peaking within 15-30 minutes of injection
- Synergy with GHRH: Combining Hexarelin with a GHRH analog (such as CJC-1295) amplifies GH output more than either compound alone
- Half-life: Approximately 70 minutes in plasma, making it a relatively short-acting compound
- Receptor desensitization: Animal and some human research suggests that continuous high-dose use may reduce receptor sensitivity over time, a consideration that distinguishes it from some other GHRPs
Hexarelin also appears to interact with CD36 receptors in cardiac tissue, an observation that has driven a separate line of cardioprotection research entirely independent of its GH-releasing properties.
What the Research Says
Most published Hexarelin research comes from in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of small human trials conducted primarily in the 1990s and 2000s.
Growth hormone stimulation. Human pharmacokinetic studies confirmed that Hexarelin produces robust, dose-dependent GH pulses. A 1998 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that Hexarelin was among the most potent GH secretagogues tested in healthy adults. Effects on downstream IGF-1 levels were observed with repeated dosing, consistent with other GH-stimulating interventions.
Cardiac research. Preclinical studies using rat and dog models have reported that Hexarelin reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function following experimentally induced ischemia. Researchers proposed that the CD36-mediated pathway, rather than GH release, may be responsible for these effects. Human data on cardiac endpoints remain very limited and no approved cardiac indication exists.
Body composition. Because GH influences lipolysis and lean mass, Hexarelin has been investigated in the context of body composition changes. Small studies in GH-deficient adults and older subjects reported improvements in lean mass and fat distribution. These findings should be interpreted with caution given the small sample sizes and lack of long-term follow-up.
Limitations. The evidence base for Hexarelin is considerably smaller than for approved GH therapies. Many frequently cited claims in non-scientific forums go beyond what published data actually support. No phase III trials or regulatory approvals have followed the early-stage research.
Typical Dosing
The following represents ranges observed in published research protocols and commonly discussed in research communities. This is not medical guidance, and individual responses vary considerably.
| Parameter | Reported Range |
|---|---|
| Dose per injection | 100-200 mcg (some protocols up to 300 mcg) |
| Frequency | 1-3 times daily, typically on an empty stomach |
| Cycle length | 4-12 weeks in most research contexts |
| Route | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection |
Research protocols commonly administer Hexarelin 30-60 minutes before meals or exercise, as food and elevated blood glucose are thought to blunt GH pulsatility. Some researchers use intermittent rather than continuous dosing schedules to reduce the risk of receptor desensitization.
If you are tracking a Hexarelin protocol, the free reconstitution calculator can help you calculate concentration and per-injection volumes after adding bacteriostatic water. Proper injection site rotation is also recommended for subcutaneous administration.
Proper reconstitution of lyophilized peptides is important for accurate dosing. The reconstitution guide covers the full process step by step.
Important: These ranges are sourced from research literature and informal research community protocols. They do not constitute a dosing recommendation. Hexarelin should only be used under qualified medical supervision where legally permitted.
Side Effects and Safety
Hexarelin has a reasonably well-characterized short-term side-effect profile from human volunteer studies, though long-term safety data are sparse.
Commonly reported effects:
- Water retention and mild bloating, particularly at higher doses
- Elevated cortisol and prolactin levels (both receptors are activated downstream of GHS-R1a)
- Fatigue or sedation shortly after injection
- Flushing or warmth at the injection site and systemically
- Tingling or numbness in extremities (less common)
- Increased appetite (less pronounced than with GHRP-6)
Elevated cortisol and prolactin are a meaningful consideration. Unlike pure GHRH analogs, GHRPs including Hexarelin stimulate cortisol and prolactin release in addition to GH. Chronic elevation of these hormones carries its own risk profile, and this is one reason many research protocols do not use GHRPs continuously for extended periods.
Receptor desensitization has been observed in some human studies with frequent, high-dose administration. The clinical implications of this are not fully established.
Population-specific cautions: Hexarelin has not been adequately studied in people with active malignancy (GH can promote tumor growth), diabetes or insulin resistance (GH is diabetogenic), cardiovascular disease, or pregnancy. It is also not studied in children or adolescents outside of highly controlled research settings.
Tracking Hexarelin with Redose
Logging a Hexarelin protocol accurately requires tracking injection timing relative to meals, dose per injection, injection site, and any subjective effects such as changes in sleep quality, recovery, or energy. Redose makes this straightforward: log each injection in seconds with one tap, rotate sites automatically using the body-map picker, and view your adherence calendar over any cycle length.
The free reconstitution and dosing calculators handle the math for vial concentration, per-injection volume, and days-of-supply remaining. Download the app and set up your protocol at /#download.
This profile is educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.