Hexarelin
Peptide ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Hexarelin is a potent synthetic growth hormone secretagogue in the GHRP class that activates ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue receptors and can raise GH, cortisol, and prolactin. It is not FDA-approved for human use, not approved for anti-aging or body composition, and long-term safety data are limited. Concerns include desensitization, glucose intolerance, edema, cortisol or prolactin effects, pituitary-axis disruption, injection risks, and WADA-prohibited status.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This safety record covers a controlled, investigational, or otherwise out-of-scope substance. It remains available for reference, but it is not part of NutriStack's public supplement publication set.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Hexarelin is a peptide most often used for acutely stimulates gh release in research settings, used to study gh, cortisol, and prolactin responses, preclinical cardioprotective mechanisms have been explored. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient. A typical adult dose is No FDA-approved human dose; published endocrine studies used supervised experimental doses, commonly taken as not recommended as a supplement; research protocol only. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness
- Headache
- Active malignancy
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The bottom line
Evidence rating insufficient. Most-documented uses: acutely stimulates gh release in research settings, used to study gh, cortisol, and prolactin responses, preclinical cardioprotective mechanisms have been explored. 3 sources indexed (1995–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Hexarelin activates GHS-R1a receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus, producing a strong GH pulse and secondary IGF-1 effects if repeated stimulation is effective. Compared with more selective secretagogues, it is more likely to raise ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin. Some preclinical work also links hexarelin to CD36 and cardiometabolic pathways, but these findings do not establish safe human wellness use.3,1
Dosing & protocol.
Peptide use in studies is parenteral. Research-grade injection is unsafe.2
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Research peptide vial.
Research-market pricing is not a recommendation for human use. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Injection-site reaction
- Glucose intolerance
- Possible cortisol elevation
- Possible prolactin elevation
Contraindications
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Reference material
3- 1The 2026 Prohibited List: International StandardWorld Anti-Doping Agency · World Anti-Doping Agency · 2025
GH secretagogues including hexarelin are prohibited for athletes.
- 2Hexarelin-induced growth hormone, cortisol, and prolactin release: a dose-response studyArvat E et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism · 1996
Hexarelin induced dose-related endocrine responses including GH, cortisol, and prolactin.
- 3The effect of an opiate antagonist on the hormonal changes induced by hexarelinKorbonits M et al. · Clinical Endocrinology · 1995
Naloxone did not block hexarelin-induced hormone changes, supporting a non-opioid GHRP mechanism.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Hexarelin, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a potent synthetic growth hormone secretagogue in the GHRP class that activates ghrelin or growth hormone secretagogue receptors and can raise GH, cortisol, and prolactin. It is not FDA-approved for human use, not approved for anti-aging or body composition, and long-term safety data are limited. Concerns include desensitization, glucose intolerance, edema, cortisol or prolactin effects, pituitary-axis disruption, injection risks, and WADA-prohibited status.
What is Hexarelin used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Hexarelin include: Acutely stimulates GH release in research settings; Used to study GH, cortisol, and prolactin responses; Preclinical cardioprotective mechanisms have been explored; No approved wellness or performance use. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as insufficient.
What is a typical dose of Hexarelin?
A typical adult dose of Hexarelin is No FDA-approved human dose; published endocrine studies used supervised experimental doses. The commonly recommended form is Not recommended as a supplement; research protocol only. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Hexarelin?
Reported side effects include water retention, tingling or numbness, headache, flushing, injection-site reaction, glucose intolerance. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Hexarelin?
NutriStack rates this as Insufficient, meaning the body of evidence reviewed in NutriStack's tiering framework. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Hexarelin in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.