Hexarelin: The Potent and Short-Cycling GH Secretagogue

Active Substance: Hexarelin (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide)

Manufacturer: Deus Medical

Pack: 1 Vial x 2 mg

Form: Injectable

What Is Hexarelin?

Hexarelin (also known as Examorelin) is a synthetic, peptidic compound classified as a Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHS).¹ It exhibits a high affinity for the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor (²$\text{GHSR}$) and is considered one of the most potent of all GHS peptides.³

Hexarelin is renowned for its ability to trigger the most intense release of Growth Hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland when compared to other GHRPs like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2.⁴

Core Functions and Unique Characteristics

• Maximum GH Release: Hexarelin provides the strongest stimulus for GH release among known $\text{GHRP}$s, leading to significant elevation of $\text{IGF-1}$ for muscle growth, recovery, and fat metabolism.

• Rapid Desensitization: Hexarelin's primary drawback is its tendency for rapid receptor desensitization.⁵ Studies show the GH response can be significantly blunted after just a few weeks of continuous use, necessitating a specific cycling protocol.

• Non-Selective Co-Release: Hexarelin causes a slight, dose-dependent rise in the release of other hormones, including Prolactin and Cortisol (ACTH).⁶ This requires careful monitoring and often necessitates ancillary support.

• Cardioprotective Properties: Research has also indicated that Hexarelin may possess cardioprotective properties by enhancing left ventricular function and reducing cell death (⁷$\text{apoptosis}$) in the heart muscle.⁸

 Usage and Dosage Protocols

Due to the rapid desensitization, Hexarelin cannot be used like other $\text{GHRP}$s and requires an intermittent dosing schedule.⁹

• Desensitization Protocol: To avoid receptor desensitization and maintain efficacy, Hexarelin must be used intermittently, typically every other day ($\text{EOD}$), allowing the $\text{GHSR}$ receptors to resensitize during the "off" day.

• Dosage: The recommended dose is $100 \text{ mcg}$ per injection, administered 3 times per day. This totals $300 \text{ mcg}$ on dosing days.

• Stacking Strategy: It is highly recommended to use Hexarelin on its $\text{EOD}$ schedule while filling the "off" days with another, less desensitizing $\text{GHRP}$ (such as Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, or GHRP-6) to maintain GH elevation without burning out the receptors.

• Stacking Synergy: Combining Hexarelin with a ¹⁰$\text{GHRH}$ analog (like ¹¹$\text{CJC}-1295$) results in a synergistic, massive GH pulse.¹²

 Side Effects and Management

Hexarelin's potency comes with a higher propensity for co-secretion of non-GH hormones.

• Prolactin and Cortisol: Hexarelin causes a slight, dose-dependent rise in both Prolactin and Cortisol.¹³ Prolonged elevation of Cortisol can cause anxiety and suppress the immune system, while elevated Prolactin can cause sexual dysfunction or gynecomastia.¹⁴

• Suppression: Like other $\text{GHRP}$s, it does not suppress natural testosterone but does suppress the body's natural GH production while it is being used.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does Hexarelin cause rapid receptor desensitization?

Hexarelin is the most potent $\text{GHRP}$, but this high potency leads to rapid saturation and subsequent downregulation of the ghrelin/$\text{GHSR}$ receptors. The receptors rapidly lose their sensitivity to the stimulus, requiring users to take breaks ($\text{EOD}$ use or cycling off) to allow the receptors to resensitize and the peptide to remain effective.

2. Is Hexarelin generally preferred over Ipamorelin or GHRP-2?

Hexarelin is generally preferred when the user is targeting the absolute highest possible peak GH release due to its superior potency. However, Ipamorelin or $\text{GHRP}-2$ are often preferred for long-term, daily use because they cause significantly less co-secretion of unwanted hormones like Prolactin and Cortisol.

3. Should Hexarelin be taken on an empty stomach?

Yes. Like all $\text{GHRP}$s, Hexarelin should be injected on an empty stomach (or before a meal) to maximize the GH pulse.¹⁵ High blood glucose and insulin levels can severely blunt the GH-releasing activity of the peptide, reducing its effectiveness.

4. What is the typical cycle duration for Hexarelin?

Due to its rapid desensitization, Hexarelin cycles are typically much shorter than those for other peptides. Users generally cycle Hexarelin for 4–6 weeks on, followed by a 2–4 week break to allow full receptor recovery.¹⁶ When used with the $\text{EOD}$ protocol, cycles can sometimes be extended, but continuous monitoring is necessary.