GHRP-6 Protocol Guide
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a potent hexapeptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate robust growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. It is notable for causing strong appetite stimulation through its ghrelin-mimicking activity, making it useful in research studying both GH pathways and appetite regulation. GHRP-6 also raises cortisol and prolactin to a moderate degree. This protocol covers reconstitution from a 5mg vial with 2mL bacteriostatic water, subcutaneous dosing at 100mcg before bed, appetite management strategies, and stacking with GHRH analogs for synergistic GH output.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
- Category
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRP)
- Mechanism
- Activates ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) stimulating GH release and strong appetite via ghrelin mimicry; moderate cortisol and prolactin elevation
- Structure
- Hexapeptide (6 amino acids), His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Half-Life
- ~15-30 minutes
- Vial Size
- 5mg lyophilized powder
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Once daily (before bed)
- Cycle Length
- 8-12 weeks
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard GH Release | 100 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 8-12 weeks |
| Conservative Start | 50 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 1-2 weeks, then assess |
| Mass Gain Protocol | 100 mcg | 2-3x daily (fasted) | Subcutaneous | 8-12 weeks |
Key principle: Administer on empty stomach before bed. GHRP-6 causes significant appetite increase approximately 20-30 minutes post-injection. When combined with CJC-1295 No DAC, GH release is synergistically amplified. Elevated blood sugar blunts GH response.
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials Needed
- GHRP-6 5mg lyophilized vial
- Bacteriostatic water (2mL)
- 3mL mixing syringe (18-20ga)
- Insulin syringes (29-31ga) for dosing
- Alcohol swabs
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean vial stopper with alcohol
- Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly down the vial wall
- Gently swirl (never shake)
- Wait 5 minutes for full dissolution
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume (2mL recon) | Insulin Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 500 mcg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
Administration Guide
Injection Sites
- Abdomen: Primary site, subcutaneous
- Thigh: Outer thigh, alternate sides
- Upper arm: Back of arm, alternate
Timing & Storage
- Timing: Before bed on empty stomach (2+ hrs post-meal)
- Appetite warning: Expect strong hunger 20-30 min post-injection
- Vial duration: ~50 days at 100mcg/day
- Storage (reconstituted): Refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
Expected Timeline
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Strong appetite increase (most notable side effect)
- Water retention and mild bloating
- Injection site redness (mild)
- Elevated cortisol and prolactin (moderate)
- Lightheadedness immediately after injection
The appetite stimulation is GHRP-6's most distinctive effect. This is beneficial for mass gain but may be problematic during caloric restriction.
Precautions
- Not ideal for fat loss protocols due to appetite increase
- Monitor cortisol and prolactin during extended use
- May elevate IGF-1 - caution with cancer history
- Use caution with diabetes - GH affects insulin sensitivity
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- CJC-1295 No DAC: GHRH + GHRP synergy for amplified GH pulse
- BPC-157: Tissue repair and gut health support
- TB-500: Systemic recovery enhancement
- Ipamorelin: Alternate GHRP with less appetite effect
- MK-677: Oral GH secretagogue (do not stack - redundant pathway)
Popular Stacks
- Mass Gain: GHRP-6 100mcg + CJC-1295 No DAC 100mcg before bed
- Recovery: GHRP-6 + BPC-157 250mcg + TB-500 750mcg
- GH Rotation: GHRP-6 8 wks, then Ipamorelin 8 wks
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| GH Axis | IGF-1, GH (fasting) | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
| Hormones | Cortisol (AM), prolactin | Baseline, Week 4 |
| Metabolic | Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c | Baseline, Week 6 |
| Basic Panel | CBC, CMP | Baseline, Week 8 |
IGF-1 confirms sustained GH output. Monitor cortisol and prolactin as GHRP-6 elevates both. Metabolic markers track insulin sensitivity changes from elevated GH.
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