Hexarelin Protocol Guide
Hexarelin (Examorelin) is the strongest of the growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs), producing the most potent GH release per dose among its class. It acts on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to stimulate pituitary growth hormone secretion, with additional cardioprotective effects observed in research. Unlike Ipamorelin, Hexarelin can also raise cortisol and prolactin levels, particularly at higher doses, and is prone to receptor desensitization with prolonged use. This protocol covers reconstitution from a 5mg vial with 2mL bacteriostatic water, subcutaneous dosing at 100mcg before bed, desensitization cycling strategies, and stacking with GHRH analogs for amplified GH release.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- Hexarelin (Examorelin, Hexarelin Acetate)
- Category
- Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRP)
- Mechanism
- Activates ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering robust GH release; also provides cardioprotective effects independent of GH pathway
- Structure
- Hexapeptide (6 amino acids), His-D-2-MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2
- Half-Life
- ~60-70 minutes
- Vial Size
- 5mg lyophilized powder
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- Once daily (before bed)
- Cycle Length
- 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard GH Release | 100 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 4 weeks on / 4 off |
| Conservative Start | 50 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 1-2 weeks, then assess |
| Saturation Dose | 200 mcg | 1x daily (before bed) | Subcutaneous | 4 weeks max |
Key principle: Hexarelin is the most potent GHRP but is prone to desensitization. Cycle 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off to maintain receptor sensitivity. Administer before bed to synergize with natural nocturnal GH pulses. Avoid administering with food as carbohydrates and fats blunt GH release.
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials Needed
- Hexarelin 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)
- Fasted state: Important - carbs/fats blunt GH release
- 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
- Increased appetite / hunger (ghrelin mimicry)
- Water retention and mild bloating
- Numbness/tingling in hands (carpal tunnel-like, at higher doses)
- Injection site redness (mild)
- Elevated cortisol and prolactin
Hexarelin has more side effects than Ipamorelin due to its broader receptor activation. Cortisol and prolactin elevations are dose-dependent and typically manageable at standard doses.
Precautions
- Monitor cortisol and prolactin levels during use
- Desensitization occurs with continuous use beyond 4-8 weeks
- May elevate IGF-1 - monitor in subjects with cancer history
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Use caution with diabetes - GH can affect insulin sensitivity
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- CJC-1295 No DAC: GHRH + GHRP synergy for amplified GH pulse
- Ipamorelin: Use during Hexarelin off-weeks for continuous GH support
- BPC-157: Tissue repair enhancement during recovery
- TB-500: Systemic recovery and healing
- DSIP: Sleep quality support during GH protocols
Popular Stacks
- GH Blast: Hexarelin 100mcg + CJC-1295 No DAC 100mcg before bed
- Recovery: Hexarelin + BPC-157 250mcg + TB-500 750mcg
- Rotating GH: Hexarelin 4 wks on, Ipamorelin 4 wks on
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| GH Axis | IGF-1, GH (fasting) | Baseline, Week 4 |
| Hormones | Cortisol (AM), prolactin | Baseline, Week 2, Week 4 |
| Metabolic | Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c | Baseline, Week 4 |
| Basic Panel | CBC, CMP, lipids | Baseline, Week 4 |
IGF-1 is the primary marker for sustained GH output. Cortisol and prolactin monitoring is especially important with Hexarelin since it elevates these more than other GHRPs like Ipamorelin or GHRP-2.
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