Hexarelin: Benefits, Dosage & FDA Status
Hexarelin (HEX)
The strongest GH-releasing hexapeptide and one of the few peptides with documented direct cardiac benefits in animal models. Tachyphylaxis (diminished response over time) limits long-term use.
FDA Status
Not FDA-approved — research compound (cardioprotective signals investigated)
Typical Dose
100 mcg, 1–2 times daily (subcutaneous)
Evidence Grade
BLimited clinical + robust preclinical evidence
Half-Life
~70 minutes
Routes of Administration
subcutaneous
First Synthesized
1990s
Clinics Indexed
41 providers have offered Hexarelin in our tracked directory.
Mechanism of Action
Synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist; also binds CD36 in cardiac tissue, the basis of its cardioprotective signal in preclinical models.
Key Reported Benefits
- ✓Strongest GH spike of GHRPs
- ✓Cardioprotective signals
- ✓Recovery
Benefits listed reflect commonly reported effects from clinical trials and practitioner use. Individual response varies. Evidence-grade B indicates limited clinical + robust preclinical evidence.
Reported Side Effects
- •Cortisol/prolactin elevation
- •Tachyphylaxis (diminishing GH response)
Contraindications
- ⚠Active malignancy
- ⚠Pregnancy
Commonly Stacked With
Regulatory & Safety Context
FDA status: Not FDA-approved — research compound (cardioprotective signals investigated)
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide use outside of an FDA-approved indication should be discussed with a licensed medical professional. Source quality, cold-chain storage, and injection hygiene all materially affect safety outcomes.
See state-by-state legality: US peptide legality by state →
References
Selected primary literature on Hexarelin. Full PubMed records linked. Additional citations are available on request.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-30
Related Peptides
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
BA growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog most commonly stacked with Ipamorelin to stimulate natural GH pulsatile release without disrupting the hypothalamic axis.
BPC-157
B+A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from gastric juice. The most popular recovery peptide with 100+ preclinical studies showing accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, gut lining, and nerves.
TB-500
BA synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 that promotes cell migration, blood vessel formation, and tissue repair. Often stacked with BPC-157 as the 'Wolverine Stack.'
Ipamorelin
BA selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release from the pituitary without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. The safest GH peptide with the fewest side effects.
Tesamorelin
AAn FDA-approved GHRH analog that stimulates natural growth hormone production. Clinically proven to reduce visceral adipose tissue and increasingly used off-label for body recomposition.
Sermorelin
B+The original synthetic GHRH(1–29) and the most accessible GH-stimulating peptide for age-related hormone decline. Stimulates the body's own pulsatile GH release rather than replacing it.