At a Glance
Quickcomparison
Dose Range
Hexarelin
100–200 mcg
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Multiple times daily
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Rapid (hours to days)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefitratings
GH Release
Heart Health
Body Composition
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compoundspecifications
Molecular Formula
C47H58N12O6
Molecular Weight
887.04 g/mol
Half-Life
55-70 minutes
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
140703-51-1
C38H49N9O5
711.85 g/mol
2 hours
170851-70-4
Protocols
Dosingtiers
standard
1.5-3 mcg/kg (approx. 100-200 mcg); ~100 mcg per injection in practice
Single dose in trials; 1-3 times daily in research practice
Acute test or open-ended practice use
Trial-validated subcutaneous GH-releasing doses of 1.5-3 mcg/kg in healthy volunteers [6]; the ~100 mcg fixed-dose practice figure aligns with the lower 1.5 mcg/kg trial dose.
1-2 mcg/kg (2 mcg/kg is maximally effective)
Single administration
Acute GH provocation
Trial-established near-maximal GH-releasing intravenous dose; produced a larger GH rise than equimolar GHRH in 12 healthy young volunteers [6].
starting
100 mcg per injection
2-3 times daily
4-8 weeks
Conservative entry dose; Ipamorelin is a selective GH secretagogue with a ~2 hour half-life, so doses are split through the day [1][2]. Used in research and practice to assess tolerance before titrating up.
200 mcg per injection
Most commonly cited research/practice dose; gives a meaningful pulsatile GH release without raising cortisol or prolactin at standard doses [1][2].
advanced
300 mcg per injection
3 times daily
Upper end of the commonly used range; total daily exposure split across three injections. Used in practice by experienced users [1].
Applications
Bestsuited for
Growth Hormone Optimization
Hexarelin is one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides available. It triggers strong, natural pulses of growth hormone from your pituitary, mimicking the way your body released GH when you were younger. This makes it ideal for those looking to restore youthful GH levels.
Heart Health Support
Unlike most other GH peptides, Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects through its binding to CD36 receptors in the heart. Research shows it can protect heart cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and even help prevent the scarring that occurs after heart injury.
Body Composition Improvement
The robust GH pulses triggered by Hexarelin enhance fat burning while supporting lean muscle. Research in obese models showed it increased lipid oxidation in fat tissue and reduced fat accumulation in the liver—all while improving insulin sensitivity.
Athletic Recovery
Growth hormone is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Hexarelin's ability to stimulate strong GH release makes it popular among athletes looking to bounce back faster from training. The improved sleep quality many users report also supports recovery.
Clean GH Boost Seekers
If you want the benefits of increased growth hormone without spiking cortisol or other stress hormones, Ipamorelin is uniquely selective. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it won't raise your cortisol levels even at doses 200 times higher than needed for GH release.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Ipamorelin shines for athletes who want better recovery between training sessions. The GH boost helps repair muscle tissue faster, and since it doesn't mess with other hormones, you can use it consistently without the rollercoaster effects.
Anti-Aging Enthusiasts
Growth hormone naturally declines as we age, contributing to muscle loss, fat gain, and reduced vitality. Ipamorelin offers a gentle way to restore more youthful GH levels without the risks of actual HGH therapy.
Those Recovering from Steroid Use
Research shows Ipamorelin can help counteract the muscle and bone-weakening effects of glucocorticoid medications. If you've been on steroids for medical reasons, this peptide may help you rebuild what you've lost.
Sideeffects
Common
Increased hunger
Water retention
Tingling or numbness (paresthesia)
Injection site reaction
Uncommon
Headache
Joint discomfort
Serious
Allergic reaction
Mild headache
Injection site reactions
Increased appetite
Tingling in hands or feet
Joint stiffness
Research Status
Safety& evidence
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Hexarelin has been studied in human trials and shows a generally favorable safety profile at research doses. The most common effects relate to its strong GH-releasing action: temporary hunger spikes, mild water retention, and occasional tingling in the hands. Importantly, research suggests Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects that may add a margin of safety for cardiovascular health.
Contraindications
xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
xCurrently breastfeeding
xActive cancer or history of cancer
xKnown allergy to peptide components
xUncontrolled diabetes
Ipamorelin has shown a favorable safety profile in both animal and human studies. What makes it stand out is its remarkable selectivity—it releases growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol, ACTH, or other hormones. In clinical trials, it was well-tolerated with mostly mild, temporary side effects. Phase 2 trials in patients recovering from surgery showed no significant safety concerns compared to placebo.
xPregnancy or breastfeeding
xPituitary disorders or tumors
xChildren and adolescents (growth plates still open)
Decision Guide
Which isright for you?
Choose Hexarelin if...
Growth hormone optimization
Body composition improvement
Heart health support
Athletic recovery
Choose Ipamorelin if...
Muscle recovery and growth
Anti-aging and vitality
Sleep quality enhancement