Hexarelin: Dosage & Administration

Hexarelin (examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue. Italian endocrinology trials by the Ghigo group and others established the dose ranges below.^[1]

Application	Dose	Frequency	Route	Notes
GH release (research)	100–200 mcg	1–3× daily	SC	Fasted; standard protocol
Cardiac research	100–200 mcg	1–2× daily	SC	CD36-mediated cardioprotection; GH-independent
Clinical stimulation testing	1.5–2 mcg/kg	Single dose	IV bolus	Pituitary diagnostic; not for chronic use
Older / GH-deficient adults	1.5 mcg/kg	Twice daily	SC	Lower weight-scaled dose

The most-published research dose is 2 mcg/kg SC twice daily (approximately 150 mcg/dose for a 75 kg adult). At higher doses, the GH pulse plateaus while cortisol and prolactin continue to rise, which is one reason most protocols stay near the 2 mcg/kg range.^[2]

This is the single most important practical fact about hexarelin: GH response diminishes substantially with continuous daily dosing. Published studies have characterized the time course:^[2]

• Week 1–2: Robust GH pulse (full effect)
• Week 3–4: Begins to diminish (~70% of initial response)
• Week 5–8: Substantially blunted (~40–50%)
• Week 8+: Minimal GH response despite continued dosing

This distinguishes hexarelin from ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6, which largely maintain GH response with chronic dosing.

Standard cycling protocol

• 4 weeks on / 2 weeks off is the most commonly cited research protocol.
• During the off period, GHSR-1a receptor expression and sensitivity recover.
• If GH support is needed during the off period, switch to ipamorelin or GHRP-2 (which do not cross-desensitize hexarelin).
• Some protocols use longer 6 weeks on / 4 weeks off cycles; both work.

The cardiac CD36-mediated effects may persist even after GHSR-1a desensitization — they operate through a separate receptor system.^[3]

Hexarelin typically ships as lyophilized powder in 2 mg or 5 mg vials.

• 2 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water = 2 mg/mL (2,000 mcg/mL) — 0.1 mL (10 units on insulin syringe) = 200 mcg.
• 2 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL (1,000 mcg/mL) — 0.1 mL (10 units) = 100 mcg.
• 5 mg vial + 2.5 mL BAC water = 2 mg/mL — 0.05 mL (5 units) = 100 mcg.
• 5 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL — 0.1 mL (10 units) = 100 mcg.

Use the peptide calculator for exact units for your specific vial. See the reconstitution guide for technique.

Like all GH secretagogues, hexarelin's GH-releasing effect is dramatically reduced by food. Carbohydrates blunt GH most; protein also dampens. The standard rule: no food for 2 hours before dose, 30 minutes after.

Best dosing times:

• Morning fasted — first thing on waking, before breakfast.
• Pre-workout — at least 2 hours after last meal.
• Bedtime — at least 2 hours after dinner; pairs with natural overnight GH pulse.

The cardiac CD36 effects appear less food-dependent than GH release, so cardiac-focused protocols are less strict on fasting.

Hexarelin works synergistically with GHRH analogs (sermorelin, CJC-1295 Mod GRF 1-29, tesamorelin) because the two molecule families activate complementary signaling pathways. Combined GH release exceeds either alone.

• Hexarelin 100–150 mcg + CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg, SC, before bed: a common research stack for short cycles.
• Avoid combining with other GHRPs (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6) — these compete for the same GHSR-1a receptor and combining produces no additive effect, just additive side effects.

The desensitization issue still applies — the hexarelin component will lose efficacy over 4–8 weeks even in a stack.

• Lyophilized vials: -20°C for long-term, or 2–8°C (refrigerator) short-term.
• Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 28 days; clarity should remain.
• Protect from light: use opaque containers or store in original box.
• Avoid freeze-thaw cycles with reconstituted solution.

For broader storage rules, see the peptide storage guide.