top of page

GHRP-6

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 5000mcg

​

GHRP-6 is a growth hormone secretagogue. It is a first generation Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) to be more specific, one of the earliest drugs of this class to effectively raise serum GH. This agent is an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor la (GHSRIa). It acts on these receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, which stimulates the release of growth hormone. Liver IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) may also be increased as a result. Provided an ample dose is given, the resulting GH spike from GHRP-6 can reach supraphysiological (higher than normal) levels, although there have been more potent drugs of this class to come after it. This agent is still widely used in the sports community though, most commonly as an appetite stimulant, and to support muscle growth and fat loss alongside other drugs. GHRP's are all based on Ghrelin, a gastric peptide hormone. Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach during times of fasting (between meals). It has activity in a wide range of body tissues including the brain and the sympathetic nervous system, the stomach, heart, pancreas, liver, and intestines, and even adipose tissue. Though its physiological effects are also diverse, this hormone is largely identified as helping to regulate food intake, body composition, and glucose metabolism. While all GHRPs are modeled after ghrelin, each has its own activity profile. Many are more selective toward GH elevations than the category's natural parent hormone. GHRP-6 is an early GHRP, and not regarded as highly selective. Though it does trigger substantial increases in serum growth hormone, there is also spillover in other areas. For one, GHRP-6 has a tendency to mildly increase ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), cortisol, and prolactin levels. This may result in some unwanted side effects, especially if these hormones go beyond normal values (see Side Effects). Note, these levels seem to rise less noticeably than with GHRP-2. Like ghrelin and many drugs of the GHRP class, GHRP-6 is also noted for stimulating appetite and gastric motility. The orexigenic (appetite stimulating) effects are among the most notable features of this drug, in fact, and generally more intense than GHRP-2 and other GHRPs. Unless diet is controlled, use of this drug usually coincides with a notable increase in caloric intake.

​

GHRP-6 Key Points

Strong Increase in Appetite

Moderate Effect on GH

Mild Elevations in Cortisol

Mild Elevations in Prolactin

​

When used for physique- or performance-enhancing purposes, GHRP-6 is usually administered at a dosage of 0.1 to 0.3 mg (100-300 meg) per injection. This may be given 1 -3 times daily. If single episode dosing is preferred, this may be taken before sleep. Day dose(s) are taken on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before feeding. This is to preserve optimal GH release, as elevated plasma fatty acids and/or glucose may blunt the GH elevating effects of GHRP-6. Total daily dosage of GHRP-6 generally does not exceed 900 meg.

It is common to taper up the dosage, beginning with 100 meg per injection. The dosage may then be increased in increments of 50 meg every 3-7 days, until a stable dosage is reached.

Cycles of GHRP-6 usually last 3-4 months in length, though programs of 6 months or longer are not uncommon. Although desensitization to GHRPs may occur over time, this drug appears to maintain an acceptable level of effectiveness during longer cycles.

​

GHRP-6 Warnings

GHRP-6 should be used with care in epileptic patients. Obesity, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, or elevated plasma fatty acids may impair the effectiveness of GHRP-6. This drug should never be used during pregnancy, with cancer, a history of cancer, diabetic retinopathy, sclerosing diseases of the liver or lungs, intracranial hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes.

​

GHRP-6 Side Effects

Common side effects to GHRP-6 therapy include flushing, sweating, sleepiness, increased Gi motility, and increased appetite. Elevations in prolactin may also be a concern for individual with preexisting gynecomastia. Also frequently reported with GHRP-6 are adverse effects typically associated with other types of growth hormone therapy, such as water retention (edema), joint pain (arthralgias), carpal tunnel syndrome, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. Note that the incidence of side effects tends to be lower with GHRP therapy as compared to traditional hGH. This is because GH/IGF-1 release is subject to endogenous synthesis, and as such the drug is less amenable to overdosing.

bottom of page