This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations. Products are not approved for human use. For health questions, consult a doctor.

Lexicon

Hormones & growth

GHRP-6

The very first GH secretagogue, a strong GH pulse but also the biggest appetite boost of the group.

2 min read 1 sources Calculator Updated May 2026
Class
GH secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic)
Use
Subcutaneous (in mcg)
Half-life
short
WADA
Banned (peptide hormones)

Members only

Dosing recommendations are visible to logged-in members only. Logging in is free.

Log in / sign up

Equipment

Equipment you need

For reconstitution and injection you need a bit of basic gear. Here are solid, cheap options:

As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon - no extra cost for you.

What is GHRP-6?

GHRP-6 is the first synthetic GH secretagogue, described in the 1980s by Cyril Bowers, the foundation for all later GHRPs (GHRP-2, hexarelin, ipamorelin). It triggers a strong GH pulse but has the biggest appetite boost of the whole group, which makes it interesting for bulking and impractical for cutting.

How it works

GHRP-6 activates the ghrelin receptor and releases GH through it. Studies show the full effect requires the body's own GHRH, which is why a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 without DAC) pairs especially well: together the pulse is markedly bigger.

The appetite effect is most pronounced here because GHRP-6 strongly mimics the ghrelin signal.

What you need

  • The GHRP-6 vial (lyophilized powder).
  • Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.

Reconstitution

Use the calculator above. A 5mg vial with 2ml water gives 2500mcg per ml, 100mcg is 4 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.

Dosing

Members only

Dosing recommendations are visible to logged-in members only. Logging in is free.

Log in / sign up

Injection

Subcutaneous, fasted. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites. The hunger often kicks in shortly after the shot.

What the research shows

A study (Pandya, Bowers, 1998) showed that a GHRH blocker largely abolished the GH rise from GHRP-6, so the full effect needs the body's own GHRH. That explains why GHRP-6 works best together with a GHRH analog.

Side effects

  • Strong appetite boost, the most pronounced of the GHRP group.
  • Water retention, tingling, slight rise in cortisol and prolactin at higher doses.
  • Local reactions at the injection site.

Practice

  • Fits a bulk well, less so a cut (hunger).
  • Strongest as a partner to a GHRH analog.
  • Banned in official competition.

Storage

Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.

Evidence

Sources

  1. 1 GHRP-6 requires endogenous GHRH for maximal GH stimulation. Pandya, Bowers, Jaffe et al., J. of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1998

Keep reading

More in the lexicon

In the shop

GHRP-6 in the catalog

Sizes, prices and availability for research use. Straight from the lexicon to the product page.

View in shop