Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6
What it is
A synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and met-enkephalin analogue that stimulates growth hormone release via the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. GHRP-6 was the first growth hormone releasing hexapeptide to be extensively studied in humans and is one of the most widely referenced GHRPs in the scientific literature. It has been studied in clinical settings for GH secretion in adults and children, as well as in animal models for cytoprotective and cardioprotective effects. GHRP-6 is discussed frequently in community forums in the context of GH optimization and appetite stimulation, as it produces notably stronger hunger responses than GHRP-2 or ipamorelin. It is not approved for therapeutic use in the United States or Canada.
Community-reported ranges
Ranges sourced from published clinical trial protocols, preclinical literature, and community forums. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
100–300 mcg
Estimated half-life
~15-60 minutes
Source: clinical and preclinical pharmacokinetic studies (Bowers, 1998; NCATS drug profile)
Reported cycle length
4–12 weeks on
2-4 weeks off
Route
subcutaneous, intravenous, intranasal, oral
Common vial sizes
5mg, 10mg
Reported timing
On empty stomach, 30 min before meals or before bed
Reported frequency
2-3x daily
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
CJC-1295
Frequently discussed together as a GHRP + GHRH analog stack for synergistic GH release
GHRP-2
Compared as a similar GHRP with less appetite stimulation
Ipamorelin
Discussed as a milder alternative with minimal appetite and cortisol effects
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
Compared as an oral GH secretagogue alternative with similar appetite stimulation
Published research
GHRP-6 has been studied in humans for its GH-releasing activity via intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, and oral routes. Ghigo et al. (1997) characterized its dose-dependent GH release and synergy with GHRH across multiple age groups. Studies in children with short stature demonstrated oral bioavailability and GH-releasing activity comparable to intravenous GHRH (Laron et al., 1995). More recently, preclinical research has investigated GHRP-6 for cardioprotective properties, including prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in rats (Berlanga-Acosta et al., 2024, Frontiers in Pharmacology). Community dosing protocols are extrapolated from clinical research doses and are not validated for long-term self-administration.
Ghigo E, Arvat E, Muccioli G, Camanni F. Growth hormone-releasing peptides.
European Journal of Endocrinology
Laron Z, Frenkel J, Deghenghi R, et al. Growth hormone-releasing effect of oral GHRP-6 administration in children with short stature.
Hormone Research in Paediatrics
Lei T, Bhargava R, Bhutani M, et al. Growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) activates the inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate/diacylglycerol pathway in rat anterior pituitary cells.
Journal of Molecular Endocrinology
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
Community users have reported significant appetite increase (the most commonly noted effect), water retention, transient flushing, mild dizziness, and occasional lethargy. In clinical studies, mild and transient increases in cortisol, prolactin, and ACTH have been observed. From community self-reports and limited clinical study observations, not systematic long-term safety data.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
Not approved for therapeutic use. Listed under evaluation for 503A/503B compounding. FDA has reviewed GHRP-6 alongside GHRP-2 for potential inclusion on compounding bulks lists.
Health Canada
Not authorized as a therapeutic product. No DIN assigned. Not listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database for human therapeutic use.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Prohibited at all times (in- and out-of-competition) under S2.2 GH-Releasing Peptides on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.