Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Hexarelin | Ipamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-200 mcg administered 1-2 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. |
| Timing | On empty stomach, bedtime preferred. Avoid prolonged continuous use due to rapid desensitization. | Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach. |
| Cycle Duration | 4-8 week cycles maximum, then 4+ week break. Hexarelin desensitizes faster than other GHRPs. | 12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Hexarelin (Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS-R1a agonist and the most potent synthetic GH secretagogue by peak GH release. It stimulates GH release through both pituitary ghrelin receptors and hypothalamic pathways, with mechanisms involving regulation of GHRH and somatostatin. Hexarelin also demonstrates significant cardiac benefits through activation of cardiac GHS-R1a receptors, protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury and reducing cardiac fibrosis via the CD36 scavenger receptor pathway.
Research indicates 100-200 mcg administered 1-2 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
On empty stomach, bedtime preferred. Avoid prolonged continuous use due to rapid desensitization.
4-8 week cycles maximum, then 4+ week break. Hexarelin desensitizes faster than other GHRPs.
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) agonist. Unlike other GHRPs, it selectively stimulates GH release without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone — even at doses 200-fold above the ED50 for GH release. This selectivity profile is comparable to GHRH itself but operates through the distinct ghrelin receptor on pituitary somatotrophs.
Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
Best administered at bedtime for synergy with natural GH peak. Also effective upon waking and post-workout. Always on empty stomach.
12-24 week cycles with 4-8 week breaks.
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