Hexarelin Side Effects
Hexarelin is a synthetic peptide that has become popular due to its function to stimulate the release of growth hormone. It’s perhaps most well-known for its ability to contribute to muscle recovery, improve body performance, and promote overall health.
As part of the growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) family, Hexarelin works by activating specific receptors in the pituitary gland. This interaction leads to an increased production of growth hormone, which is essential for processes like tissue repair, energy regulation, and maintaining healthy body composition.
On this page, we’ll examine how Hexarelin works, common applications, and important safety factors to consider before use.
What is Hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a six-amino acid artificially synthesized peptide. It is very much like ghrelin, an endogenous hormone which is known to induce appetite. Just like Ghrelin, Hexarelin interacts with a specific receptor called the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). This activity stimulates growth hormones and puts Hexarelin into the class of GHRP (growth hormone-releasing peptide).
Scientists at Tulane Medical School developed Hexarelin in the mid-1980s. Led by Dr. Cyril Bowers and his team aimed to develop a drug that would stimulate the release of growth hormone without affecting other hormones. Though Hexarelin didn’t succeed in that—it still affects hormones like cortisol and prolactin based on dosage. However, it’s still stronger and longer lasting than earlier forms of GHRP.
More research continues to reveal an abundance of uses of Hexarelin. Initial studies suggest that it will prove to be beneficial for controlling conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and some neurological conditions.
How Hexarelin Works in the Body
Hexarelin exerts its effect mainly by including the release of the growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. This occurs through a mechanism similar to ghrelin—the hunger hormone—by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), also found in the hippocampus, which is an area in the brain.
After binding to this receptor, Hexarelin initiates a signal pathway via phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC). This activation enhances the release of growth hormones beyond normal.
The interaction initiates a cascade of physiological effects, including the preservation of healthy muscle and bone growth, protection of heart muscle cells, and regulation of body weight.
Another important role of Hexarelin is its ability to reduce the release of somatostatin—a hormone that negatively affects the secretion of growth hormone. Through inhibition of somatostatin, Hexarelin even boosts the body’s level of GH.
Hexarelin is an analogue to medications like GHRP-2 and GHRP-6. It may elevate cortisol, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone without affecting glucose levels or other hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Hexarelin Side Effects
Like with any hormone-related drug, there is a possibility of side effects when taking Hexarelin. While it is slightly riskier than some other growth hormone-releasing peptides, most of the side effects are not typical and are usually minor in nature. Below is a list of common Hexarelin side effects.
Estrogen-Related Effects
One of the more prevalent issues users will notice is water retention. Even though this peptide does not increase estrogen levels, it can still cause your body to retain the water. Patients can manage this with good nutrition and regular exercise. Although it is not common, some users may notice breast tissue development (gynecomastia). Individuals who are already predisposed to this condition should be more concerned.
Androgenic Side Effects
Hexarelin is not androgenic. Health problems with balding, acne, or the development of male features in women (virilization) are not the side effects of this peptide.
Cardiovascular Health
When it comes to cardiovascular health, we can say that Hexarelin is safe. It does not negatively impact cholesterol or blood pressure. Some research even suggests that it has a beneficial influence on heart function and overall cardiovascular health.
Effect on Testosterone
Hexarelin is not seen to suppress natural testosterone or impact the body’s own testosterone production. Users do not typically report hormone suppression when using this peptide.
Cortisol Elevation
In some cases, Hexarelin can result in increased cortisol levels. The extent of the impact depends on individual response as well as the concurrent administration of other drugs. Too much cortisol can promote sleep disturbances, gain in body fat, impaired immune function, and mood changes such as depression or anxiety. Decreased libido or sexual desire in general is also experienced by some users.
Safety
Hexarelin shows excellent promise in the growth hormone area. It is generally cheaper than human growth hormone (HGH) and is often praised for its ability to offer more benefits than similar drugs.
However, despite its potential, Hexarelin is a comparatively new drug in the GH secretagogue class. Because of this, a lot of information concerning its long-term efficacy and safety is not available at the moment and we can’t draw solid conclusions yet. As such, discuss any further steps with your doctor.