GHRP-6
Growth hormone–releasing peptide from the same family as GHRP-2, often discussed historically for its effects on GH release and appetite.
This page is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace professional medical judgment. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or protocol.
Overview
GHRP-6 (growth hormone–releasing peptide-6) is another member of the early growth hormone secretagogue family. Like GHRP-2, it was explored for its ability to stimulate endogenous GH release, and it has been widely referenced in experimental and performance-adjacent discussions.
Today, GHRP-6 is more of a legacy agent, with much attention shifting toward other approaches to the GH axis. Its regulatory standing and how it is marketed or used can differ substantially across regions.
Mechanism of action
GHRP-6 is designed to activate the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and is sometimes described as having prominent ghrelin-like properties. High-level mechanistic themes include:
- Increasing pulsatile GH secretion from the pituitary
- Influencing appetite and hunger signals, often more noticeably than some newer secretagogues
- Interacting with other hormonal systems in ways that are incompletely characterized
These effects have made GHRP-6 a subject of interest in both research and informal settings, but they also raise questions about metabolic and endocrine trade-offs.
Indications and use context
As with GHRP-2, GHRP-6 is generally not a mainstream, labeled therapy for growth hormone–related conditions in contemporary practice. It is more likely to appear in historical studies, niche protocols, or unregulated markets.
For individuals with GH-axis concerns, clinicians today often look first to better-characterized diagnostic frameworks and therapies. Any consideration of GHRP-6 in this landscape should be anchored in local regulations and a clear understanding that much published use lies outside standard-of-care pathways.
Anti-doping status
Status: Prohibited at all times (S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics)
GHRP-6 is a prohibited growth hormone secretagogue under WADA category S2.
Notable doping sanctions involving GHRP-6 include:
- Luis Villalobos (Cycling): Received a 4-year ban after testing positive for GHRP-6.
- Raimondas Rumsas Jr. (Cycling): Banned for 4 years in 2018 due to a positive test for GHRP-6.
Safety and side effects
Safety themes for GHRP-6 overlap with those of other early GH secretagogues and should be interpreted cautiously.
Reported effects have included increased appetite, flushing, local injection-site reactions, headache, and nonspecific fatigue. Some reports describe changes in prolactin, cortisol, or other endocrine markers, reflecting a broader physiologic footprint than more selective agents.
As with any intervention that touches the GH/IGF axis, long-term safety questions include potential impacts on glucose metabolism, soft-tissue growth, and underlying neoplastic risk. These considerations highlight the importance of clinician oversight and careful patient selection.
Pharmacology and dosing considerations
GHRP-6 is a first-generation secretagogue known for stimulating both GH and significant hunger via ghrelin receptors.
Route: Subcutaneous injection.
Protocol structure and dosage:- Dosage: 100 mcg to 300 mcg per administration.
- Frequency: 1–3 times daily.
- Side effect note: Extreme hunger (the "ghrelin gastric rumble") often occurs 20 minutes post-injection.
This information summarizes commonly discussed research practices. Due to the intense hunger side effect, it is sometimes used specifically for appetite stimulation.
Formulations and combinations
In catalogs, GHRP-6 generally appears as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. It may be combined conceptually or in compounded products with other GH secretagogues or GHRH analogs as part of multi-peptide regimens.
Structural listings in this catalog are organizational references only. They do not endorse specific combinations, dosing strategies, or use cases for GHRP-6 or related agents.
Research and evidence snapshot
Published work on GHRP-6 has focused on its ability to stimulate GH and related endocrine responses, sometimes in comparison with other secretagogues. Some studies and reports have examined effects on appetite, body composition, or recovery markers.
The overall evidence base is mixed and relatively specialized, and newer therapies have taken center stage for many clinical questions. As with other peptides on this site, interpretation of GHRP-6 data benefits from a close look at study quality and regulatory context.
Frequently asked questions
A future FAQ section may address questions such as how GHRP-6 differs from GHRP-2, what clinicians look for when deciding whether GH-axis interventions are appropriate, and how endpoints like GH pulses and IGF-1 levels are interpreted. Answers will remain high-level and non-prescriptive.
Sport & Anti-Doping Warning
GHRP-6 has been used alongside CJC-1295 in organized doping programs, including the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks supplements saga in professional rugby league.
- >Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks supplements saga (NRL investigation)
- >Scientific work on detecting GHRP-6 and similar peptides
GHRP-6 is squarely banned under S2 and has a long history in performance-enhancing peptide stacks investigated by anti-doping authorities.
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