Peptide Comparison
HexarelinvsIpamorelin
A powerful synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that tells your pituitary gland to release more growth hormone—plus it has remarkable heart-protective properties that make it stand out from other GH-boosting peptides.
A uniquely selective growth hormone booster that tells your pituitary to release more GH without messing with your cortisol or other hormones—making it the 'clean' choice among growth hormone peptides.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Hexarelin
100–200 mcg
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Hexarelin
Once daily
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
Administration
Hexarelin
Subcutaneous injection
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Hexarelin
8-12 weeks
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Hexarelin
Rapid (hours to days)
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Hexarelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
GH Release
Heart Health
Body Composition
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Hexarelin
Molecular Formula
C47H58N12O6
Molecular Weight
887.04 g/mol
Half-Life
55-70 minutes
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
140703-51-1
Ipamorelin
Molecular Formula
C38H49N9O5
Molecular Weight
711.85 g/mol
Half-Life
2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
170851-70-4
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Hexarelin
Ipamorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone Optimization
Hexarelin is one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides available. It triggers strong, natural pulses of growth hormone from your pituitary, mimicking the way your body released GH when you were younger. This makes it ideal for those looking to restore youthful GH levels.
Heart Health Support
Unlike most other GH peptides, Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects through its binding to CD36 receptors in the heart. Research shows it can protect heart cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and even help prevent the scarring that occurs after heart injury.
Body Composition Improvement
The robust GH pulses triggered by Hexarelin enhance fat burning while supporting lean muscle. Research in obese models showed it increased lipid oxidation in fat tissue and reduced fat accumulation in the liver—all while improving insulin sensitivity.
Athletic Recovery
Growth hormone is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Hexarelin's ability to stimulate strong GH release makes it popular among athletes looking to bounce back faster from training. The improved sleep quality many users report also supports recovery.
Ipamorelin
Clean GH Boost Seekers
If you want the benefits of increased growth hormone without spiking cortisol or other stress hormones, Ipamorelin is uniquely selective. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it won't raise your cortisol levels even at doses 200 times higher than needed for GH release.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Ipamorelin shines for athletes who want better recovery between training sessions. The GH boost helps repair muscle tissue faster, and since it doesn't mess with other hormones, you can use it consistently without the rollercoaster effects.
Anti-Aging Enthusiasts
Growth hormone naturally declines as we age, contributing to muscle loss, fat gain, and reduced vitality. Ipamorelin offers a gentle way to restore more youthful GH levels without the risks of actual HGH therapy.
Those Recovering from Steroid Use
Research shows Ipamorelin can help counteract the muscle and bone-weakening effects of glucocorticoid medications. If you've been on steroids for medical reasons, this peptide may help you rebuild what you've lost.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Hexarelin
Common
- Increased hunger
- Water retention
- Tingling or numbness (paresthesia)
- Injection site reaction
Uncommon
- Headache
- Joint discomfort
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Ipamorelin
Common
- Mild headache
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Joint stiffness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Hexarelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Hexarelin has been studied in human trials and shows a generally favorable safety profile at research doses. The most common effects relate to its strong GH-releasing action: temporary hunger spikes, mild water retention, and occasional tingling in the hands. Importantly, research suggests Hexarelin has direct cardioprotective effects that may add a margin of safety for cardiovascular health.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- xCurrently breastfeeding
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xUncontrolled diabetes
Ipamorelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Ipamorelin has shown a favorable safety profile in both animal and human studies. What makes it stand out is its remarkable selectivity—it releases growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol, ACTH, or other hormones. In clinical trials, it was well-tolerated with mostly mild, temporary side effects. Phase 2 trials in patients recovering from surgery showed no significant safety concerns compared to placebo.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xPituitary disorders or tumors
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents (growth plates still open)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Hexarelin if...
- Growth hormone optimization
- Body composition improvement
- Heart health support
- Athletic recovery
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement