Growth Hormone Protocol
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)Complete Dosing & Administration Guide
A synthetic hexapeptide that signals your pituitary to release growth hormone through a unique pathway, with emerging evidence of heart-protective benefits.
Dose Range
100-300mcg
Frequency
Multiple times daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
100 mcg per injection
Begin with once-daily dosing to assess tolerance and individual response. Many users start with an evening injection to take advantage of natural nighttime GH pulses.
Standard Dose
150-200 mcg per injection
Most users find this range effective for sustained GH stimulation. Timing around workouts can maximize the anabolic response. Some space injections 4-6 hours apart.
Advanced Dose
250-300 mcg per injection
Only for experienced users with good tolerance established. Higher frequency can lead to receptor desensitization, so cycling (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off) may preserve effectiveness. Requires careful monitoring.
Timing
Best time to take
Many users prefer evening and morning injections to align with natural GH release patterns. Morning injections can support daytime recovery and appetite, while evening injections work with the body's natural nighttime GH surge. Timing around intense workouts can amplify results, as GH stimulus compounds with exercise-induced GH elevation.
With food?
GHRP-6 works best on an empty stomach or at least 30-60 minutes before eating, as food can blunt the GH response. However, its hunger-stimulating effects mean you'll likely want to eat soon after. Consider timing injections before planned meals so the appetite stimulation works in your favor.
If stacking
If combining with other peptides like CJC-1295 or Ipamorelin, space injections 10-15 minutes apart or use separate injection sites to avoid mixing. GHRP-6's short half-life (~2.5 hours) means multiple daily doses are needed to maintain elevated GH levels. Some advanced users employ a 5-days-on, 2-days-off protocol to prevent receptor downregulation.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You're not noticing appetite stimulation or increased energy by week 2-3
- +Strength gains plateau despite consistent training
- +You tolerate the current dose with no side effects after 3 weeks
- +Your goals require maximum GH elevation and you have experience with similar compounds
Decrease if
- -You experience significant dizziness, headaches, or joint pain
- -Blood sugar elevation becomes problematic
- -Side effects interfere with daily activities or training
- -You notice signs of receptor desensitization (diminishing appetite stimulation or GH response after several weeks)
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeable appetite increase within the first 5-7 days
- ✓Improved sleep quality and more vivid dreams
- ✓Gradual improvements in recovery and muscle fullness by week 2-3
- ✓Sustained energy levels and positive mood throughout the protocol
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
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The peptide weight is printed on the label
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The weight is on the label
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% sodium chloride saline or bacteriostatic water with benzyl alcohol)
- •Insulin syringe (29-gauge or similar for drawing and injecting)
- •Sterile alcohol pads or swabs for cleaning vials
- •GHRP-6 lyophilized peptide vial
- •Sterile needle or pin for creating air passage into vial during reconstitution
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (under the skin, not into muscle) is standard and most comfortable. Intravenous administration is reserved for clinical and research settings.
Best sites
- •Lower abdomen (stomach area): Most popular site with thick subcutaneous tissue and easy access
- •Upper thighs (front or outer side): Good subcutaneous depth and relatively painless
- •Upper arms (outer shoulder area): Convenient and easy to reach yourself
- •Glutes (buttocks): Thick tissue and minimal pain, though less convenient for self-injection
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then clean the injection site with an alcohol pad, moving outward from the center in a circular motion. Let it air dry completely (alcohol stings otherwise).
- 2.Hold the syringe like a pencil at a 45-degree angle to your skin, or perpendicular (90 degrees) if you prefer a quicker jab. Both work fine for subcutaneous injection.
- 3.Pinch the skin at the injection site to create a small fold, then quickly insert the needle through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. You'll feel a slight give as the needle enters.
- 4.Once the needle is in, release the pinched skin and slowly push the plunger to inject the peptide. Go slowly to minimize discomfort and give the peptide time to disperse.
- 5.Withdraw the needle, massage the site gently for 5-10 seconds to distribute the liquid, and apply gentle pressure with a clean alcohol pad. Rotate injection sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy (hardened lumps from repeated injections in the same spot).
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
GHRP-6 has a relatively long research history dating back to 1981, with human studies demonstrating its ability to stimulate GH release. The good news is that animal safety studies show excellent tolerability at high doses, and the side effects reported are generally mild and reversible. However, it's not FDA-approved, so use is based on research evidence rather than pharmaceutical oversight. Always purchase from reputable sources and consider medical consultation, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Safety data comes from early human studies (1989, 1993), recent animal toxicology studies (2025), and observational reports from research communities. Evidence is more robust for acute effects than for long-term use, so protocols typically involve 8-12 week cycles with breaks between them.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Increased Appetite
GHRP-6 signals your hypothalamus to increase hunger, which can be intense. This typically begins within 15-30 minutes of injection and lasts 1-3 hours.
Management: Plan to eat nutritious meals or snacks shortly after injection. This side effect is actually beneficial for those trying to gain muscle and calories, but problematic for those cutting or managing weight. Stay hydrated, as thirst can be confused with hunger.
Mild Joint or Muscle Discomfort
Some users report achy joints or mild muscle soreness in the first 1-2 weeks, separate from training soreness. This reflects the body adapting to increased GH and is usually transient.
Management: This typically resolves within a few days as your body adjusts. Gentle stretching, foam rolling, and adequate sleep support adaptation. If severe, reduce dose and allow more adaptation time before increasing.
Water Retention or Mild Swelling
Slight puffiness or feeling bloated is common in the first week as GH shifts fluid balance and the body responds.
Management: This usually self-resolves by week 2. Maintain adequate hydration and avoid excess sodium. If persistent, consult your physician to rule out other causes.
Less Common
- •Sleep Disturbances
- •Mild Dizziness or Lightheadedness
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis—discontinue immediately and seek emergency care
- ×Persistent chest pain, severe cardiac symptoms, or arrhythmias—stop and consult cardiology
- ×Signs of severe carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve compression worsening significantly
- ×Inability to tolerate side effects despite dose reduction (severe headaches, dizziness, joint pain)
- ×Blood pressure elevation that doesn't respond to standard management or dietary modification
- ×Completing your planned 8-12 week cycle—take a break before considering another round to prevent receptor desensitization
This information is for educational purposes and not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or stopping any peptide protocol, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Some individuals should avoid GHRP-6 entirely based on medical history. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Synergistic GH-releasing effects through complementary pathways (GHRP-6 via ghrelin receptor, CJC-1295 via GHRH receptor). Often combined in protocols.
- ✓Another GHRP that works well alongside GHRP-6, offering synergistic GH elevation without excessive appetite stimulation from either alone.
- ✓GHRH analog that pairs well with GHRP-6 for enhanced GH release through distinct mechanisms.
- !Another potent GHRP similar to GHRP-6. Avoid combining due to redundant mechanism and risk of excessive stimulation.
- ✓Multi-system healing peptide with different mechanism. Can be safely combined, though research on interaction is limited.
With medications
- ✓Blood pressure medications - GH can affect blood pressure. If taking antihypertensives, monitor closely and discuss with your doctor before starting GHRP-6.
- ✓Diabetes medications - GHRP-6 may affect glucose levels. If diabetic, monitor blood sugar closely and work with your doctor to adjust medications if needed.
- ✓Thyroid medications - GH can influence thyroid function. If on thyroid replacement, periodic TSH testing after starting GHRP-6 is wise.
- !Growth hormone injections (synthetic) - Combining with pharmaceutical GH without medical oversight risks excessive elevation and adverse effects. If doing this, work with an endocrinologist.
- ✓Immunosuppressants - GH stimulation affects immune function. If immunocompromised, consult your doctor before use.
With supplements
- ✓Creatine monohydrate - Safe and complementary. Both support muscle growth and recovery when combined with training.
- ✓Protein powders and amino acids - Excellent pairing—GHRP-6 increases appetite, making it easier to consume adequate protein for muscle growth.
- ✓L-arginine - Can provide additional GH stimulus, though redundant with GHRP-6. Safe but may not offer added benefit.
- ✓Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) - Supports insulin sensitivity and may help mitigate any glucose elevation from GHRP-6.
- ✓Alcohol (heavy use) - Large amounts blunt GH response and increase liver stress. Moderate intake is fine, but heavy drinking reduces GHRP-6 effectiveness.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) Profile