GHRP-6

What people use it for

• Raising growth hormone (popular use)
• Appetite stimulation

What GHRP-6 does in the body

One of the first synthetic ghrelin-receptor agonists. It triggers growth hormone release and, because ghrelin is the body's main hunger hormone, causes marked increases in appetite.

Strength of evidence

Limited: older small human studies.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Strong hunger
• Raised cortisol and prolactin
• Water retention
• Possible effects on blood sugar

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Active or past cancer
• Diabetes (may raise blood sugar)
• Competitive athletes (prohibited by WADA)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Not approved. Prohibited in sport by WADA.

How it's taken

Route: Injection under the skin (unofficial use)

How long it lasts (half-life): About 20 minutes

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.

Mixing guides

How much water to add and what each syringe mark holds, worked out for your own dose:

• 5 mg vial
• 10 mg vial