GHRP-6 vs Oxytocin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHRP-6 is the original synthetic GH-releasing peptide and a potent ghrelin receptor agonist. It produces strong GH pulses but is notorious for a significant hunger surge 30–45 minutes post-injection. This hunger side effect makes it less preferred than Ipamorelin or GHRP-2 for most protocols but can be useful in patients with appetite deficiency.
- Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus with diverse roles in social bonding, trust, stress reduction, and sexual function. Exogenous administration is used therapeutically to improve social cognition, reduce anxiety, and enhance intimacy.
- Half-Life
- 15–60 minutes
- ~3–5 minutes (IV); ~30–60 minutes (intranasal, CNS effects persist longer)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 20–40 IU
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- As needed (not daily long-term)
- Key Benefits
- Strong GH stimulation
- Elevated IGF-1
- Muscle growth and recovery support
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects at GI level
- Useful for patients with appetite deficiency or cachexia
- Enhanced recovery from training
- Enhances social bonding and trust
- Reduces social anxiety and fear of rejection
- Improves autism spectrum symptoms (social cognition)
- Reduces cortisol and stress reactivity
- Enhances sexual arousal and intimacy
- Promotes maternal behavior and bonding
- May improve depressive symptoms
- Appetite suppression and metabolic effects
- Side Effects
- Intense hunger surge (30–45 min post-injection)
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Mild uterine cramping (avoid in pregnancy)
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Headache
- Potential emotional over-attachment or jealousy amplification
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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