Hexarelin vs Leuprolide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
HexarelinSexual Health & Libido
Leuprolide- Summary
- Hexarelin is a potent synthetic GHRP and the strongest GH secretagogue in its class per unit dose. It also exhibits unique cardioprotective properties through direct binding to cardiac CD36 receptors, independent of GH release. Its potency is balanced by a tendency to desensitize GH release with prolonged use, making cycling important.
- Leuprolide is a synthetic GnRH superagonist that, with continuous administration, paradoxically suppresses LH and FSH through receptor desensitization — the opposite effect of pulsatile GnRH. Used medically for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty. In men's health, short-duration use for PCT and testosterone suppression rebound.
- Half-Life
- ~70 minutes
- ~3 hours (SC/IM), but depot formulations last 1–12 months
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–200 mcg
- 7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg 3-monthly, or 45 mg 6-monthly
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- Per depot schedule
- Key Benefits
- Strongest GH pulse per mcg among GHRPs
- Unique direct cardioprotective effects via CD36
- Increased IGF-1 and muscle anabolism
- Accelerated recovery from training
- Bone density support
- Anti-aging via GH axis
- Potential cardiac rehabilitation benefits
- Medical: reduces testosterone in prostate cancer
- Medical: suppresses estrogen in endometriosis and uterine fibroids
- Medical: delays precocious puberty
- Research: testosterone rebound effect after short course
- Transgender care: hormone suppression in adolescents
- Research: hormonal re-sensitization protocols
- Side Effects
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol
- Elevated prolactin (more pronounced than other GHRPs)
- Receptor desensitization with continuous use
- +1 more
- Hot flashes (with testosterone suppression)
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
- Initial testosterone flare (first 1–2 weeks)
- Bone density loss with long-term use
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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