GHRP-6 Side Effects

 

Side effects resultant from GHRP-6 are typically what would be expected from the use of HGH due to the fact that the end result of GHRP-6 use is that of vastly increased HGH levels. The difference between GHRP-6 and synthetic HGH is, of course, the fact that the HGH resultant from GHRP-6 use is endogenous HGH manufactured by the human body. Nevertheless, GHRP-6 side effects are primarily side effects that occur from HGH use, but there do exist GHRP-6 side effects that are unique to GHRP-6 itself. It is important to note that GHRP-6is not a steroid hormone, nor is it a sex specific hormone, and because of this it can be used by both females and males equally without fear of androgenic or virilization side effects, which GHRP-6 side effects are void of.

Human Growth Hormone Related Side Effects

GHRP-6 side effects that are the result of the HGH increases include: flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and bloating and water retention. Less likely side effects include: dizziness, tingling or numbness on the skin, reduction of touch sensitivity, nausea, sore bones, and gynecomastia. Although HGH is not a sex hormone, it does serve as an important mediator hormone that works with Estrogen in the development of gynecomastia[1]. This should be kept in mind when utilizing GHRP-6 (or any HGH related compound) with aromatizable anabolic steroids.

For a more in-depth descriptive list of side effects resultant from Human Growth Hormone use, please see the Human Growth Hormone Side Effects section of the Human Growth Hormone profile.

GHRP-6 Exclusive Side Effects

In addition to the potential side effects resultant from the HGH increases, GHRP-6 is associated with various side effects that are directly resultant from GHRP-6 itself. These include the following:

Extreme hunger stimulation: It has been previously mentioned in this profile already that almost all GHRPs will stimulate hunger simply by virtue of the fact that they are Ghrelin mimetics (they mimic the action of the hormone Ghrelin in the body), but GHRP-6 has demonstrated both anecdotally as well as clinically to stimulate the largest hunger increases in comparison to all other GHRPs[2]. GHRP-6 tends to stimulate what can only be described as agonizing hunger, and is commonly misconceived as a hypoglycemic episode. The hunger resultant from GHRP-6 is, in fact, simply the peptide acting on Ghrelin receptors that signal hunger to various regions in the brain. No studies or any anecdotal evidence demonstrates hypoglycemic blood glucose readouts following GHRP-6 administration. Following a meal, the hunger should subside. Many users have also reported the intensity of the hunger diminishing several weeks into GHRP-6 cycles but not completely disappearing.

Lactating nipples: GHRP-6 side effects include that of increased Prolactin secretion, which can result in lactation from the nipples. This is, however, a rare occurrence but it can happen in sensitive individuals. GHRP-6 exhibits the ability to induce secretion of Cortisol and Prolactin[3], but studies have shown that the Prolactin and Cortisol increases in most test subjects were not altered at all at GHRP-6 doses of 100mcg or less[4] [5]. Doses above 100mcg are said to increase Prolactin secretion, though minimally, and at these minimal levels lactation should not present itself. However, some users have reported lactation which can be the result of a sensitive individual or the result of much higher doses of GHRP-6. Prolactin can be lowered through the use of a Prolactin antagonist such as Cabergoline, Pramipexole, Bromocriptine, and even vitamin B6.

Light-headedness and dizziness: GHRP-6 might commonly cause what is commonly referred to as a “head rush” feeling accompanied by a tingling and “pins and needles” feeling in the extremities, as reported by many users. This can also present itself as a spell of dizziness and/or light-headedness. It is in fact a strong indication that the hormone is indeed stimulating the pituitary gland, and is a side effect indicative of almost all HGH secretagogues.

 

 

 

GHRP-6 References:

[1] J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1998 May;53(3):M183-7

[2] Acute central ghrelin and GH secretagogues induce feeding and activate brain appetite centers. Lawrence CB, Snape AC, Baudoin FM, Luckman SM. Endocrinology. 2002 Jan;143(1):155-62.

[3] Pathophysiology of the neuroregulation of growth hormone secretion in experimental animals and the human. Giustina A, Veldhuis JD. 1998 Endocr Rev. 19:717–797.

[4] Human Fetal Pituitary Expresses Functional Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide Receptors. Ilan Shimon, Xinmin Yan, and Shlomo Melmed. JCEM 1998 83: 174-178; doi:10.1210/jc.83.1.174.

[5] The Impact of Cranial Irradiation on GH Responsiveness to GHRH Plus GH-Releasing Peptide-6. Vera Popovic, Sandra Pekic, Ivana Golubicic, Mira Doknic, Carlos Dieguez and Felipe F. Casanueva. JCEM 2002 87: 2095-2099; doi:10.1210/jc.87.5.2095.