GHRP-2
Also known as: Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2
GHRP-2 is a potent growth hormone secretagogue that increases appetite and promotes muscle growth. It enhances recovery and stimulates GH release more strongly than GHRP-6.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to GHRP-2
What it does
GHRP-2 signals your body to release more growth hormone, which researchers study for building muscle and speeding up recovery from exercise. It also increases hunger, so you eat more.
Typical dose
Researchers typically use 100-300 micrograms injected under the skin 2-3 times per day.
When to inject
Best on an empty stomach before meals or before bed, since food can reduce how well it works.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in the fridge before mixing. After mixing with liquid, store in the fridge and use within 2-3 weeks.
First-timer tip
This one makes you hungry, so plan your meals ahead-don't inject it right before a time when you can't eat.
On This Page
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Expected and often desired effect. Occurs within 30-60 minutes of injection. Manage by planning meals in advance or using appetite awareness techniques if unwanted.
GHRP-2 raises cortisol more than other secretagogues. Acute elevation is typically transient (1-2 hours). Chronic elevation with repeated dosing may occur; monitor for sleep disruption or anxiety. Consider cycling or using Ipamorelin if cortisol sensitivity is a concern.
Transient increase in prolactin levels post-injection. Usually mild and self-resolving. May cause breast tenderness or galactorrhoea in sensitive individuals.
Occurs within minutes of injection, typically resolves within 15-30 minutes. Related to vasodilation from GH and cortisol elevation. No intervention required.
Mild headaches may occur post-injection, likely related to rapid GH elevation. Usually resolves within 1-2 hours. Stay hydrated and consider timing injections away from important activities.
May occur shortly after injection due to rapid GH and cortisol elevation. Sit or lie down if experienced. Resolve within 30-60 minutes.
Redness, itching, or mild swelling at the injection site. Prevent by rotating sites and ensuring proper injection technique. Use ice if swelling occurs.
Reported with prolonged GH elevation from secretagogues. Related to fluid retention and nerve compression. More likely with high-dose or continuous use. Manage with wrist splinting or dose reduction.
GH is counter-regulatory and can increase blood glucose, especially in those with insulin resistance or diabetes. Monitor blood glucose if diabetic or pre-diabetic. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have glucose metabolism concerns.
Reported with chronic GH elevation. Usually mild and related to fluid retention. Manage with NSAIDs if needed and adequate hydration.
Repeated daily dosing may lead to reduced GH response over time (tachyphylaxis). Mitigate by cycling (e.g. 5 days on, 2 days off) or varying injection timing.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 100-300 mcg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 817.96 g/mol |
| Half-life | 30 minutes (plasma); effects persist 2-4 hours due to GH elevation |
| Sequence | Members only |
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that acts as a ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. It stimulates the release of endogenous growth hormone by both directly activating somatotroph cells and by inhibiting somatostatin (growth hormone-inhibiting hormone), resulting in a potent and rapid increase in circulating GH levels. GHRP-2 also stimulates appetite through ghrelin pathway activation and increases cortisol and prolactin to a greater degree than other secretagogues like Ipamorelin.
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. GHRP-2 is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.