GHRP-3
Growth hormone releasing peptide that stimulates GH and prolactin. Similar to GHRP-6 but with a different side effect profile.
Research Status
Early Research
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
GHRP-3 stimulates ghrelin-like signaling, which increases hunger sensations. This typically resolves within hours of injection. Manage by timing injections before planned meals or adjusting meal timing.
GHRP-3 stimulates prolactin release, though typically less than GHRP-6. Mild elevation is expected and usually transient. Persistent or significant elevation warrants medical evaluation.
Local inflammatory response at injection site. Minimize by rotating sites, using proper injection technique, and allowing solution to reach room temperature. Usually resolves within hours.
Transient vasodilation and warmth, typically occurring within 15-30 minutes of injection and resolving within 1-2 hours. More common with higher doses.
Mild headache may occur following injection, likely related to GH secretion or prolactin elevation. Usually self-resolving within a few hours. Ensure adequate hydration.
Transient dizziness may occur, particularly if injected while standing. Sit or lie down for 5-10 minutes after injection if this occurs.
Chronic GH elevation can lead to fluid retention and nerve compression. More likely with prolonged use or high cumulative doses. Discontinue and seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop.
GH is counter-regulatory to insulin; chronic elevation may impair glucose tolerance. Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c if using long-term. Discontinue if significant hyperglycemia develops.
Some users report mild joint or muscle discomfort, possibly related to increased GH and IGF-1 levels affecting connective tissue. Usually mild and transient.
Repeated injections at the same site can cause localized fat loss (lipoatrophy) or fat thickening (lipohypertrophy). Prevent by strict site rotation. Discontinue injections at affected sites.
Chronic GHRP-3 use may lead to reduced GH response over time due to receptor downregulation. Manage by cycling use (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off) or periodic breaks.
GH secretagogues may transiently elevate cortisol. Chronic elevation could theoretically occur with long-term use. Monitor for signs of hypercortisolism (weight gain, mood changes, fatigue).
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 100-300 mcg |
| Frequency | 1-3x daily |
| Timing | Before bed, before meals, or post-exercise |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
Start at 100 mcg and titrate upward based on response. Timing relative to meals may affect GH release kinetics. For research purposes 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
GHRP-3 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a growth hormone secretagogue, binding to specific receptors (likely ghrelin receptors or related pathways) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the release of growth hormone. Unlike GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), which acts through a different receptor pathway, GHRP-3 provides a complementary mechanism for GH stimulation and may work synergistically with endogenous GHRH. GHRP-3 also stimulates prolactin release, though typically to a lesser degree than GHRP-6, making it potentially more selective for GH secretion in research applications.
Ghrelin Receptor Signaling (GHS-R1a)
GHRP-3 is believed to activate growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering intracellular calcium mobilization and depolarization, leading to GH exocytosis and release into circulation
Somatostatin Inhibition
GHRP-3 may suppress somatostatin (growth hormone-inhibiting hormone) release from the hypothalamus, removing the inhibitory tone on GH secretion and allowing increased GH release
GHRH Synergy
GHRP-3 acts through a distinct mechanism from GHRH and can potentiate GHRH-induced GH release, suggesting complementary pathways for maximal GH stimulation
IGF-1 Feedback Loop
Increased GH secretion from GHRP-3 stimulates hepatic and peripheral production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which provides negative feedback on GH secretion and influences metabolic processes
- GHRP-3 is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with a distinct mechanism from natural GHRH
- Binds to growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate GH release
- Produces a lower prolactin response compared to GHRP-6, potentially offering more selective GH stimulation
- GH secretion occurs in a pulsatile manner following GHRP-3 administration, mimicking natural GH secretion patterns
- Effects are dose-dependent and may be influenced by age, body composition, nutritional status, and circadian rhythm
- Chronic use may lead to receptor desensitization, requiring periodic cycling or dose adjustment
Track your GHRP-3 research
Free account. No credit card required.
Browse the Research Library
40+ peptide profiles with mechanism summaries, dosing data, and reconstitution guides.
View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. GHRP-3 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.