GHRP-6 Side Effects
The side effects caused by GHRP-6 are generally what you would expect from HGH use, due to the fact that the end result of GHRP-6 use is a significant increase in HGH levels.
Of course, the difference between GHRP-6 and synthetic HGH is the fact that the HGH from GHRP-6 use is endogenous HGH produced by the human body.
Nevertheless, while GHRP-6 side effects are primarily those that result from the use of HGH, there are also side effects that are unique to GHRP-6 itself.
It is important to note that GHRP-6 is not a steroid hormone, nor is it a gender-specific hormone, so both women and men can use it equally without fear of androgenic or virilizing side effects, GHRP-6 side effects are non-existent.
Human Growth Hormone Related Side Effects
GHRP-6 side effects from increased human growth hormone include flu-like symptoms, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, bloating, and water retention.
Less common side effects include dizziness, tingling or numbness of the skin, decreased tactile sensitivity, nausea, bone pain, and gynecomastia.
HGH is not a sex hormone, but it acts as an important mediating hormone that works in conjunction with estrogen in the development of gynecomastia [1].
Therefore, this should be kept in mind when using GHRP-6 (or any HGH-related compound) in conjunction with anabolic steroids.
For a more detailed discussion of the side effects of using human growth hormone, please refer to the Human Growth Hormone Side Effects section of the Human Growth Hormone Profile.
GHRP-6-specific side effects
In addition to the potential side effects caused by increased human growth hormone, GHRP-6 is also associated with a variety of side effects that are directly caused by GHRP-6 itself.
These include
Stimulation of extreme hunger.
While we already mentioned earlier in this profile that almost all GHRPs stimulate hunger simply by the fact that they are ghrelin mimetics (mimic the actions of the hormone ghrelin in the body), GHRP-6 has been clinically and anecdotally proven to stimulate the greatest increase in hunger compared to all other GHRPs [2].
GHRP-6 tends to stimulate painful hunger, which is often mistakenly perceived as a symptom of low blood sugar.
In fact, the hunger caused by GHRP-6 is just a peptide that acts on ghrelin receptors, which signal hunger to different areas of the brain.
There is no research or anecdotal evidence that hypoglycemia occurs after GHRP-6 administration.
Hunger should subside after a meal.
Many users have also reported that after a few weeks of a GHRP-6 cycle, the intensity of hunger pangs decreases, but does not disappear completely.
Lactating nipples
GHRP-6 side effects may include engorgement of the nipples due to increased prolactin secretion.
However, this is rare but can occur in susceptible individuals.
GHRP-6 has shown the ability to induce the release of cortisol and prolactin [3], but studies have shown that in most subjects, GHRP-6 doses of 100 mcg or less do not result in any change in prolactin and cortisol increases [4] [5].
Doses above 100 mcg do increase prolactin secretion, but only marginally, and lactation is not reported to occur at these minimal levels.
However, some users have reported lactation, which may be the result of being a sensitive individual or taking much higher doses of GHRP-6.
Prolactin levels can be lowered by using prolactin antagonists such as cabergoline, pramipexole, bromocriptine, and even vitamin B6.
Dizziness and lightheadedness
As reported by many users, GHRP-6 can cause a “lightheaded” feeling, typically accompanied by tingling and “pins and needles” sensations in the extremities.
This can also manifest as dizziness and/or lightheadedness.
This is strong evidence that the hormone is actually stimulating the pituitary gland, and is a side effect seen with 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, Beaudoin FM, Luckman SM. Endocrinology. 2002 Jan;143(1):155-62.
[3] Pathophysiology of neuromodulation of growth hormone secretion in experimental animals and humans. Giustina A, Veldhuis JD. 1998 Endocr Rev. 19:717-797.
[4] Human fetal pituitary expresses a functional growth hormone-releasing peptide receptor. Ilan Simon, Xinmin Yan, Shlomo Melmed. JCEM 1998 83: 174-178; doi:10.1210/jc.83.1.174.
Vera Popovic, Sandra Pekic, Ivana Golubic, Mira Doknik, Carlos Díguez, Felipe Casanueva, [5] Effect of cranial irradiation on GH responsiveness to GHRH and GH-releasing peptide-6. JCEM 2002 87: 2095-2099; doi:10.1210/jc.87.5.2095.
