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GHRP-6 vs MK-677: side-by-side comparison

GH Secretagogue

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6 · Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide · SK&F 110679

A synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin mimetic that was one of the first GH secretagogues developed. Stimulates growth hormone release through the GHS-R1a receptor. Known for causing intense appetite stimulation (the "hunger peptide"), which can be beneficial for bulking but problematic for cutting. Less selective than GHRP-2 with higher cortisol and prolactin elevation.

4.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →
VS
GH Secretagogue

Ibutamoren · MK677 · Nutrobal

An oral ghrelin mimetic that stimulates GH pulses. Technically not a peptide but a non-peptide agonist of the ghrelin receptor that increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.

4.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →

4 / 10 natty scale / 4

Same lane

Both sit in the same class and are run for bulking, recovery. This is a like-for-like comparison: read the gaps as real trade-offs.

The tape

Core ratings

The same three rulers every entry on the site is scored with, read head to head.

GHRP-6MK-677
4.0

Natty scale

1 natural · 10 heavy

4.0
3.5

Effectiveness

Documented effect · of 5Δ0.5

3.0
2.5

Side-effect severity

Documented burden · of 5Δ0.5

3.0

Cost side

Body-load fingerprint

Where each one actually lands its strain, on the calculator's thirteen channels. Tap a row for what it means and which labs track it.

GHRP-6MK-677

Cardiometabolic

Organ strain

Hormonal

Systemic

Injection & site care

Bars show strain at each one's typical protocol, not your dose. marks values inferred from side-effect data or category rather than hand-graded. For your numbers, run the calculator.

Logistics

The vitals

GHRP-6MK-677
GH Secretagogue
Classmatch
GH Secretagogue
Subcutaneous
Route
Oral
100-600 mcg/day2-4x daily on an empty stomach (e.g. morning, post-workout, bedtime), each dose ~100mcg. Beginners often start with a single daily dose to gauge appetite/prolactin response before adding more.
Typical dose
12.5-25 mg/dayDaily oral, usually before bed
2.5 hours (elimination), 7.6 minutes (distribution)
Half-life
~4-6 hours
4-12 weeks
Typical run
8-12 weeks
Research chemical
Legal statusmatch
Research chemical
ProhibitedS2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics
WADAmatch
ProhibitedS2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics

Benefit side

What each is for

Shared goals carry both dots; a goal with one dot belongs to that side alone.

GHRP-6MK-677
BulkingRecoveryPerformance

Run for

Growth Hormone ReleasePotent GH secretagogue reported to reach slightly higher peak GH levels than GHRP-2, though it is less potent per unit dose.
Appetite StimulationIntensely stimulates appetite within 20-30 minutes of injection - beneficial for hard gainers and bulking phases.
Recovery EnhancementElevated GH levels improve recovery from training and injury.
Body CompositionGH elevation promotes fat loss and lean mass gain, though appetite increase must be managed.

Documented upside

  • Slightly higher peak GH levels than GHRP-2
  • Powerful appetite stimulation for bulking/hard gainers
  • Lower receptor affinity than hexarelin means slower/milder desensitization at standard saturation doses
  • Synergistic when combined with GHRH peptides
  • Well-studied with extensive research data
+1 more on the full page

Run for

Increased IGF-1Elevates IGF-1 levels for enhanced recovery and growth.
Improved SleepSignificantly enhances sleep quality, particularly REM and deep sleep.
Appetite StimulationDramatically increases appetite, useful for hardgainers.

Documented upside

  • Oral administration (no injections)
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Increased appetite
  • Elevated IGF-1 levels
  • Enhanced recovery
+1 more on the full page

The downsides

Side effects, aligned

Each entry's documented side effects, sorted onto the same body systems so the gaps and the overlaps are visible. Tap any effect for the detail.

GHRP-6MK-677
Blood pressure & water

None documented

Blood sugar
Prolactin

None documented

None documented

Mood, sleep & CNS
Injection site

None documented

Other documented effects

The exit

Hormonal fallout & recovery

What each does to your own hormone axis while on, and what leaving it costs.

GHRP-6MK-677
Not required
PCT
Not required
While-on only
What sticks
While-on only

GHRP-6

Does not affect HPT axis. No PCT required.

MK-677

Does not suppress testosterone. No PCT required.

Read-out

How they separate

  1. 01

    Enhancement

    They land at almost the same point on the natty scale (4/10 vs 4/10): a similar distance beyond natural.

  2. 02

    Side-effect bill

    MK-677's documented side-effect severity is heavier (3/5 vs 2.5/5). The body-load fingerprint above shows where that weight actually lands.

  3. 03

    Body load

    The widest gap at typical protocols is prolactin (GHRP-6 4/10 vs 0/10), then kidney load (MK-677 2.8/10 vs 0/10).

  4. 04

    Coming off

    Neither requires PCT: both leave the natural testosterone axis running.

  5. 05

    Logistics

    GHRP-6 runs as subcutaneous, MK-677 as oral; typical runs are 4-12 weeks vs 8-12 weeks.

  6. 06

    Tested athletes

    Both are WADA-prohibited: neither belongs anywhere near tested competition.

Generated from each entry's data file. Descriptive, not a recommendation; nothing here is medical advice.