Skip to content

GHRP-6 vs Tesamorelin: 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

Egrifta

A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral adipose tissue. Particularly effective at targeting stubborn abdominal and visceral fat.

4.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →

4 / 10 natty scale / 4

Same lane

Both sit in the same class, but they are pointed at different goals: GHRP-6 at bulking, recovery, performance, Tesamorelin at cutting.

The tape

Core ratings

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

GHRP-6Tesamorelin
4.0

Natty scale

1 natural · 10 heavy

4.0
3.5

Effectiveness

Documented effect · of 5Δ1

4.5
2.5

Side-effect severity

Documented burden · of 5

2.5

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-6Tesamorelin

Cardiometabolic

Hormonal

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-6Tesamorelin
GH Secretagogue
Classmatch
GH Secretagogue
Subcutaneous
Routematch
Subcutaneous
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
1.3-2 mg/dayOnce daily subcutaneous injection
2.5 hours (elimination), 7.6 minutes (distribution)
Half-life
8-11 minutes
4-12 weeks
Typical run
12-26 weeks
Research chemical
Legal status
Prescription only
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-6Tesamorelin
BulkingRecoveryPerformanceCutting

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

Visceral Fat ReductionSpecifically targets stubborn abdominal and visceral fat stores.
Body CompositionImproves overall body composition with focus on midsection.

Documented upside

  • Targeted visceral fat loss
  • FDA-approved with clinical data
  • Improved trunk fat distribution
  • Natural GH pattern preservation
  • Well-studied safety profile

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-6Tesamorelin
Blood pressure & water

None documented

Blood sugar
Prolactin

None documented

Injection site
Other documented effects

The exit

Hormonal fallout & recovery

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

GHRP-6Tesamorelin
Not required
PCT
Not required
While-on only
What sticks
While-on only

GHRP-6

Does not affect HPT axis. No PCT required.

Tesamorelin

Does not suppress natural hormone production. 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

    Body load

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

  3. 03

    Coming off

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

  4. 04

    Logistics

    typical runs are 4-12 weeks vs 12-26 weeks.

  5. 05

    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.