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Peptide Protocol

GHRP-2: potent GH pulse — cortisol aware.

Second-generation growth hormone-releasing peptide. Strong GH output with some cortisol and prolactin elevation. SubQ 2–3× daily.

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GHRP WADA S2 Prohibited Research Use Only

GHRP-2
Dosage Protocol

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide and potent agonist of the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor. It produces strong, dose-dependent GH release from the anterior pituitary. GHRP-2 is more potent than GHRP-6 and produces less hunger stimulation, but does cause some elevation of cortisol and prolactin — more than Ipamorelin but less than GHRP-6 or Hexarelin.

100–300 mcg
Per Dose
8–12 wks on / 4 off
Cycle
SubQ
Route
2–3× daily
Frequency
Overview

What is GHRP-2?

GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide analog of ghrelin that binds GHS-R1a receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering robust GH release. It was one of the first GHRPs extensively studied in human clinical trials. A saturation dose of 100 mcg produces near-maximal GH response; doses above this increase side effects without proportionally increasing GH.

The compound occupies a position between Ipamorelin (cleanest profile) and Hexarelin (most potent) in the GHRP family. It elevates cortisol and prolactin to a modest degree, making it less ideal for long cycles compared to Ipamorelin but more tolerable than older GHRPs. It is commonly combined with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 No DAC or Sermorelin) for synergistic GH release.

GHS-R1a Agonism
Binds ghrelin receptors in the pituitary somatotrophs, triggering GH vesicle release via calcium-dependent intracellular signaling cascades.
Hypothalamic Amplification
Also acts at the hypothalamus to suppress somatostatin (GH inhibitor), further amplifying GH output when co-administered with GHRH analogs.
Dose-Dependent GH Release
GH response scales with dose up to ~100 mcg (saturation point). The GHRH + GHRP-2 combo produces additive effects — 100 mcg GHRH + 30 mcg GHRP-2 is synergistic.
Cortisol / Prolactin Elevation
Modest ACTH and cortisol elevation occurs at standard doses. Less than GHRP-6 or Hexarelin, but more than Ipamorelin.
Dosing Protocol

Dosing Schedule

Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.

Research use only. The following documents parameters from published preclinical and clinical research. Not medical advice. Not for human consumption. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
PhaseDoseFrequencyDurationNotes
Start50–100 mcgOnce daily (bedtime)Days 1–7Fasted SubQ. 100 mcg is the approximate saturation dose.
Working dose100 mcg2× dailyWeeks 2–8AM fasted + bedtime. Stack with CJC-1295 No DAC 1:1.
Advanced100 mcg3× dailyWeeks 3–12Third dose post-workout. Doses above 100 mcg rarely add GH.
Off cycle——4 weeksPrevent receptor desensitization before restarting.
Safety Profile

Safety & Side Effects

Generally Well Tolerated
Extensively studied in human clinical trials
Less appetite stimulation than GHRP-6
Strong GH output at low doses (100 mcg saturation)
Short half-life — dose-timing flexibility
Potential Concerns
Modest cortisol and prolactin elevation
WADA S2 prohibited
Receptor desensitization with prolonged continuous use
GH blunted by food / elevated blood glucose
Research use onlyThis page is an educational reference. None of this constitutes medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before any use. All compounds are for research purposes only.
Evidence Base

Academic References

  1. [1]
    Arvat E, et al. (1997). Stimulatory effect of adrenal androgens on the GH-releasing activity of GHRP-2 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 82(7):2239–45. PubMed ↗
  2. [2]
    Bowers CY. (1998). Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP). Cell Mol Life Sci. 54(12):1316–29. PubMed ↗
  3. [3]
    Nass R, et al. (2008). Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition in healthy older adults. Ann Intern Med. 149(9):601–11. PubMed ↗
  4. [4]
    Veldhuis JD, et al. (1997). Dual defects in pulsatile GH secretion and clearance subserve the hyposomatotropism of obesity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 80(12):3532–8. PubMed ↗
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