Sermorelin
Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29)
The first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH. More physiological than synthetic GHRPs, with prior FDA approval (now discontinued as a branded drug but widely compounded).
Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved (Geref) but has since been withdrawn from the commercial market. It is widely used as a compounded medication prescribed by physicians. Compounded sermorelin is not an FDA-approved drug product. Any use should be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider.
What it is
Sermorelin is a synthetic analogue consisting of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It is the shortest fragment of GHRH that retains full biological activity.
Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved (Geref) for diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency in children, but the branded drug was voluntarily withdrawn from the market. It remains widely available as a compounded medication, making it one of the more accessible GH-related peptides with some regulatory history.
What research shows
- Stimulates physiological GH pulsatility — more natural than exogenous GH
- IGF-1 elevation with sustained use in GH-deficient populations
- Improved sleep quality, particularly slow-wave sleep, in some studies
- Better safety profile than exogenous HGH due to pituitary self-regulation
- Some data on body composition and bone density in GH-deficient adults
What remains unknown
- Optimal dosing for healthy aging adults (most data is in GH-deficient populations)
- Long-term effects in eugonadal, healthy individuals
- Degree of pituitary desensitization with chronic daily use
Administration basics
Common use cases
GH optimization, healthy aging, sleep improvement, body composition.
Half-life
~10–20 minutes. Typically dosed before sleep to align with natural GH pulse.
Administration
Subcutaneous injection, typically nightly.
Research Protocols & Common Usage
Doses used in research
- Clinical protocols have used 200–300mcg subcutaneously before sleep
- Range studied spans 100–500mcg per injection
Administration routes studied
Typical protocol duration
Clinical protocols commonly run 3–6 months.
Common stacking protocols
- Sermorelin + Ipamorelin — combined as a GHRH/GHRP pairing
- Sermorelin is often used as a standalone GH stimulant for a more physiological approach
Contraindications & combinations to avoid
- Active cancer or cancer history — GH elevation concerns apply to all GH secretagogues
- Diabetes — affects insulin sensitivity
- Pituitary tumors or disorders — sermorelin acts directly on the pituitary
- Should not be combined with other GHRH analogues (CJC-1295, tesamorelin) — redundant mechanism
Dosing information reflects doses used in published research and commonly reported community protocols only. This is not a personal recommendation. These compounds are not FDA-approved for human use in the contexts described. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Considering stacking?
See the stacking guide for common combinations with Sermorelin and what to avoid.
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Reviews reflect individual user experiences with research compounds and are not medical advice. Results vary. These compounds are not FDA approved for human use. Peptelligent does not verify reported experiences.
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