Sermorelin
GRF 1-29 · Geref
The original GHRH analogue — once FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency, now used off-label for GH support.
Class
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29) analogue
Half-life
~10–20 minutes
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of GHRH — the smallest fragment that retains full activity. It was FDA-approved (as Geref) for diagnosing and treating growth hormone deficiency in children before being withdrawn from the US market for commercial rather than safety reasons. It remains widely available through compounding pharmacies.
Compared with the modified GRF analogues, sermorelin has a shorter half-life and is slightly less potent, but it has the longest human track record of the GHRH family and a well-characterised safety profile from its pediatric use.
In anti-aging and wellness clinics it is prescribed off-label to raise GH and IGF-1 in adults with age-related decline. The controlled evidence for adult body-composition benefit is limited, but its regulatory history and prescriber availability make it one of the more accessible options.
How it works
- Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate endogenous GH synthesis and release.
- Preserves pulsatile GH secretion and hypothalamic-pituitary feedback.
- Shorter half-life than modified GRF (1-29); slightly lower per-dose potency.
- Combinable with a ghrelin-mimetic secretagogue for additive effect.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Raised GH and IGF-1 in children with GH deficiency (approved use)
- Increased GH/IGF-1 in adults in smaller studies
- Anecdotal improvement in sleep, recovery, and body composition
- Long human safety record from pediatric use
Limitations & what it won't do
- Limited controlled data for adult anti-aging or body-composition claims.
- Shorter half-life means it is often dosed at bedtime to catch the overnight pulse.
- No longer FDA-marketed; quality depends on the compounding pharmacy.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Adult GH support (compounded)
200–500 mcgFrequently co-prescribed with ipamorelin. Dose per a licensed prescriber's guidance.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 3 · 5 · 9 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Lyophilised powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: approximately 30 days refrigerated.
Why 2 mL? A 5 mg vial in 2 mL yields 2500 mcg/mL — 250 mcg lands on 10 units of a U-100 syringe.
Dose calculator
Draw to
8units
= 0.08 mL · 25 mcg per unit
Concentration
2500 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
25
Side effects
Common
- Injection-site redness or pain
- Flushing
- Headache
- Transient dizziness
Serious / rare
- Reduced insulin sensitivity with prolonged use
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Theoretical tumour stimulation via IGF-1
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Active cancer or current oncology treatment
Raises IGF-1; contraindicated during active malignancy.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
Use caution if you have
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
Monitor glucose — GH pulses reduce insulin sensitivity.
- Past cancer diagnosis (in remission)
IGF-1 elevation warrants oncology clearance.
- Other thyroid disorder
Untreated hypothyroidism blunts the GH response; correct thyroid status first.
Medication interactions
- monitorInsulin — Glucose may run higher.
- monitorCorticosteroids — Steroids suppress the GH response.
- monitorThyroid hormone — Thyroid status affects GH secretion; keep it optimised.
What to monitor
- IGF-1 and GH levels
- Fasting glucose
- Thyroid function
Commonly combined with
References
- Walker RF — Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset GH insufficiency?Clinical Interventions in Aging 2006;1:307-308
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
Want to know if Sermorelin fits your goals and history?
The assessment cross-checks your medical history and medications against this and every other compound before it recommends anything.
Start the assessment