Sermorelin
Stimulate your body's natural growth hormone production for vitality and recovery.
From $249/mo
How It Works
Sermorelin binds to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This activates the Gs-protein/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, which stimulates both the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone. Importantly, sermorelin preserves the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop - as GH and IGF-1 levels rise, somatostatin release increases to prevent supraphysiological levels. This self-limiting mechanism makes sermorelin significantly safer than exogenous GH administration. Sermorelin also promotes pulsatile GH release (particularly during deep sleep stages 3-4), which better replicates the natural circadian rhythm of GH secretion compared to direct GH injections.
Key Benefits
Clinical Research
Sermorelin was FDA-approved in 1997 under the brand name Geref for diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children, though this approval was later withdrawn for commercial (not safety) reasons. Clinical studies in adults demonstrated significant increases in IGF-1 levels (30-50% above baseline) with 6-12 months of therapy. A study by Vittone et al. (1997) in elderly men showed improved body composition with increased lean mass and decreased fat mass. Research by Corpas et al. (1993) demonstrated that sermorelin restored pulsatile GH secretion in older adults to patterns resembling younger individuals. Long-term safety data spanning 2+ years showed no significant adverse effects on glucose metabolism, thyroid function, or cortisol levels.
Dosage & Administration
Dosage
Standard dosing is 200-300 mcg administered subcutaneously once daily, typically at bedtime to coincide with the natural nocturnal GH surge. Some protocols use 100 mcg for patients new to peptide therapy, titrating up to 300 mcg over 2-4 weeks. Treatment duration is typically 3-6 months for initial therapy, with reassessment of IGF-1 levels and symptoms. Some patients cycle 5 days on, 2 days off to prevent receptor desensitization. Your GetPepWell physician will design a protocol based on your baseline labs and therapeutic goals.
Administration
Administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily, ideally 30-60 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach (no food for at least 2 hours prior). The pre-sleep timing aligns with the natural growth hormone surge that occurs during deep sleep. Inject into the abdominal area, rotating sites. Use a 29-31 gauge insulin syringe for minimal discomfort. Avoid eating immediately after injection, as elevated blood sugar and insulin suppress GH release. Fats and carbohydrates are the most suppressive; if you must eat, choose a small protein-only snack.
Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, irritation)
- Headache, particularly during the first 1-2 weeks
- Flushing or warmth shortly after injection
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild water retention
- Increased hunger
- Vivid dreams (related to deeper sleep stages)
Contra-indications
- Active malignancy or history of cancer (GH promotes cell proliferation)
- Known hypersensitivity to sermorelin or mannitol
- Untreated hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone is required for GH synthesis)
- Active diabetic retinopathy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Intracranial hypertension
- Pituitary tumor or other conditions affecting the pituitary gland
Drug Interactions
- Glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone) - may blunt GH response; discuss dose timing
- Insulin - GH can increase insulin resistance; monitor blood glucose closely
- Thyroid medications - adequate thyroid function is required for optimal GH release
- Cyclooxygenase inhibitors (aspirin, indomethacin) - may modestly reduce GH response
- Muscarinic antagonists (atropine) - may reduce GH response to sermorelin
Storage Info
Store lyophilized powder refrigerated at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated and use within 30 days. Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Gently swirl (do not shake vigorously) when reconstituting to avoid denaturing the peptide.
Sermorelin FAQ
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