How it works
Sermorelin attaches to GHRH receptors on the growth hormone cells of the pituitary gland. That makes the gland release its own GH in natural pulses. Your body's feedback loop keeps working. That may lower the risk of above-normal GH levels, which is a risk with direct HGH.
The evidence
It was FDA-approved for GH deficiency in children. It's no longer made commercially, but compounding pharmacies can make it. Use in adults is off-label. Some studies show rises in IGF-1 (a marker of growth hormone activity). Evidence for better sleep, recovery, or body composition in healthy adults is limited, and a change in IGF-1 alone doesn't prove a health benefit. It is not an anti-aging treatment.
Typical dosing
200–500 mcg under the skin each night before bed, 5 nights a week. A course usually lasts 3–6 months, and then your clinician checks how it's going.
Side effects
Common
- Reactions where you inject
- Flushing
Less common
- Headache
- Nausea
Rare
- Allergic reactions
Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids (steroids like prednisone): may lower the GH response
- Insulin: watch blood sugar, since GH can make your body respond less to insulin
