Growth Hormone Axis · GHRH analog (growth hormone secretagogue)
Sermorelin
- Drug class
- GHRH analog (growth hormone secretagogue)
- Status
- Compounded (503A)
- Reviewed
- 2026-06-01 · Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, MD
What Sermorelin is studied for
- Adult growth-hormone axis support (off-label)
- Sleep architecture and slow-wave sleep
- Body composition and recovery
- Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (historical FDA indication)
Mechanism of action
Binds GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary, stimulating endogenous growth hormone synthesis and release. Preserves the natural pulsatile GH rhythm and negative-feedback safety (unlike exogenous HGH).
Frequently asked questions
Sermorelin vs. HGH — what's the difference?
HGH (somatropin) is exogenous growth hormone; it overrides feedback and can suppress natural production. Sermorelin signals the pituitary to make its own GH in normal pulses — lower peak, more physiologic.
How is sermorelin dosed?
Subcutaneous injection nightly at bedtime to align with natural GH pulses. Typical compounded dose is 200–500 mcg/night, often cycled.
What benefits do people report?
Deeper sleep, faster recovery from training, improved body composition over months. Effects are gradual — most studies show measurable IGF-1 changes by 12 weeks.
What are the side effects?
Generally well tolerated. Injection-site reactions, transient flushing, headache. Long-term safety in adults is less studied than HGH.
