Sermorelin
Also known as: Sermorelin Acetate, GRF 1-29, Geref, GHRH(1-29)NH2
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). As the smallest GHRH fragment retaining full biological activity, it stimulates natural GH production and has been FDA-approved for diagnosing and treating GH deficiency in children.
Sermorelin is a 3,357.88 Da research peptide. Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). As the smallest GHRH fragment retaining full biological activity, it stimulates natural GH production and has been FDA-approved for diagnosing and treating GH deficiency in children.
Also called: Sermorelin Acetate, GRF 1-29, Geref
3,357.88
Molecular Weight
Daltons
4
Strong Evidence
benefits
5
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
200-300
Typical Dose
mcg
Overview
Sermorelin acetate is a synthetic peptide consisting of the first 29 amino acids (of the naturally occurring 44) of human growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It was identified by researchers who determined that the first 29 amino acids of GHRH are sufficient for full biological activity at the GHRH receptor. Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete growth hormone through the natural GHRH receptor pathway, preserving the body's feedback mechanisms that regulate GH levels. It was FDA-approved in the United States under the brand name Geref for the diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency in children, though the branded product has been discontinued. Sermorelin remains widely available through compounding pharmacies and is one of the most commonly prescribed GH-stimulating peptides in anti-aging and longevity medicine. Its physiological mechanism; stimulating the pituitary to produce its own GH rather than introducing exogenous GH, is considered advantageous because it maintains normal pulsatile GH secretion patterns and preserves negative feedback regulation.
Key Takeaways: Sermorelin
- Strongest evidence supports Sermorelin for physiological gh stimulation and pediatric gh deficiency treatment
- Research doses typically range from 200 to 300 mcg via subcutaneous injection
- 4 benefits with strong evidence, 2 moderate, 0 preliminary
- Half-life: 10-20 minutes
- 5 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
Sermorelin binds to the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This G-protein coupled receptor activates the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade, which stimulates both the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone. This mechanism is fundamentally different from GHRPs (which act through the ghrelin receptor and PLC/IP3 pathway), and the two pathways are complementary. A key advantage of Sermorelin is that it works within the body's natural regulatory framework — somatostatin still functions as a brake on GH release, and the pituitary's negative feedback loops remain intact. This means GH levels rise in a physiological pulsatile pattern rather than the sustained supraphysiological levels seen with exogenous GH injection. Sermorelin also promotes somatotroph cell health and may increase the pituitary's GH-producing capacity over time. The short half-life (10-20 minutes) means each injection produces a discrete GH pulse followed by a return to baseline, closely mimicking natural physiology.
Research Benefits
Sermorelin at a Glance
Sermorelin binds to the GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland.
Physiological GH Stimulation
Strong EvidenceStimulates the pituitary to produce its own GH through the natural GHRH pathway, preserving pulsatile secretion patterns and negative feedback regulation. FDA-approved mechanism for GH deficiency.
Pediatric GH Deficiency Treatment
Strong EvidenceFDA-approved (as Geref) for diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children, with clinical data supporting improved growth velocity and height outcomes.
Safety Profile
Strong EvidenceFavorable safety profile compared to exogenous GH because it stimulates natural production within physiological limits. Does not suppress the pituitary's own GH capacity.
Synergy with GHRPs
Strong EvidenceProduces dramatically enhanced GH release when combined with GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin) due to activation of complementary signaling pathways.
Anti-Aging & Body Composition
Moderate EvidenceWidely used in longevity medicine for age-related GH decline (somatopause). Research and clinical observations suggest improved body composition, skin quality, energy, and recovery with sustained use.
Improved Sleep Quality
Moderate EvidencePre-bedtime dosing enhances the natural nocturnal GH pulse associated with slow-wave sleep, potentially improving sleep quality and overnight recovery processes.
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Standard anti-aging protocol | 200–300 mcg | Subcutaneous injection |
| Higher dose protocol | 300–500 mcg | Subcutaneous injection |
| Pediatric (FDA-approved range) | 0–0 30 mcg/kg | Subcutaneous injection (physician-supervised) |
Frequency
Once daily (typically pre-bed) or twice daily
Timing
Before bed is most common to amplify nocturnal GH pulse. Fasted state preferred.
Cycle Length
3-6 months or ongoing with periodic assessment. Often used long-term in anti-aging protocols.
Research Notes
- 1Unlike GHRPs, Sermorelin benefits from longer-term use as it supports pituitary health over time.
- 2Pre-bed injection synergizes with the natural nocturnal GH pulse.
- 3Effects are cumulative, measurable improvements in IGF-1 often take 3-6 months.
- 4Commonly combined with a GHRP for amplified GH release (e.g., Sermorelin + Ipamorelin).
- 5The short half-life means individual injections produce discrete, physiological GH pulses.
- 6Does not suppress the pituitary's own GH-producing capacity (unlike exogenous GH).
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
5 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
2 mL
Concentration
25 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
Sermorelin vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution.
Storage Temperature
Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F) after reconstitution
Shelf Life
Up to 30 days refrigerated after reconstitution
Important Notes
- •Sermorelin is relatively fragile; handle gently during reconstitution.
- •Use bacteriostatic water; direct stream against vial wall.
- •Swirl gently; never shake.
- •Protect from heat and light.
- •Some degradation may occur after 3-4 weeks — shorter reconstituted life than some peptides.
Sermorelin Dosing Calculator
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Sermorelin Reconstitution Calculator
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Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Injection site irritation (redness, swelling; most common side effect, usually mild)
- !Facial flushing immediately after injection (transient)
- !Headache (infrequent)
- !Dizziness (rare)
- !No significant cortisol or prolactin elevation (unlike GHRPs)
- !No appetite stimulation
- !Generally very well tolerated, favorable safety profile in clinical use
- !Rare allergic reactions at injection site
Potential Interactions
- ⚡Highly complementary with GHRPs (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin) — complementary signaling pathways.
- ⚡Somatostatin and somatostatin analogs will blunt Sermorelin's GH-releasing effect.
- ⚡Glucocorticoids may attenuate GH response.
- ⚡Thyroid hormones are permissive for GH action, hypothyroidism may reduce efficacy.
- ⚡Does not directly interact with insulin, but GH elevation may indirectly affect insulin sensitivity.
- ⚡CJC-1295 (with DAC) occupies the same GHRH receptor; combining them is redundant rather than additive.
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with GH deficiency
thorough review of Sermorelin's clinical profile, including efficacy in diagnosing and treating pediatric GH deficiency, safety data from long-term use, and comparison with exogenous GH therapy.
GHRH(1-29) stimulates GH in a physiological manner preserving pulsatile secretion
Demonstrated that Sermorelin stimulates GH secretion in a pulsatile, physiological pattern that preserves feedback regulation, distinguishing it from exogenous GH administration.
complementary release of GH by GHRH and GHRP in humans
Landmark study establishing the amplified GH release when GHRH-pathway agonists (Sermorelin) are combined with GHRP-pathway agonists, producing GH responses far exceeding either agent alone.
Effects of Sermorelin on sleep, GH secretion, and body composition in healthy elderly
Showed Sermorelin improved sleep quality, increased nocturnal GH secretion, and produced positive trends in lean body mass in healthy older adults over a 16-week treatment period.
Long-term Sermorelin therapy in adults with GH deficiency
Reviewed long-term outcomes of Sermorelin use in adults, demonstrating sustained IGF-1 improvement, favorable safety profile, and maintenance of physiological GH secretion patterns over extended treatment periods.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sermorelin is a synthetic version of the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone). It stimulates the pituitary to produce its own GH naturally. It was FDA-approved for GH deficiency in children and is widely used in anti-aging medicine.
Sermorelin stimulates your pituitary to produce its own GH, preserving natural pulsatile secretion and feedback regulation. HGH (recombinant growth hormone) directly introduces exogenous GH, which can suppress the pituitary's own production. Sermorelin is generally considered safer for long-term use.
Effects are cumulative. Improved sleep and energy may be noticed within weeks, but measurable changes in IGF-1 levels, body composition, and skin quality typically take 3-6 months of consistent use.
Before bed is the most common timing, as it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH pulse that occurs during deep sleep. Inject on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after eating). Some protocols include a morning dose as well.
No. Both act on the GHRH receptor, but CJC-1295 (especially with DAC) has a much longer half-life (days vs minutes) providing sustained GHRH receptor activation. Sermorelin produces acute, physiological GH pulses. They should not be combined as they compete for the same receptor.
Yes — this is one of the most popular combinations. Sermorelin activates the GHRH receptor (cAMP pathway) while Ipamorelin activates the ghrelin receptor (PLC/IP3 pathway). The two pathways synergize to produce much larger GH pulses than either alone, with Ipamorelin's clean side effect profile complementing Sermorelin's safety.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.