Sermorelin
Also called GHRH(1-29)-NH2; formerly Geref
A peptide that prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone. It was once FDA approved for testing and treating childhood growth hormone deficiency; adult anti-aging, muscle and sleep claims have much thinner evidence.
Overview
What it is
The active first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It is not HGH (somatropin); it signals the body to release its own growth hormone.
How it works
It stimulates the pituitary, which can raise growth hormone and then IGF-1. A higher IGF-1 level is a lab response, not proof of better strength, memory or health.
What the research shows
It improved growth in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. A six-month trial in healthy older adults showed changes in some cognitive test scores, with withdrawals for possible side effects. Body-composition findings are not the same as strength or function gains, and reviews describe no reliable sleep improvement, with possible effects on deep sleep.
Studied for
- Childhood growth hormone deficiencyformerly approved
- Diagnostic pituitary testingformerly approved
- Cognition in older adultssmall trial
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
More common reactions are injection-site pain, redness and swelling. Less common: flushing, headache, dizziness, sleepiness. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing or swallowing or facial swelling. Thyroid problems can interfere with it. Fatigue or body changes alone do not diagnose growth hormone deficiency; stimulation testing does.
Regulatory status
Geref products were withdrawn in 2008-2009 for business reasons, not safety (FDA, 2013). Current compounded sermorelin is not FDA approved. Prohibited at all times by WADA.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Sermorelin 5 mg Dosage Chart and Protocol
- Vial
- 5 mg Sermorelin
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 1.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 16.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous, preferably before sleep).
- Typical range
- 200–500 µg once daily at bedtime (gradual titration).
- Cycle length
- 3–6 months typical for adult research use; pediatric trials ran 6–12 months.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (µg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 200 µg | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 300 µg | 18 units (0.18 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 400 µg | 24 units (0.24 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 500 µg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; gently swirl to dissolve (do not shake vigorously).
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F), protected from light.
- Wipe vial stopper with alcohol before each use; use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
Dosing details
- Start: 200 µg nightly at bedtime; increase by ~100 µg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 300–500 µg nightly by Weeks 5–8 (adjust based on IGF‑1 response).
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous, preferably before sleep).
- Cycle Length: 3–6 months typical for adult research use; pediatric trials ran 6–12 months.
- Timing: Bedtime administration leverages natural nocturnal GH pulse; rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) in dry, dark conditions. Do not freeze dry powder; check expiration date.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F); do not freeze mixed solution. Follow product-specific use-by and sterile-handling instructions; bacteriostatic water alone does not establish a shelf life.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before reconstituting to aid dissolution; inspect solution before each use (should be clear and colorless).
- Always use aseptic technique: swab stopper with alcohol before each draw; use new sterile needle and syringe per injection.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is sermorelin the same as HGH?
No. It signals the pituitary instead of supplying growth hormone.
Is sermorelin FDA approved?
Earlier Geref products were, but current compounded products are not.
Are sermorelin and tesamorelin interchangeable?
No. They are distinct drugs with different evidence.
Related in Healthy Aging
Sources and further reading (6)
- FDA. Determination concerning withdrawal of Geref products. Federal Register, 2013.
- Thorner M, et al. GHRH therapy and growth in children with GH deficiency. JCEM, 1996.
- Vitiello MV, et al. GHRH and cognition in healthy older adults. Neurobiol Aging, 2006.
- Endotext. Growth hormone and aging.
- Endocrine Society. Hormone replacement in hypopituitarism guideline.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Sermorelin Research Use Only