Sermorelin
PerformanceAlso known as: GHRH 1-29, GRF 1-29 NH2, Geref
Sermorelin was FDA-approved for pediatric GH testing (Geref) but is no longer commercially manufactured. Compounded versions are used off-label in adults. For informational purposes only.
Overview
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone). It was FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency diagnosis and is widely used off-label in anti-aging and performance medicine. It stimulates pulsatile GH release more physiologically than exogenous GH.
Research Summary
Sermorelin works by binding pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate GH secretion within the body's natural feedback loop. Unlike synthetic GH, it does not suppress endogenous production. Clinical studies show improved body composition, sleep quality, and IGF-1 levels in GH-deficient adults. Its short half-life (~10 min) means it requires daily dosing.
Dosing Range
low
100mcg
moderate
200mcg
high
500mcg
Units: mcg · Frequency: once daily (before sleep)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Common concentration: 3mg per 3mL. Stable 30 days refrigerated. Sensitive to light — store in opaque container.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Reported Side Effects
- Injection site redness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness (often desired effect)
Research Papers
Community Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Community logs on sermorelin monotherapy vs CJC/Ipa combo for GH optimization.
View original threadOverview
Sermorelin was the first GHRH peptide approved by the FDA (1990s) for diagnostic testing of GH deficiency in children. Its clinical track record makes it one of the better-studied secretagogues, though its shorter half-life compared to CJC-1295 means more frequent dosing.
vs. CJC-1295 and Tesamorelin
| Peptide | Half-life | Clinical Data | Dosing | |---------|-----------|---------------|--------| | Sermorelin | ~10 min | Moderate | Daily SubQ | | CJC-1295 | ~8 days | Limited | Weekly | | Tesamorelin | ~26 min | Extensive (FDA trial) | Daily SubQ |
Sermorelin is often the entry-point GHRH peptide due to its established safety profile and lower cost.
Sleep and GH Pulse
GH is predominantly released during deep sleep (slow-wave). Sermorelin dosed 30–60 minutes before sleep aligns with this natural pulse window, amplifying the physiological release without creating supraphysiological patterns.
Want to calculate your dose? Use the dosing calculator →