Peptide Profile
GHRH (1-29)
The shortest synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide that tells your body to build taller and stronger.
Dose Range
100-300mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C149H246N44O42S
Molecular Formula
3357.9 g/mol
Molecular Weight
~10-20 minutes
Half-Life
Subcutaneous: moderate; Intranasal: 3-5%
Bioavailability
86168-78-7
CAS #
16132413
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1982
Roger Guillemin
Salk Institute
Primary Benefits
For children with growth hormone deficiency, GHRH (1-29) delivers sustained height velocity improvements and normal growth support. Clinical studies show consistent gains over 12+ months of therapy.
Adults using GHRH (1-29) see improved muscle definition, reduced body fat, and better muscle tone. Effects compound over 8-12 weeks with noticeable physical changes by week 6.
Enhanced workout recovery, increased strength gains, and improved endurance make GHRH (1-29) valuable for anyone seeking better physical performance and faster adaptation to training.
Amino Acid Sequence
Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-NH2Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
30 mcg/kg body weight
Assess tolerance and baseline response. Lower end appropriate for initial introduction.
Standard Dose
100-200 mcg
Most effective range for sustainable growth hormone elevation. Consistent results with minimal adaptation.
Advanced Dose
200-300 mcg
Higher dose range for maximum stimulation. Requires monitoring and medical supervision.
Timing
Best time to take
30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach. This aligns with your body's natural nighttime GH surge.
With food?
Inject on an empty stomach. Fatty foods and high-carb meals can slightly reduce response quality.
If stacking
If combining with other peptides, inject sermorelin first, then wait 5-10 minutes before second injection to allow proper absorption.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +No growth acceleration after 4 weeks at current dose
- +Baseline GH levels remain low during testing
- +Medical supervision indicates need for dose optimization
Decrease if
- -Excessive facial flushing or injection site reactions
- -Unexpected side effects emerging
- -Medical reasons require dose reduction
Signs of right dose
- ✓Steady increase in height velocity in children
- ✓Muscle definition improving without diet changes
- ✓Better sleep quality and morning energy
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Helping Kids Catch Up in Height
Children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency struggle to reach normal heights. GHRH (1-29) works by sending a signal to the pituitary gland that says 'make more growth hormone.' Studies show children getting daily 30 mcg/kg doses at bedtime experienced sustained improvements in height velocity over 12+ months. It's gentle and lets the body do the work naturally.
Testing for Growth Problems
Doctors need a safe, accurate way to figure out if someone has a growth hormone deficiency. Giving a small dose of GHRH (1-29) and measuring the growth hormone response is fast and specific. It's like asking your pituitary gland 'can you produce growth hormone?' and listening to the answer.
Natural Optimization for Adults
Some adults have lower-than-optimal growth hormone levels as they age. GHRH (1-29) stimulates the body's own hormone factories rather than replacing hormones artificially. This approach keeps your body's natural feedback loops working properly.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You have active cancer or a recent cancer diagnosis
- ×You're experiencing severe acute illness or critical infection
- ×You have a documented allergy to sermorelin or its components
- ×You have a pituitary tumor or other pituitary disorder without medical supervision
- ×You're taking medications that directly suppress growth hormone
Use with caution if
- !You have diabetes (growth hormone raises blood sugar)
- !You have cardiovascular disease
- !You're taking corticosteroids (they reduce GH effectiveness)
- !You have thyroid problems
- !You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- !You have a history of allergic reactions
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% sodium chloride or supplied diluent)
- •Sterile needle and syringe (25-gauge 1mL syringe recommended)
- •Alcohol prep pads for sanitizing vial tops
- •Puncture-resistant sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue layer just under the skin
Best sites
- •Lower abdomen (avoid area directly around the navel)
- •Outer thigh (front or side)
- •Upper arm (back of upper arm is ideal)
- •Buttocks (upper outer quadrant)
Technique
- 1.Clean the injection site with an alcohol prep pad using circular motions for 30 seconds. Let dry completely (don't fan dry).
- 2.Hold the skin at the site with one hand and gently pinch to create a fold of fatty tissue.
- 3.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle quickly and smoothly into the fatty layer until the needle is mostly in, but not fully.
- 4.Push the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the medication over 3-5 seconds. Keep steady pressure.
- 5.Withdraw the needle and gently massage the injection site for 10 seconds. This helps distribute the medication and reduce bruising.
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
GHRH (1-29) has been studied extensively in both children and adults. It works by mimicking a natural hormone your body already produces, making it relatively gentle. Side effects are typically mild and temporary, mainly limited to facial flushing and minor injection site reactions. Long-term studies show it's well-tolerated when used as directed.
FDA-approved for use in children with growth hormone deficiency. Multiple clinical trials (Phase 3 level evidence) demonstrate safety and effectiveness over 12+ months of continuous use.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Facial flushing
A temporary sensation of warmth and mild redness on the face, similar to a light blush. Usually occurs within minutes of injection and fades within 15-30 minutes.
Management: This is harmless. Splash cold water on your face if it bothers you, or simply let it pass naturally. It tends to decrease with repeated use.
Injection site discomfort
Mild pain, redness, or slight bruising at the injection site. Usually minimal if proper injection technique is used.
Management: Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent repeated trauma. Use ice before injection for numbing. Gentle massage after injection can reduce bruising.
Mild dizziness
Occasional light-headedness, especially in the first few doses. Very temporary and usually vanishes quickly.
Management: Sit or lie down immediately if you feel dizzy. Inject at bedtime when you're already lying down. Drink plenty of water and eat adequate meals.
Less Common
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Local allergic reaction
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Signs of allergic reaction beyond mild facial flushing (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- ×Significant worsening of existing medical conditions
- ×Pregnancy is confirmed or planned
- ×Medical provider advises discontinuation based on health status
- ×Severe or persistent adverse effects that don't improve with dose adjustment
- ×Completion of prescribed therapy course as directed by medical supervision
Always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping GHRH (1-29), especially if you're in the middle of treatment. Stopping suddenly won't cause harm, but your provider may want to monitor your progress.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Synergistic combination. GHRP-6 works through a different mechanism and amplifies GHRH (1-29) effects for stronger growth hormone release.
- ✓Compatible and complementary. CJC-1295 extends GHRH signaling duration, creating sustained GH elevation when combined.
- ✓Safe combination with different mechanism. Works alongside GHRH for comprehensive growth hormone support.
- !Direct antagonist. Somatostatin inhibits growth hormone release, directly opposing GHRH (1-29) effects.
With medications
- !Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) - High-dose corticosteroids suppress growth hormone secretion and reduce GHRH (1-29) effectiveness.
- ✓Thyroid medications (levothyroxine) - Safe and often beneficial. Proper thyroid function supports optimal growth hormone response.
- ✓Diabetes medications - Monitor carefully. Growth hormone raises blood sugar, so diabetes medication doses may need adjustment.
- ✓Blood pressure medications - Generally safe. Growth hormone can mildly affect blood pressure, so monitor readings periodically.
With supplements
- ✓Zinc supplementation - Beneficial. Zinc supports immune function and may enhance growth hormone production.
- ✓Arginine supplements - Complementary. Arginine is a precursor for growth hormone and works well alongside GHRH (1-29).
- ✓Glutamine - Safe and supportive. Glutamine helps preserve muscle and supports immune function during GH optimization.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-2
What you might notice
- •Improved sleep quality, especially deeper REM sleep
- •Slight increase in energy in the morning
- •Possible mild injection site reactions (normal and expected)
What's normal
- •Facial flushing after injection (harmless and temporary)
- •Minor bruising at injection sites with initial injections
- •No dramatic changes yet (GH effects take time to compound)
What's next
- →Growth hormone pulsatility is being re-established through daily GHRH stimulation. Continue consistent bedtime dosing to align with natural GH secretion patterns.
- →If side effects persist beyond week 2, contact your healthcare provider.
Weeks 3-6
What you might notice
- •Better muscle definition and firmness starting to appear
- •Increased strength during workouts
- •Improved body composition despite unchanged diet
- •More consistent energy throughout the day
What's normal
- •Gradual changes rather than dramatic overnight transformation
- •Continued mild facial flushing (usually lessening over time)
- •Injection technique improving and side effects minimizing
What's next
- →You're entering the sweet spot for effectiveness. Results compound from here.
- →Maintain consistent dosing and timing for best outcomes.
Weeks 7-12
What you might notice
- •Noticeable improvements in height velocity if you're a growing child
- •Significant body composition changes with improved muscle tone
- •Better workout recovery and endurance
- •Measurable strength gains
- •Improved skin elasticity and appearance
What's normal
- •Most significant changes appear in this window
- •Facial flushing episodes usually rare by this point
- •Consistent, cumulative improvements rather than plateaus
What's next
- →Congratulations on completing 12 weeks. Medical evaluation can determine if continuation is beneficial.
- →Many protocols continue 8-12 week cycles for sustained benefits.
Signs It's Working
Physical Changes
- ✓Increased height velocity in children (measurable growth acceleration)
- ✓Visible muscle tone and definition improvements
- ✓Reduced body fat, especially in midsection
- ✓Improved skin texture and elasticity
- ✓Better hair and nail quality
Performance and Vitality
- ✓Increased strength during exercise without added training
- ✓Faster recovery between workouts
- ✓Sustained energy throughout the day
- ✓Improved sleep quality and duration
- ✓Better mental clarity and focus
- ✓Improved mood and overall sense of well-being
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Inconsistent timing: Inject at the same time every night. Variation in timing reduces cumulative effect.
- •Poor storage: Leaving reconstituted vials at room temperature or freezing them degrades the peptide. Always keep at 2-8°C.
- •Injection technique problems: Injecting too shallow, using old needles, or not rotating sites properly reduces absorption.
- •Dietary issues: High-carb meals right before injection, inadequate protein, or poor overall nutrition can reduce response quality.
- •Lifestyle factors: Insufficient sleep, extreme stress, or excessive alcohol can blunt growth hormone response despite proper dosing.
- •Underlying health conditions: Thyroid problems, diabetes, or other endocrine issues may require medical adjustment before optimal response.
Key Research
"Sermorelin: A review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency"
Prakash A, Goa KL, 1999
Finding: Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29) is the shortest synthetic peptide with full growth hormone-releasing hormone activity. Intravenous sermorelin provides a rapid and specific test for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency. When children with growth hormone deficiency received daily subcutaneous doses of 30 mcg per kilogram of body weight at bedtime, they experienced sustained increases in height velocity over 12 or more months of treatment. The peptide was well-tolerated overall, with only mild and temporary side effects like facial flushing and minor injection site pain being commonly reported.
View Study"Pharmacokinetics of GHRH(1-29)-NH2 and stimulation of growth hormone secretion in healthy subjects"
Wilton P, et al, 1993
Finding: In a study of 30 healthy men, even tiny intravenous doses of just 0.25 micrograms per kilogram of body weight produced significant growth hormone release. The maximum growth hormone response occurred at doses of 1-2 micrograms per kilogram, with peak growth hormone levels reaching approximately 90 milli-international units per liter. Growth hormone levels remained elevated for about 3 hours even though the peptide itself was rapidly eliminated from the body. Intranasal delivery had poor bioavailability of only 3-5%, but higher intranasal doses of 50 micrograms per kilogram were as effective as just 1 microgram per kilogram given intravenously. Importantly, repeated intranasal dosing did not suppress the body's natural nighttime growth hormone secretion.
View Study"The GH response to low-dose bolus GHRH(1-29)NH2 is attenuated in patients with longstanding post-irradiation GH insufficiency"
Achermann JC, et al, 2000
Finding: Testing with low-dose GHRH(1-29) revealed that patients with growth hormone deficiency caused by radiation therapy showed a reduced growth hormone response compared to healthy individuals. This demonstrated that GHRH(1-29) is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying and characterizing different types of growth hormone deficiency.
View Study"The relative roles of continuous GHRH(1-29)NH2 and intermittent somatostatin in GH pulse generation"
Achermann JC, et al, 1999
Finding: Studies using continuous GHRH(1-29) infusions revealed how growth hormone pulses are actually generated in the body. The research showed that growth hormone pulses are created by the intermittent withdrawal of somatostatin (an inhibitory hormone), while GHRH(1-29) provides a permissive background signal that allows growth hormone secretion to occur. This mechanism explains why GHRH(1-29) is so effective at stimulating natural growth hormone release.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions