Peptide Profile
Sermorelin
The original growth hormone booster that works with your body's natural rhythm—it tells your pituitary gland to release more GH instead of replacing it, keeping your hormonal feedback system healthy and balanced.
Dose Range
100-300mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
12+ weeks
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C149H246N44O42S
Molecular Formula
3357.9 g/mol
Molecular Weight
10-20 minutes
Half-Life
High when injected subcutaneously; degraded orally
Bioavailability
86168-78-7
CAS #
16132413
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1982
Multiple researchers
Salk Institute / Serono Laboratories
Primary Benefits
Effectively restores youthful GH and IGF-1 levels by stimulating the pituitary naturally—one of the original and most proven growth hormone secretagogues
Enhances deep sleep and nighttime GH pulses, with improved sleep often being the first benefit users notice within weeks
Gradually increases lean muscle mass and reduces body fat over months of consistent use, especially effective in adults with age-related GH decline
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
100-200 mcg
Start here to assess your tolerance and response. Inject about 30 minutes before bed on an empty stomach (no food for 2-3 hours). This timing syncs with your body's natural nighttime GH surge.
Standard Dose
200-300 mcg
The most commonly used protocol in clinical settings. Some practitioners recommend twice-daily dosing (morning and bedtime) for enhanced effects. Consistent daily use is key—skipping doses reduces effectiveness.
Advanced Dose
300-500 mcg
Higher doses used in some clinical studies. Twice-daily protocols (morning and evening) showed better results in research. Always work with a healthcare provider at these doses. Benefits typically plateau—more isn't always better.
Timing
Best time to take
Bedtime injection (30-60 minutes before sleep) is ideal because it amplifies your body's natural nighttime GH pulse. Some protocols add a morning dose on waking for enhanced effects.
With food?
Inject on an empty stomach—avoid eating for 2-3 hours before injection. Food, especially carbohydrates, can blunt the GH response by raising insulin levels. Fasting enhances sermorelin's effectiveness.
If stacking
Sermorelin pairs excellently with Ipamorelin or GHRP-2/6 for synergistic GH release—they work through different pathways. If stacking, inject at the same time but at different sites. CJC-1295 (without DAC) can extend the GH pulse duration.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've used the starting dose for 4+ weeks with no noticeable effects
- +Your IGF-1 levels haven't risen on follow-up blood work
- +You want to try twice-daily dosing for enhanced results
- +Your healthcare provider recommends based on your labs
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches or dizziness
- -Facial flushing becomes uncomfortable or prolonged
- -You feel jittery, anxious, or have trouble sleeping
- -Injection site reactions are significant
Signs of right dose
- ✓Improved sleep quality—falling asleep easier, deeper sleep
- ✓Increased energy and sense of well-being
- ✓Gradual improvements in body composition over months
- ✓IGF-1 levels rising into healthy range on blood work
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
units
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Adults Experiencing Age-Related GH Decline
After age 30, your growth hormone production naturally declines about 14% per decade. Sermorelin helps restore more youthful GH levels by stimulating your own pituitary rather than shutting it down with external hormones. It's like giving your hormone system a gentle nudge back to where it used to be.
Body Composition Optimizers
If you're struggling to lose stubborn belly fat or build lean muscle despite diet and exercise, sermorelin can help shift your body composition over time. Studies show it increases lean mass and reduces fat, especially in older adults whose natural GH has declined.
Sleep Quality Seekers
Growth hormone is intimately tied to deep, restorative sleep. By enhancing your natural nighttime GH pulses, sermorelin often improves sleep quality as a welcome side effect. Many users report falling asleep faster and waking more refreshed.
Those Wanting a Safer Alternative to HGH
Direct HGH injections bypass your body's feedback system and can suppress your own production. Sermorelin works differently—it asks your pituitary to make more GH naturally. This preserves your body's regulatory mechanisms and carries a lower risk of side effects.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You have active cancer or a history of cancer—GH can potentially stimulate tumor growth
- ×You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant—effects on fetal development unknown
- ×You are breastfeeding—the peptide may pass into breast milk
- ×You have a known pituitary tumor or other pituitary disorder
- ×You've had a severe allergic reaction to any peptide or GHRH analog
- ×You have diabetic retinopathy—GH can worsen this condition
Use with caution if
- !You have diabetes—monitor blood sugar closely as GH affects glucose metabolism
- !You have a history of carpal tunnel syndrome—GH can cause fluid retention
- !You're taking glucocorticoids or steroids—these can reduce sermorelin's effectiveness
- !You have hypothyroidism—may need thyroid function monitoring
- !You have sleep apnea—GH therapy has been associated with worsening in some cases
- !You're over 65—start with lower doses and monitor carefully
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative allows multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) for injection
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Your sermorelin powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the standard and most effective method for sermorelin
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches from your belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Back of the upper arm
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if lean, 90 if more tissue)
- 5.Inject slowly and steadily over a few seconds
- 6.Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing the needle
- 7.Apply light pressure if needed—don't rub the site
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Sermorelin has an excellent safety profile backed by FDA approval history and decades of clinical use. Unlike direct HGH, it works through your body's natural feedback mechanisms, which inherently limits excessive hormone levels. Side effects are generally mild and transient—mostly injection site reactions and occasional flushing. The peptide was FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric use and is one of the most well-studied growth hormone secretagogues available.
Safety data comes from FDA approval studies, multiple clinical trials in both children and adults, and decades of real-world clinical use. While the FDA approval was withdrawn in 2008 due to manufacturing issues (not safety concerns), sermorelin remains available through compounding pharmacies and continues to be prescribed by physicians specializing in hormone optimization.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reactions
Redness, swelling, itching, or mild pain at the injection site. This is your skin's normal response to the needle and solution.
Management: Rotate injection sites regularly. Use proper technique and let alcohol dry completely before injecting. Usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
Facial flushing
A warm, red feeling in your face shortly after injection. This happens because sermorelin can briefly affect blood vessel dilation.
Management: This is temporary and typically lasts only 5-15 minutes. It's not dangerous and usually decreases with continued use as your body adjusts.
Headache
Mild headaches can occur, especially when starting treatment. May be related to changes in hormone levels or blood flow.
Management: Stay well-hydrated. If persistent, try reducing your dose. Usually improves within the first week or two of treatment.
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Feeling tired after injection is common, which is why bedtime dosing works well. Your body is responding to the GH release.
Management: Inject at bedtime to take advantage of this effect. If using morning doses and drowsiness is problematic, reduce the morning dose.
Less Common
- •Nausea
- •Hyperactivity or difficulty sleeping
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches that worsen or don't improve after 2 weeks
- ×Significant fluid retention or swelling that doesn't resolve
- ×Development or worsening of carpal tunnel symptoms
- ×Blood sugar control becomes difficult (if diabetic)
- ×Your healthcare provider advises discontinuation based on labs or symptoms
Sermorelin should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. While it has a strong safety record, it's a prescription peptide that requires proper monitoring. This information is educational—not medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any hormone therapy.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent synergy—works through GHRP pathway while sermorelin works through GHRH pathway. Together they create stronger, more consistent GH release.
- ✓Can extend the duration of the GH pulse initiated by sermorelin. Popular combination in anti-aging protocols.
- ✓Similar synergy to Ipamorelin. GHRP-6 may increase hunger more. Both enhance sermorelin's effects through complementary pathways.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 works on healing while sermorelin supports GH. Different mechanisms, potentially complementary benefits.
With medications
- !Glucocorticoids (prednisone, cortisol) - High-dose steroids can significantly blunt GH response to sermorelin. May reduce effectiveness of therapy.
- !Insulin - GH affects blood sugar. If diabetic, monitor closely and work with your doctor to adjust insulin as needed.
- ✓Thyroid medications - GH can affect thyroid hormone metabolism. Monitor thyroid function regularly and adjust medications if needed.
- !Somatostatin analogs (octreotide) - Directly opposes sermorelin's action by blocking GH release. Do not combine—they work against each other.
With supplements
- ✓Arginine - May enhance GH release when taken with sermorelin. Some practitioners recommend arginine supplementation.
- ✓GABA - May have additive effects on GH release and sleep quality. Generally safe to combine.
- ✓Melatonin - Safe to combine. Both support sleep, and melatonin may have mild GH-supporting effects.
- ✓High-glycemic carbohydrates - Eating carbs around injection time spikes insulin and blunts GH release. Avoid food 2-3 hours before injection.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-2
What you might notice
- •Improved sleep quality—falling asleep easier, deeper sleep
- •Mild injection site reactions as your body adjusts
- •Possible facial flushing after injections
- •Subtle increase in energy levels
What's normal
- •Minor injection site redness or swelling
- •Temporary warmth or flushing in face
- •Feeling a bit tired after evening injections
- •Not seeing dramatic changes yet—this is normal
What's next
- →Continue consistent daily injections
- →Track your sleep quality and energy levels
- →Side effects typically diminish as you adjust
Weeks 3-6
What you might notice
- •More consistent improvements in sleep quality
- •Increased energy and sense of well-being
- •Possible subtle improvements in skin quality
- •Better recovery from workouts
What's normal
- •Side effects should be minimal by now
- •Gradual rather than dramatic changes
- •Some variation day-to-day is normal
- •May not see body composition changes yet
What's next
- →Consider blood work to check IGF-1 levels
- →Maintain consistent timing and dosing
- →Real body composition changes take longer
Weeks 6-12
What you might notice
- •More noticeable improvements in body composition
- •Increased lean muscle, especially if exercising
- •Reduction in stubborn body fat
- •Improved skin elasticity and appearance
- •Sustained energy and vitality improvements
What's normal
- •Changes are gradual—don't expect dramatic transformation
- •Benefits compound over time with consistent use
- •Some people respond faster than others
- •Blood work should show rising IGF-1 levels
What's next
- →Most protocols continue for 3-6 months minimum
- →Discuss with your provider about long-term plans
- →Consider periodic blood work monitoring
Months 3-6 and beyond
What you might notice
- •Cumulative benefits become more apparent
- •Significant improvements in body composition
- •Sustained energy, sleep, and recovery benefits
- •Anti-aging effects become noticeable to others
What's normal
- •Benefits plateau at optimal levels
- •Consistent rather than increasing improvements
- •Your body has reached a new baseline
What's next
- →Some people use sermorelin long-term (years)
- →Others cycle on and off (3-6 months on, 1-3 months off)
- →Work with your provider to determine your best approach
Signs It's Working
Sleep and Recovery
- ✓Falling asleep more easily at night
- ✓Deeper, more restorative sleep
- ✓Waking up feeling refreshed rather than groggy
- ✓Faster recovery from workouts and physical activity
- ✓Reduced muscle soreness after exercise
Energy and Well-Being
- ✓Increased daily energy levels
- ✓Improved mental clarity and focus
- ✓Greater sense of overall vitality
- ✓More motivation for exercise and activities
- ✓Improved mood stability
Body Composition (measured over months)
- ✓Gradual increase in lean muscle mass
- ✓Reduction in body fat, especially abdominal
- ✓Clothes fitting differently—looser waist, tighter arms
- ✓Improved muscle definition with exercise
Lab Markers
- ✓IGF-1 levels rising into optimal range
- ✓Improved GH stimulation test results
- ✓Stable or improved metabolic markers
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not injecting on an empty stomach—food and insulin blunt GH release significantly
- •Inconsistent dosing—skipping days reduces effectiveness; daily use is essential
- •Poor timing—daytime injection without fasting is less effective than bedtime dosing
- •Degraded peptide—improper storage or using reconstituted peptide past its shelf life
- •Unrealistic timeline expectations—meaningful body composition changes take 3-6 months
- •Underlying pituitary issues—if your pituitary can't respond, sermorelin won't work (rare)
Key Research
"Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone-(1-29) twice daily reverses the decreased GH and insulin-like growth factor-I levels in old men"
Corpas E, Harman SM, Pineyro MA, Roberson R, Blackman MR, 1992
Finding: This landmark study showed that twice-daily GHRH (sermorelin) injections in older men completely restored their GH and IGF-1 levels to match those of young men. After just 14 days, the age-related hormone decline was reversed, suggesting that the pituitary gland can still respond—it just needs the right signal.
View Study"Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women"
Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SS, 1997
Finding: Four months of nightly sermorelin in older adults increased GH, IGF-1, skin thickness, and lean body mass in men. Men also experienced improved insulin sensitivity, well-being, and libido. Women showed increased skin thickness but less dramatic metabolic effects, highlighting gender differences in response.
View Study"Effects of single nightly injections of GHRH (1-29) in healthy elderly men"
Vittone J, Blackman MR, Busby-Whitehead J, et al., 1997
Finding: Six weeks of nightly sermorelin increased nocturnal GH release and improved some measures of muscle strength in healthy elderly men. The study suggested that once-daily dosing helps, but twice-daily dosing may be more effective for maximizing benefits.
View Study"In vivo semiquantification of hypothalamic GHRH output in humans: evidence for relative GHRH deficiency in aging"
Russell-Aulet M, Jaffe CA, Demott-Friberg R, Barkan AL, 1999
Finding: This study proved that aging causes reduced GHRH output from the hypothalamus—not just a tired pituitary. The pituitary still responds well to GHRH stimulation in elderly people, which is why sermorelin works: it provides the signal the aging hypothalamus no longer sends strongly enough.
View Study"Growth Hormone Secretagogue Treatment in Hypogonadal Men Raises Serum IGF-1 Levels"
Sigalos JT, Pastuszak AW, Allison A, Khera M, 2017
Finding: Men taking sermorelin combined with GHRPs three times daily showed significant increases in IGF-1 levels (from 160 to 239 ng/mL on average). The study confirmed that growth hormone secretagogues are effective for raising IGF-1 in adults seeking to improve body composition.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions