Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog — it stimulates your pituitary to release your body's own GH, rather than injecting synthetic HGH directly. This produces a more physiologic pattern of GH release within your body's natural feedback regulation, making it gentler and lower-risk than direct HGH replacement. Sermorelin is one of the foundational anti-aging and metabolic optimization peptides in functional medicine.
Sermorelin works by binding to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating release of your own growth hormone. The pulsatile pattern this produces is closer to natural physiology than the supraphysiologic spikes of direct HGH administration. Most patients self-administer subcutaneous injections 5 nights per week (timed to align with the body's natural overnight GH release), with 2 nights off in a 3-month cycle followed by re-evaluation. We always run baseline labs before starting — IGF-1, CMP, lipid panel, A1c, TSH — and repeat IGF-1 at 8–12 weeks to monitor response. Patients with elevated baseline IGF-1, certain cancers, untreated thyroid disease, or pregnancy are not appropriate candidates. Sermorelin is no longer commercially manufactured (the original Geref brand was discontinued) but is widely available through US-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies under valid prescription. We do not work with research-only or unregulated peptide suppliers.
Frequently asked
Sermorelin vs HGH — what's the difference?
HGH is direct injection of synthetic growth hormone — high doses, supraphysiologic levels, bypassing the body's feedback regulation. Sermorelin tells your pituitary to release your own GH within physiologic limits — gentler effects, fewer side effects, lower cost, can't push GH beyond what your body's regulation allows.
When will I see results?
Sleep improvements: 1–2 weeks (typically the earliest and most consistent effect). Energy: 2–4 weeks. Recovery: 4–6 weeks. Body composition: 3–6 months. Skin elasticity: 6+ months.
Do I need labs before starting?
Yes. Baseline IGF-1, CMP, lipid panel, A1c, TSH. We repeat IGF-1 at 8–12 weeks to verify response and at 6-month intervals throughout therapy. Patients with elevated baseline IGF-1, certain cancers, or pregnancy aren't appropriate candidates.
How is sermorelin administered?
Subcutaneous injection (similar to insulin pens), typically before bed to align with the body's natural overnight GH release. 5 nights per week with 2 nights off, in 3-month cycles.
Is sermorelin FDA-approved?
Sermorelin was previously FDA-approved as Geref but is no longer commercially manufactured. It's now available through US-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies under valid prescription. We never source from research-only or non-US suppliers.
Sermorelin vs ipamorelin/CJC-1295?
Sermorelin is short-acting GHRH. CJC-1295 is longer-acting GHRH. Ipamorelin works through a different receptor (ghrelin pathway). Often combined: sermorelin or CJC-1295 (GHRH) + ipamorelin (ghrelin agonist) for dual-pathway stimulation.