Sermorelin
Aliases: Geref · GRF 1-29 · Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor 1-29
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
Sermorelin is the oldest and best-studied GHRH fragment: once approved in the US (Geref) for diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children, withdrawn for commercial reasons, not safety. That means there is a human use history and a relatively solid safety picture. Efficacy in pediatrics was moderate; in adults it is now used in 'wellness' protocols, where data remain limited.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- analog
- Sequence / structure
- GHRH(1–29), 29 aa
- Molecular weight
- ~3358 Da
- Origin
- The first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH — the biologically active portion of the full hormone.
Mechanism of action
Binds pituitary GHRH receptors, stimulating physiological pulsatile GH release with intact IGF-1 feedback.
not confirmed in humans
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Development was abandoned; no active regulatory document exists. There are no official indications.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
100–500 mcg SC nightly; compounding protocols typically 200–300 mcg. In older and GH-deficient users: better sleep, energy and body composition over 3–6 months. Young healthy users often feel little; effects are subtle but documented.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
In older and GH-deficient users: better sleep, energy and body composition over 3–6 months. Young healthy users often feel little; effects are subtle but documented.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Previously approved (US) as a diagnostic and pediatric GHRH; off-label adult use: 0.2–0.5 mg SC daily at night.
- 01Start 0.2 mg nightly, titrate by IGF-1 response
Duration: Continuous under medical supervision with periodic IGF-1 checks.
The most 'clinical' of the GHRH options — requires a prescription in the US.
Community (anecdotal)
0.2–0.3 mg SC nightly.
- Cycle:
- 3–6 months.
- Break:
- Reassess IGF-1; discontinue if no response.
Community use largely mirrors the medical one — sermorelin is the gray-zone's least gray GH secretagogue.
Human evidence
Approved and studied in children with GHD; smaller adult programs show GH/IGF-1 increases without serious effects.
Preclinical evidence
Well documented in its former approved indications; now used off-label in anti-aging clinics.
Known risks
- Injection-site redness, headache (rare)characterized
- Theoretical antibody risk with long usetheoretical
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Efficacy in adults without proven deficiency
Frequently asked questions
References
- Stewart C.E. et al., sermorelin studies in pediatric GHD