Sermorelin

Potential benefits

• Supports pituitary hormone homeostasis, key to youthful physiology and anatomy¹
• Support lean muscle and reduction of fat mass (body composition)^2,3
• Support libido²
• Promote insulin sensitivity²
• Supports bone healh⁴
• Support cardiovascular health⁵
• Supports non-REM sleep ⁶
• Support cognition, especially in the elderly⁶
• May support physical performance through new mitochondria and ATP production⁷
• Promote tissue repair and recovery⁸
• Collagen synthesis for healthier skin^2,9

Handling requirements

• Keep away from children and pets

Precautions^2,5

• Avoid in pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is insufficient data to support use in these subpopulations.
• Avoid use in patients with a current or past diagnosis of cancer, especially hormone-related tumors.
• Medication may not provide a benefit in patients with chronic IGF-1 elevations

Potential Side Effects¹⁴

• Injections may cause injection-site reactions such as pain, redness, bumps and itching
• Antibody development
• Potential joint pain
• Facial flushing
• Nausea

Sermorelin acts on the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Growth hormone (GH) release typically coincides with the slow wave sleep cycle. For this reason it is often recommended to administer just before bedtime to align with circadian patterns. The amount of GH that is released occurs in short bursts, similar to the body's own physiology. GH triggers the release of IGF-1 from the liver. GH and IGF-1 work together to provide sermorelin's benefits. IGF-1 and somatostatin stimulate negative feedback to the hypothalamus-pituitary-GH axis. This limits the amount of GH that is triggered by sermorelin and help to protect from excessive levels. Sermorelin may help endogenous production of GH, making it a compelling option amongst GH interventions.^1,2

Q. Is sermorelin contraindicated in cancer?

A. Currently, there is no clear evidence showing sermorelin is linked to developing cancer. Some research suggests that growth hormone plays a role in supporting the function of the thymus gland, which supports the immune system (important in surveilling for and neutralizing precancerous cells). Non-REM sleep—which may be promoted by sermorelin—is linked to healthy immune function. However, sermorelin has not been specifically studied in patients with active cancer or tumors. For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid using sermorelin if you currently have cancer or a known tumor.^2,6,10

Q. Does sermorelin need to be titrated for initiation or weaned gradually for discontinuation?

Sermorelin dosing is generally simple and does not require gradually increasing or tapering the dose when starting or stopping. For most patients, the typical dose is 30 units using an insulin syringe. Some people, especially those who are younger, with a smaller body size, or who tend to be sensitive to medications, may do well with a lower dose, such as 15 units.

Q. How is sermorelin different from exogenous growth hormone?

A. Sermorelin is not growth hormone and instead stimulates endogenous growth hormone release in natural pulses to mimic normal physiologic processes. In contrast, taking growth hormone directly bypasses the body’s regulatory system and has been associated with potential downsides such as reduced responsiveness over time and metabolic risks. Sermorelin works by supporting the body’s natural hormone regulation and may help maintain healthy insulin sensitivity and pituitary function.^1,2 Individual results may vary.

Q. Is sermorelin contraindicated in thyroid disease?

A. It is not contraindicated in thyroid disease. It is important to note that thyroid function regulates metabolic rate, and hyperthyroidism can alter growth hormone secretion. The takeaway is sermorelin may not exert its full potential benefits in the context of untreated thyroid disease. Candidates for sermorelin should monitor and correct any underlying thyroid disorders.^11,12

Q. Why should sermorelin be taken at night on an empty stomach?

A. Sermorelin works with the body’s hormone checks and balance system and is in part regulated by a hormone called somatostatin. After eating, somatostatin levels fluctuate, which may interfere with sermorelin's potential action. For this reason, it’s best to avoid late meals and also to take sermorelin at night, when our body naturally releases growth hormone.¹ Eating late in the evening should be avoided in any case for sleep and metabolic health reasons. Gastric emptying of a typical meal takes around 2 to 4 hours.

Q. What is the reason for cycling sermorelin?

A. Cycling sermorelin for 5 days out of 7 is a best-practice to ensure its pharmacological activity does not diminish over time. If a biological signal stays present for a long time, it may make the receptors it acts on become less responsive. Studies suggest that after about 16 weeks of using sermorelin, the body may become less responsive to IGF-1, the hormone responsible for many of its benefits.¹³ For this reason, a 2–4 week break every 3 months is also recommended.

Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS

This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy.

This compounded preparation:

- Has not been approved by the FDA

- Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality

- Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order

- Individual outcomes may vary

Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.

1. Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):307-8. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.307. PMID: 18046908; PMCID: PMC2699646.
2. Sinha DK, Balasubramanian A, Tatem AJ, Rivera-Mirabal J, Yu J, Kovac J, Pastuszak AW, Lipshultz LI. Beyond the androgen receptor: the role of growth hormone secretagogues in the modern management of body composition in hypogonadal males. Transl Androl Urol. 2020 Mar;9(Suppl2):S149-S159. doi: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.30. PMID: 32257855; PMCID: PMC7108996.
3. Velloso CP. Regulation of muscle mass by growth hormone and IGF-I. Br J Pharmacol. 2008 Jun;154(3):557-68. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.153. PMID:18500379; PMCID: PMC2439518.
4. Nilsson AG. Effects of growth hormone replacement therapy on bone markers and bone mineral density in growth hormone-deficient adults. Horm Res. 2000;54 Suppl 1:52-57. doi:10.1159/000063448
5. Caicedo D, Díaz O, Devesa P, Devesa J. Growth Hormone (GH) and Cardiovascular System. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jan 18;19(1):290. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010290. PMID: 29346331; PMCID: PMC5796235.
6. Vitiello MV, Schwartz RS, Moe KE, Mazzoni G, Merriam GR. Treating age-related changes in somatotrophic hormones, sleep, and cognition. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2001;3(3):229-236. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2001.3.3/mvvitiello
7. Poudel SB, Dixit M, Neginskaya M, et al. Effects of GH/IGF on the Aging Mitochondria. Cells. 2020;9(6):1384. Published 2020 Jun 2. doi:10.3390/cells9061384
8. Dioufa N, Schally AV, Chatzistamou I, et al. Acceleration of wound healing by growth hormone-releasing hormone and its agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107(43):18611-18615. doi:10.1073/pnas.1013942107
9. Kann P, Piepkorn B, Schehler B, Lotz J, Prellwitz W, Beyer J. Growth hormone substitution in growth hormone-deficient adults: effects on collagen type I synthesis and skin thickness. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1996;104(4):327-333. doi:10.1055/s-0029-1211462
10. Fahy GM, Brooke RT, Watson JP, Good Z, Vasanawala SS, Maecker H, Leipold MD, Lin DT, Kobor MS, Horvath S. Reversal of epigenetic aging and immunosenescent trends in humans. Aging cell. 2019
11. Losa M, Scavini M, Gatti E, et al. Long-term effects of growth hormone replacement therapy on thyroid function in adults with growth hormone deficiency. Thyroid. 2008;18(12):1249-1254. doi:10.1089/thy.2008.0266
12. Valcavi R, Dieguez C, Zini M, Muruais C, Casanueva F, Portioli I. Influence of hyperthyroidism on growth hormone secretion. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1993;38(5):515-522. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.1993.tb00348.x
13. Khorram O, Laughlin GA, Yen SS. Endocrine and metabolic effects of long-term administration of [Nle27] growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1–29)-NH2 in age-advanced men and women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1997 May 1;82(5):1472-9.
14. Sermorelin Acetate. In: Merative^TM Micromedex® DRUGDEX® September 25, 2023. Merative, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Available at: https://www.micromedexsolutions.com/ (cited: March/9/2026).