Sermorelin

Brand names: Geref® (discontinued)

Mechanism of action: GHRH receptor agonist; Stimulates physiologic pulsatile GH release; Increases IGF-1 production; Preserves normal feedback regulation unlike exogenous GH

Approved indications: Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (historical)

Proposed indications: Adult GH deficiency; Age-related decline in GH; Body composition improvement; Recovery from training; Healthy aging

Administration: Subcutaneous injection — Typically administered daily at bedtime in clinical practice

Compare with: TesamorelinCJC-1295Ipamorelin

Evidence rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ — Evidence exists for increasing GH/IGF-1, but clinical outcome data for anti-aging or wellness uses are limited.

Common side effects: Injection-site irritation, Flushing, Headache, Dizziness, Nausea

Serious risks: Elevated IGF-1; Fluid retention (uncommon); Potential stimulation of hormone-sensitive malignancies (theoretical)

Drug interactions: No major interactions identified, but caution with therapies affecting GH/IGF-1 pathways.

Monitoring: IGF-1, Fasting glucose, Thyroid function (if clinically indicated), Clinical response

Legal status: Prescription required. No longer FDA-approved as a commercial product, but may be available through a licensed prescriber via a compounding pharmacy depending on current regulatory status — dosing is determined by your prescriber and is not provided here.

Regulatory status: Previously FDA approved (discontinued) • Available through compounding pharmacies • Not approved for anti-aging or performance enhancement

Contraindications: Active malignancy; Active proliferative diabetic retinopathy; Hypersensitivity; Pregnancy (insufficient safety data)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended.

Gelato MC. (1992). Sermorelin: clinical applications of growth hormone releasing hormone. Endocrine Reviews. Yuen KCJ, et al. (2019). American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Guidelines for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency.