Sermorelin

What people use it for

• Growth hormone deficiency (historic approved use in children)
• Anti-aging and sleep/recovery (popular use)

What Sermorelin does in the body

Consists of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH — the active portion. It prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone, which preserves the body's normal feedback loops. Its effect is short-lived.

Strength of evidence

Moderate for GH deficiency in children; limited for anti-aging uses in adults.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Injection-site pain, redness or swelling
• Flushing, headache
• Dizziness

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Active cancer
• Under 18 (except under specialist care)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Was FDA-approved (Geref) but the branded product was discontinued by its manufacturer. Now mainly available through compounding pharmacies.

How it's taken

Route: Injection under the skin, usually at night

How long it lasts (half-life): About 10–20 minutes

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.

Mixing guides

How much water to add and what each syringe mark holds, worked out for your own dose:

• 2 mg vial
• 5 mg vial