What Is It?
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiologic pattern. Sermorelin was previously available as an FDA-approved product (Geref) that has since been discontinued; today it is dispensed in the United States as a compounded prescription. Some providers use sermorelin as part of a broader plan intended to support body composition, sleep quality, or recovery in eligible adults with age-related decline in growth-hormone signaling, though it is not a replacement for FDA-approved therapies and requires careful provider oversight.
What May It Support?
- Body composition support
- Sleep quality (being evaluated)
- Recovery from exercise (being evaluated)
- Adjunctive support in a broader hormone-optimization plan
Which Programs May Include It?
Where It Fits
Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate endogenous growth hormone release in a pulsatile, physiologic pattern.
Do I Need Bloodwork?
Regular follow-up with periodic IGF-1 and metabolic labs at intervals determined by the provider.
Likely baseline panel may include: CBC, CMP, A1c, Lipid panel, IGF-1, TSH, Free T4, Pregnancy test when applicable
Important Safety Information
Common side effects may include:
- Injection-site reactions
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vivid dreams
- Water retention
May contribute to fluid retention or joint discomfort
May affect glucose metabolism
Drug interactions: May interact with corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, and medications that affect glucose metabolism. Provider should review the complete medication list.
Contraindications:
- Active malignancy
- Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to sermorelin or any product component
Regulatory Status
The previously FDA-approved sermorelin product (Geref) has been discontinued. Sermorelin is now dispensed in the United States as a compounded prescription and is not FDA-approved in its current form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sermorelin growth hormone?
Do I need bloodwork before starting?
How is sermorelin taken?
Can I take sermorelin if I have a history of cancer?
Consultation
Treatment is not automatically provided. A licensed medical provider must review your history, symptoms, medications, laboratory results, and treatment goals before determining eligibility.