Sermorelin
GHRH (1-29) — recombinant growth hormone releasing hormone analog
A 29-amino-acid recombinant peptide identical to the bioactive fragment of natural GHRH. The original FDA-approved GHRH analog (Geref, 1997). Drives natural GH pulse via pituitary stimulation. Shorter half-life than CJC-1295 means less single-dose efficacy, but cleaner endocrine profile and longer track record.
Quick reference
How Sermorelin works
Sermorelin is the bioactive 29-amino-acid fragment of natural GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone). It binds the pituitary GHRH receptor and triggers natural GH pulse release — same downstream pathway as endogenous GHRH, just delivered exogenously.
The short half-life (10-20 minutes) is both a feature and a limitation. It preserves natural endocrine architecture (no continuous receptor occupation that would desensitize feedback loops) but means single-dose efficacy is lower than CJC-1295's 30-minute half-life or CJC-1295-DAC's multi-day window.
Most practitioners now use CJC-1295 (no-DAC) instead of Sermorelin for slightly better efficacy with similar safety. Sermorelin remains relevant for users who want the longest track record (FDA-approved as Geref since 1997) or generic-pricing access.
Stacked with Ipamorelin, the combination hits two pituitary pathways simultaneously for synergistic GH release. This is the same pattern as CJC + Ipa, just with a slightly shorter GHRH window.
Reconstitution math
- Remove the flip-off cap. Wipe the rubber stopper with alcohol.
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently. Do not shake.
- Refrigerate. Stable approximately 30 days at 2–8°C.
Dose math
5 mg vial + 2 mL bac water → 2,500 mcg/mL.
On a 100-unit insulin syringe (1 IU = 0.01 mL):
- • 8 IU = 200 mcg
- • 12 IU = 300 mcg
- • 20 IU = 500 mcg
Synergy stack
Sermorelin + Ipamorelin — entry-level GH stack
Sermorelin extends the natural GH pulse window. Ipamorelin amplifies pulse height without cortisol or prolactin spikes. Together they hit two pituitary pathways for synergistic release. This is the more conservative cousin of the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin protocol.
Sermorelin dose
200–500 mcg subQ before bed
Ipamorelin dose
200–300 mcg subQ (same shot)
Safety + side-effect profile
Generally well-tolerated. The pulsatile delivery preserves endogenous feedback loops, so endocrine recovery after cycling is fast.
Not documented at standard doses: hepatotoxicity, significant cortisol or prolactin elevation. Contraindications: active cancer therapy, pregnancy, lactation, untreated diabetes (GH can transiently raise glucose).
Interaction notes: stacks well with Ipamorelin or other ghrelin-receptor selective agonists. Avoid stacking multiple GHRH analogs simultaneously (Sermorelin + CJC-1295 = no added efficacy, just receptor saturation).
- • Mild flushing or warmth at injection site (transient)
- • Vivid dreams in first 7-10 days (improved REM sleep)
- • Occasional mild morning fatigue if dose too high
- • Rare injection-site reactions
Frequently asked
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a 29-amino-acid recombinant peptide identical to the bioactive fragment of natural GHRH. FDA-approved as Geref since 1997. Drives natural GH pulse via pituitary stimulation, with a clean endocrine profile and the longest track record of any GHRH analog.
What is the typical Sermorelin dose?
Standard practitioner protocol: 200-500 mcg subcutaneous, before bed, on empty stomach. Frequency: 5 days on, 2 days off. Cycle 8-12 weeks. Lower end (200 mcg) for sleep + mild IGF-1 boost; higher end (500 mcg) for full GH-axis activation.
Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 — which is better?
CJC-1295 (no-DAC) has a slightly longer half-life (~30 min vs ~15 min for Sermorelin), giving it modestly better single-dose efficacy. Both preserve endogenous feedback loops. CJC-1295 is more popular in current practitioner protocols, but Sermorelin remains relevant for users who want FDA-approved status or generic pricing.
How do I reconstitute Sermorelin?
5 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 2,500 mcg/mL. On a 100-unit insulin syringe, 8 IU = 200 mcg, 20 IU = 500 mcg. Refrigerate after reconstitution; stable approximately 30 days.
Should I stack Sermorelin with Ipamorelin?
Yes — this is the standard practitioner approach. Sermorelin extends the GHRH pulse; Ipamorelin amplifies pulse height via the ghrelin receptor. Together they're synergistic without cortisol or prolactin spikes.
How long until results?
Sleep quality improvements within 1-2 weeks. IGF-1 elevation measurable on bloodwork at 4-6 weeks. Body composition changes (lean mass, mild fat loss) at 8-12 weeks. Slightly slower than CJC-1295 results due to shorter half-life.
Is Sermorelin safe long-term?
Yes — among the longest-tested GH-axis peptides. FDA-approved for adult growth hormone deficiency since 1997 (Geref). Long-term safety profile is favorable when cycled appropriately (8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off). Continuous use beyond 16 weeks risks pituitary desensitization.
Head-to-head comparisons
Cited side-by-side breakdowns that include Sermorelin.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with Sermorelin.
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