Sermorelin

Growth hormone-releasing hormone analog · Also known as Geref, Sermorelin acetate, GRF 1-29

What is sermorelin?

A synthetic peptide identical to the first 29 amino acids of naturally occurring GHRH. It stimulates the pituitary to produce growth hormone through the body's own feedback mechanisms, producing a more physiological GH profile than exogenous HGH.

Sermorelin (brand name Geref) was FDA-approved in 1997 for the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children. It was withdrawn from the market in 2008 by the manufacturer for commercial reasons, not safety concerns. The FDA formally confirmed the withdrawal was not due to safety or effectiveness issues. Today, it is widely available through compounding pharmacies and used off-label for age-related GH decline in adults.

Key takeaway: Sermorelin is one of the best-studied GHRH analogs, with a history of FDA approval and a well-established safety profile, making it a popular choice for growth hormone optimization in adults.

Benefits & evidence

Growth hormone optimization High confidence
Improved sleep quality Moderate confidence
Body composition improvement Moderate confidence
Skin elasticity and recovery Preliminary confidence
Anti-aging support Preliminary confidence

How it works

Sermorelin binds to GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary gland, triggering the synthesis and secretion of endogenous growth hormone. Because it works through the body's natural regulatory axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop remains intact, which means GH release is self-limiting and less likely to cause supraphysiological hormone levels.

Administered at bedtime, sermorelin amplifies the natural nocturnal GH surge. Over weeks of consistent use, patients may see improvements in body composition, sleep quality, skin elasticity, and recovery. Because it stimulates endogenous production rather than replacing it, the pituitary gland continues to function normally, and the risk of GH-related side effects is lower compared to exogenous HGH.

Dosing information

Typical dosing protocol
Starting dose

200 mcg/day subcutaneous at bedtime

Weeks 1-4
Maintenance dose

200-500 mcg/day at bedtime

3-6 months

Inject on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes after last meal. Dosing is titrated based on symptoms and IGF-1 lab results. Rotate injection sites. Consult your prescriber.

Side effects

Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Injection site reaction Common
Flushing Common
Headache Uncommon
Dizziness Uncommon
Nausea Uncommon

Research (10 studies)

Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026
Growth hormone - releasing hormone antagonists induce autophagy in cancer cells. Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society · 2025
A novel approach for the treatment of AML, through GHRH antagonism: MIA-602. Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders · 2025