Sermorelin
Also known as: GRF 1-29, GHRH
Sermorelin is a synthetic version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the first 29 amino acids. It stimulates natural GH production from the pituitary.
Research Status
Previously FDA approved, now compounded
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Usually self-resolving within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Minimise by rotating injection sites, allowing the solution to reach room temperature before injection, and using proper injection technique. Applying ice for 5 minutes post-injection may reduce swelling.
Occurs within 5-15 minutes of injection and typically resolves within 30 minutes. Related to rapid GH elevation and vasodilation. More common with higher doses or faster injection speeds.
Mild headaches may occur within 1-2 hours of injection, likely related to GH-induced fluid shifts or vasodilation. Usually self-resolving. Ensure adequate hydration.
May occur shortly after injection, particularly if standing quickly. Sit or lie down for 5-10 minutes after injection if this occurs. Ensure adequate hydration and food intake.
GH antagonises insulin action; blood glucose may rise transiently. More pronounced in individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes. Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c if using sermorelin long-term. Individuals with diabetes should consult their physician before use.
May occur as GH stimulates protein synthesis and tissue remodelling. Usually mild and self-resolving. Ensure adequate protein intake and hydration.
Prolonged GH elevation can cause fluid retention and nerve compression, particularly in the wrist. Discontinue use and seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop. More common with higher doses or longer duration of use.
Results from repeated injections at the same site. Prevent by rotating injection sites systematically with each injection, maintaining at least 1 inch between previous injection points.
Uncommon but may occur, particularly on an empty stomach. Taking sermorelin with a light snack 30-60 minutes before injection may help, though this may slightly reduce GH response.
Continuous daily use may reduce GH response over time. Mitigate by using cycling protocols (e.g., 5 days on / 2 days off) or by stacking with GHRP peptides (e.g., GHRP-6, GHRP-2, ipamorelin) which act synergistically and reduce tolerance development.
Prolonged use may trigger immune responses that neutralise sermorelin, reducing efficacy. More common with continuous daily use over months. Cycling protocols and periodic breaks may reduce this risk. Discontinue if GH response diminishes despite adequate dosing.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 200-500 mcg |
| Frequency | Daily before bed |
| Timing | 30 minutes before bed on empty stomach |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
More gentle than CJC-1295. Often stacked with GHRP peptides.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 3357.8 Da |
| Half-life | 10-15 minutes (in circulation); GH elevation persists 1-3 hours post-injection |
| Sequence | YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQESGEL |
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics the first 29 amino acids of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, stimulating the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in a pulsatile, physiological manner. Unlike exogenous GH, sermorelin preserves the body's natural feedback mechanisms and does not suppress endogenous GH production, making it a gentler secretagogue suitable for long-term use.
GHRH Receptor Signalling
Sermorelin binds to GHRH receptors coupled to G-protein signalling, increasing intracellular cAMP and calcium levels in somatotroph cells. This triggers the release of stored GH and stimulates new GH synthesis, resulting in elevated serum GH levels within 15-30 minutes of injection.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Somatotroph Axis
Sermorelin acts upstream of the pituitary, preserving the body's natural negative feedback loops. Unlike exogenous GH, it does not suppress endogenous GHRH or enhance somatostatin secretion, allowing continued physiological GH pulsatility and reducing the risk of pituitary desensitisation.
IGF-1 Production
Increased GH secretion stimulates hepatic and peripheral production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates many anabolic and metabolic effects of GH, including protein synthesis, lipolysis, and bone turnover.
- Sermorelin stimulates natural GH secretion rather than providing exogenous GH, preserving physiological feedback mechanisms
- It is the shortest synthetic GHRH analogue in clinical use (29 amino acids vs. the full 44-amino-acid endogenous GHRH)
- GH response is dose-dependent and most pronounced when injected on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes before sleep when endogenous GH secretion is naturally highest
- Sermorelin does not suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis or cause pituitary atrophy, unlike exogenous GH therapy
- Tolerance may develop with continuous daily use; some protocols recommend 5 days on / 2 days off or cycling to maintain responsiveness
Track your Sermorelin research
Free account. No credit card required.
Browse the Research Library
40+ peptide profiles with mechanism summaries, dosing data, and reconstitution guides.
View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Sermorelin is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.