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Compounding pharmacy

Sermorelin

aka GHRH (1-29)

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

Sermorelin
The vial
S
The molecule

Half-life

~10–20 minutes

How long it stays active in your body

Dosing

Nightly fasted, 90+ min post-meal

How often you take a dose

Route

SubQ

How it goes into the body

Status

Compounded

Available via licensed compounding pharmacies

Education only. Many compounds discussed are research chemicals not approved for human use in the US. This is not medical advice — consult a licensed physician.

What it is

The first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH — the body's own growth hormone signal. Stimulates the pituitary to release GH in physiologic pulses. The original GH secretagogue; gentler and budget-friendly compared to CJC-1295.

How it works

Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, prompting natural GH release. Preserves negative feedback loops (unlike exogenous HGH). Shorter half-life than CJC-1295 — lower amplitude pulses but more physiologic.

What the research says

FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency (discontinued by manufacturer in 2008 for business reasons, not safety). Decades of compounding pharmacy use in adult anti-aging. Strong safety record; gentler effect than CJC-1295.

Sources: PubMed: Sermorelin · NIH: GHRH analogs

Common dosing ranges

Range
200–300 mcg (men 300 / women 200)
Frequency
Nightly fasted, 90+ min post-meal
Duration
3–6 month cycles, 1 month off

Sources: PubMed

Administration

SubQ

Side effects

Common

  • Injection site redness
  • Mild flushing
  • Occasional headache

Serious / theoretical

  • Avoid in active malignancy
  • Avoid in pregnancy

Sources: PubMed

Notes

JD Denham, XSculpt, and Froese consider Sermorelin a clean budget option. Hunter Williams calls it "obsolete" vs CJC-1295 no-DAC for performance — they're both right depending on goal. Sex-specific dosing: 300 mcg men, 200 mcg women.

Further reading & listening

Where the experts go deeper.

Curated from the PeptideFacts expert directory — vetted YouTube channels, podcasts, books, and communities. No anecdote-only or supplier-affiliated picks.