From the Research
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to naturally produce and release growth hormone, and it is used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) by mimicking the body's natural GHRH.
Overview of Sermorelin
Sermorelin is used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone, which helps maintain normal growth hormone levels.
- It is administered as a subcutaneous injection at doses ranging from 100-500 mcg daily, usually before bedtime when natural growth hormone pulses are highest.
- Treatment duration varies but often continues for several months to years depending on clinical response.
- Patients should expect gradual improvements rather than immediate results, with benefits potentially including increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, improved energy, enhanced sleep quality, and better immune function.
Comparison with Direct Growth Hormone Replacement
Sermorelin differs from direct growth hormone replacement by stimulating the body's own production system, which may provide more physiologically appropriate hormone release patterns and potentially fewer side effects.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include injection site reactions, headache, or flushing.
- Regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels (a marker of growth hormone activity) is important to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust dosing as needed.
- Unlike direct growth hormone therapy, sermorelin preserves the natural negative feedback loop, reducing risks of excessive growth hormone levels, as seen in studies such as 1.
Clinical Evidence
The most recent and highest quality study on sermorelin is from 1999, which found that sermorelin is effective in promoting growth in some prepubertal children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency 2.
- Other studies, such as 3, have also shown that sermorelin can increase height velocity in growth hormone-deficient children.
- However, it is essential to note that the evidence is not entirely consistent, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of sermorelin, as discussed in 4.
Recommendations
Based on the available evidence, sermorelin can be a useful treatment option for growth hormone deficiency, particularly in patients who are looking for a more physiologic approach to hormone replacement.