From the Guidelines
Oral sermorelin is not recommended as an effective treatment option due to its rapid degradation by digestive enzymes, resulting in extremely poor bioavailability. Sermorelin, a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, must be administered via injection, typically subcutaneously, at doses ranging from 100-500 mcg daily, usually before bedtime to align with the body's natural growth hormone pulses 1. The injectable form is available as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and refrigerated after mixing. Sermorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release natural growth hormone, potentially helping with age-related decline in growth hormone levels.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of sermorelin include:
- The importance of proper administration via injection to ensure bioavailability
- The need for careful monitoring of effectiveness and potential side effects, such as injection site reactions, headache, or flushing
- The potential benefits of sermorelin therapy in stimulating natural growth hormone production and potentially improving age-related decline in growth hormone levels
- The lack of evidence supporting the use of oral sermorelin due to its poor bioavailability
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone therapy if you are interested in sermorelin therapy, as it requires a prescription and proper medical supervision 1. Additionally, the use of growth hormone and other hormones as adjuvant therapy in short bowel syndrome (SBS) has shown conflicting results, and such treatment modalities are not recommended for routine use 1. However, the use of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs, such as teduglutide, has shown promise in improving intestinal absorption and reducing the need for parenteral nutrition in SBS patients 1.
From the Research
Oral Sermorelin Administration
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding oral sermorelin administration.
Sermorelin Administration Routes
- Sermorelin can be administered through intravenous and subcutaneous routes, as seen in studies 2, 3.
- Intravenous sermorelin is used as a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiency, while subcutaneous sermorelin is used for treatment 2.
- Subcutaneous sermorelin has been shown to be effective in promoting growth in prepubertal children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency 2, 3.
Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Growth hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve growth and adult height in patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency 4.
- Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy can increase height velocity and final adult height in GH-deficient children 4.
- Long-term effects of growth hormone replacement therapy on thyroid function in adults with growth hormone deficiency have been studied, and it was found that rhGH therapy is associated with a small decrease in free thyroxine (fT4) levels, although the incidence of hypothyroidism is low 5.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Therapy
- GHRH analogs, such as [Nle27]growth hormone-releasing hormone-(1-29)-NH2, have been studied as an alternative to rhGH replacement therapy in aging individuals 6.
- GHRH analog administration has been shown to activate the somatotropic axis, increase skin thickness, and improve insulin sensitivity in men, but not in women 6.