Growth hormone secretagogues

Sermorelin

Also known as: GRF 1-29

Short-acting GHRH analogue, the gentlest GH-promoting peptide. Often the first one age-related clinics prescribe.

growth hormoneanti-agingsleep
Half-life
~10 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Shelf life (powder)
24+ months refrigerated
Shelf life (mixed)
~3 weeks refrigerated
Storage
Fridge.

Read this first

This is plain-language harm-reduction information, not medical advice. Peptides discussed here are research compounds; most are not approved for human use. People will use them either way — we would rather they have the facts.

What it is

Sermorelin is the 1-29 amino acid fragment of natural GHRH — the smallest active part of the molecule.

It is gentler than CJC-1295 because it does not stay active in the body as long, which means smaller pulses and more natural-feeling release patterns. It was actually FDA-approved (for paediatric growth deficiency) in the past, though that approval has since been withdrawn for commercial reasons.

History

Approved by the FDA in 1990s for paediatric growth hormone deficiency. Discontinued commercially in 2008 (not for safety reasons). Still made by compounding pharmacies.

How it works

Same GHRH-receptor mechanism as CJC-1295, just shorter acting.

Dosage

  • 200–500 mcg once or twice daily.
  • Before bed is the most common timing.

How it is taken

  • Subcutaneous belly injection with an insulin pin.

How to reconstitute

  • 5 mg vial with 2 ml BAC water = 2.5 mg/ml. 250 mcg = 10 units on a 1 ml insulin syringe.

How it should arrive

Sealed vial, white powder.

How it should look once reconstituted

Clear colourless after reconstitution.

What to expect, and when

  • Sleep quality: 1–2 weeks.
  • Recovery and energy: 4–8 weeks.
  • Subtle composition changes: 12+ weeks.

Side effects

  • Mild flushing.
  • Vivid dreams.
  • Minor injection-site irritation.
  • Generally the cleanest GHRH side-effect profile.

Risks

  • Theoretical GH/IGF-1 long-term concern.
  • WADA prohibited.

Potential gains

  • Gentle, sustainable GH support.
  • Sleep, recovery, mild body composition changes.

Other useful information

Better starting point than CJC-1295 for someone unsure if they tolerate the GH peptides. Often paired with ipamorelin in the same way.

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