PEPDEPO
← The Bible
GH secretagogue

Sermorelin

Also known as GRF 1-29

Gently nudges your own growth hormone back toward youthful levels.

Clinical evidence

Overview

Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), specifically the first 29 amino acids of the naturally occurring molecule. It works by telling your own pituitary gland to release growth hormone in natural pulses - meaning your body keeps control of when and how much it produces, rather than receiving GH from an outside source. This makes it one of the gentler entry points into GH-axis support. It tends to be used by people focused on recovery from training or injury, building or preserving lean muscle, improving sleep quality, and supporting overall longevity. Fat loss is a secondary benefit rather than its main draw. Sermorelin is given as a subcutaneous injection, typically before bed on an empty stomach, five nights on and two nights off per week. Doses generally fall in the 100-300 mcg range, though your exact amount is set at consult based on your profile and goals. A typical course runs three to six months, after which your clinician will reassess whether to continue, adjust, or pause. On the safety side, the most common reactions are mild flushing or local irritation at the injection site. Because sermorelin stimulates the GH axis, it is not appropriate for anyone with a cancer history - this is a firm contraindication. In the US, it is available through licensed compounding pharmacies and has a solid clinical track record. Sermorelin stacks well with ipamorelin or CJC-1295 (no DAC) if a stronger combined effect is desired, though it is generally not run alongside MK-677. Your licensed provider in the PepDepo network will determine the exact dose and any combination that fits your situation at the time of your consult.

At a glance

Route
SC injection
Dose
100-300 mcg
Frequency
Nightly, 5 days on / 2 off
Timing
Before bed, empty stomach
Cycle
3-6 months, then reassess

Combining

Stacks well with: Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Avoid combining with: MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Safety

May cause flushing or injection-site reaction.

Regulatory: Compounded by licensed pharmacies in the US.

Not appropriate if: cancer-history.

Questions

What exactly is sermorelin doing in my body?

It acts like your body's own GHRH signal - it tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in natural pulses. Your own pituitary stays in charge; sermorelin just turns up the volume on the signal that's already there.

How is sermorelin taken?

It's a subcutaneous injection given before bed on an empty stomach, five nights on and two off per week. Doses fall in the 100-300 mcg range, with the exact amount set at your consult.

Why do I need to take it on an empty stomach?

Growth hormone release is blunted by elevated blood sugar and insulin. Taking sermorelin on an empty stomach lets the pituitary respond more cleanly to the signal.

How long until I notice something?

Sermorelin works through gradual restoration of GH output, not a sharp spike. Most patients run a course of three to six months before reassessing. Sleep quality changes are often noticed earlier than body composition shifts.

Are there people who should not use sermorelin?

Yes. Anyone with a history of cancer should not use sermorelin, because stimulating the GH axis carries a theoretical concern in that population. This is the primary hard contraindication.

What side effects should I be aware of?

The most commonly reported reactions are mild flushing or irritation at the injection site. Both tend to be transient and minor.

Where does sermorelin come from - is it FDA-approved?

In the US, sermorelin is compounded by licensed pharmacies. It is not sold as an FDA-approved commercial product, but compounding under physician oversight is a legal and established pathway.

How will my dose be determined?

Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at your consult, based on your goals, health history, and any lab work. The 100-300 mcg range shown here is educational context, not a personal recommendation.

Want a personalized protocol?

Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network. This page is education, not a prescription.

Book a consult

Education only, not medical advice. Peptides discussed are for informational purposes and many are not FDA-approved. Eligibility, prescribing, compounding, and dispensing are handled by appropriately licensed entities. Exact protocols and dosing are set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult. Content is pending clinical review.