Sermorelin for Body Composition and Recovery — Weight & Metabolism
GHRH analog (formerly FDA-approved for pediatrics, now compounded only) stimulating natural growth hormone for body composition improvement.
Overview
Sermorelin is a 29-amino acid GHRH fragment that stimulates endogenous GH secretion. REGULATORY HISTORY: FDA-approved 1997-2008 for pediatric GH deficiency; discontinued by EMD Serono for COMMERCIAL reasons (NOT safety concerns). Now ONLY available via compounding pharmacies (no FDA quality oversight). NEVER approved for adult use. KEY SAFETY ADVANTAGE: Effects regulated by somatostatin negative feedback, making overdose difficult unlike exogenous HGH. ADULT EVIDENCE: Limited to small RCTs (n=10-19, 16 weeks) showing lean mass gains (+1.26 kg in men), improved insulin sensitivity, and elevated IGF-I. CONTRAST WITH TESAMORELIN: Tesamorelin is currently FDA-approved with rigorous manufacturing QC; sermorelin is now compounding-only without FDA oversight. Banned by most athletic organizations. PMID: 9141536
Indications
- Age-related GH decline and body composition changes (off-label use)
- Fat loss and lean muscle mass optimization
- Recovery enhancement and sleep quality improvement
Mechanism of Action
Natural GH secretion decreases with aging, leading to reduced muscle mass and increased body fat
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin (compounded) | 200-300 mcg | Once daily (before bed) | Standard dosing; compounding pharmacy sourcing required |
Evidence Grade
GRADE B
Safety & Contraindications
- REGULATORY: No longer FDA-approved; available only via compounding pharmacies
- Key safety advantage: somatostatin feedback prevents overdose (unlike HGH)
- Common side effects: arthralgia, injection site reactions, headache, facial flushing
- Short half-life (8 minutes) requires consistent dosing
- Compounding quality varies; source from reputable pharmacies only
- BANNED by most athletic organizations as performance-enhancing substance