Muscle & recovery · Sleep · Aging & longevity
Sermorelin, simplified.
Also called GRF(1-29)
Human studiesThe first 29 building blocks of the body’s own growth-hormone signal. It was once an FDA-approved drug for children.
- Size
- 29 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection
- Status
- Compounded, formerly approved
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg · Capsules: 500 mcg
What is it?
Sermorelin is the shortest piece of GHRH that still works. It tells the pituitary to release growth hormone in its natural pulses.
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What studies show
- In peopleIt was approved in the 1990s to test and treat growth hormone deficiency in children.
- In peopleSmall studies in older adults showed higher growth hormone and IGF-1, with mixed effects on body composition.
What we don’t know yet
- Whether it slows aging or builds meaningful muscle in healthy adults.
Side effects and cautions
- Injection-site reactions, flushing and headache.
Is it legal?
The brand-name drug was withdrawn for business reasons, not safety. Today it is made by compounding pharmacies with a prescription.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown. Research findings may not translate to safe or effective personal use.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Sermorelin?
The first 29 building blocks of the body’s own growth-hormone signal. It was once an FDA-approved drug for children. Sermorelin is the shortest piece of GHRH that still works. It tells the pituitary to release growth hormone in its natural pulses.
What does the research say about Sermorelin?
It was approved in the 1990s to test and treat growth hormone deficiency in children. Small studies in older adults showed higher growth hormone and IGF-1, with mixed effects on body composition.
Is Sermorelin FDA approved?
The brand-name drug was withdrawn for business reasons, not safety. Today it is made by compounding pharmacies with a prescription.
What are the side effects of Sermorelin?
Injection-site reactions, flushing and headache.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.