How does the GHRH analog sermorelin acetate raise growth hormone?
Sermorelin is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates pituitary GH release, preserving physiologic pulsatility. It contrasts with exogenous HGH administration.
Full answer
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid fragment of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds pituitary GHRH receptors and stimulates the pituitary's own pulsatile release of growth hormone. The key distinction from exogenous human growth hormone (HGH): sermorelin preserves the physiologic feedback loop and natural pulsatility, which the body regulates. Candidates are typically adults with documented growth hormone insufficiency or those pursuing recovery, body composition, and sleep architecture improvements. Workup includes IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and a comprehensive metabolic panel; provider review individualizes dosing and monitors response.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- IGF-1 — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29