Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release its own growth hormone (GH). In a healthspan context, it aims to restore more youthful, pulsatile GH secretion patterns that decline with age (somatopause), potentially improving body composition, sleep quality, and tissue repair without the risks of direct GH administration.
Verdict
A supervised option for restoring GH levels; longevity benefits are unproven.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Moderate
RISK LEVEL
High
EVIDENCE GRADE
B
MONTHLY COST
$150 - $400
Protocol
- Daily subcutaneous injections of 100-300 mcg at bedtime, often cycled 5 days on/2 days off.
Flags
- Requires a prescription and ongoing medical supervision.
- Long-term effects on cancer risk via IGF-1 modulation are a theoretical concern.
- Contraindicated in individuals with active malignancy.
- Prohibited for use in competitive sports by WADA.
- Glucocorticoids may blunt the growth hormone response to Sermorelin.