Sermorelin promotes the natural release of growth hormone (GH), a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates muscle and bone growth, promotes fat burning, improves cardiovascular health, and shortens recovery time. Unlike human growth hormone (HGH), sermorelin works with your body’s natural rhythms to restore GH as levels decline after age 30.1 This article will explore sermorelin benefits for both men and women.
GH production is reported to decrease by 14% each decade and may decline by up to 50% every seven years in adult men. About 35% of men over the age of 60 are thought to be GH-deficient.2 GH reduction is most prominent in sleep-related GH pulses.
Sermorelin was an approved medication sold under the brand name Geref in the early 2000s. The manufacturer discontinued production, but not for safety or efficacy reasons. Since AMD Serano discontinued production, there has been a decline in research, but studies prior to 2008 indicate that sermorelin increases growth hormone levels, potentially reversing the signs of age-related growth hormone declines and providing many sermorelin benefits for men and women. Results will vary by person, and many of the research results are inconsistent. Restoring healthy levels of human growth hormone has the following potential benefits.
Table of Contents
Sermorelin Benefits
1. Increase Lean Body Mass
Sermorelin increases the production of growth hormone and, ultimately, insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 stimulates muscle cell growth. This led researchers to explore whether stimulating GH production would increase IGF-1 and subsequently increase lean muscle mass.3
In a 26-week study that enrolled men and women aged 65 to 88 to receive GH and sex steroids, researchers discovered the following:4
Lean body mass in women
- Increased by 0.4 kg in the placebo group
- Increased by 1.2 kg in the sex steroid hormone replacement group
- Increased by 1.0 kg in the GH group
- Increased by 2.1 kg in the GH and sex steroid hormone replacement group
Lean body mass in men
- Increased by 0.1 kg in the placebo group
- Increased by 1.4 kg in the sex steroid hormone replacement group
- Increased by 3.1 kg in the GH group
- Increased by 4.3 kg in the GH and sex steroid hormone replacement group
In another study, 52 men over the age of 69 took GH or a placebo for six months. Lean body mass increased by 4.3% in the GH replacement group. Lean body mass declined by 0.1% in the placebo group.5
2. Promotes Fat-Burning
Growth hormone is an anabolic, lipolytic, and hyperglycemic hormone. It stimulates fat breakdown and increases glucose levels to promote tissue building. Children with low growth hormone have decreased fat-free mass and increased percent body fat. Body fat is concentrated in the abdomen and hips.3
In a 26-week study that enrolled men and women aged 65 to 88 to receive GH and sex steroids, women and men had a significant decrease in fat mass in the GH and GH plus sex steroid replacement groups.4
In a study enrolling 52 men over the age of 69 to receive either GH three times weekly for six months or a placebo, fat mass decreased by an average of 13.1% in the growth hormone group and 0.3% in the placebo group.5
Research supports the premise that restoring growth hormone levels will increase lean muscle mass and decrease fat mass.
3. Enhances Muscle Strength
In a 26-week study that enrolled men and women aged 65 to 88 to receive GH and sex steroids, researchers discovered the following:6
- Women’s strength decreased in the placebo group and had a nonsignificant increase in the GH and GH plus sex hormone replacement groups.
- Men’s strength did not significantly increase except for a marginally significant strength increase in the GH plus sex steroid replacement group.
Another study in which men over the age of 69 received GH three times weekly for six months supported a lack of increase in grip strength after taking GH.4
Research results regarding GH replacement and muscle strength are inconclusive. More research is needed, especially in populations interested in combining the effects of increasing GH with sermorelin and with exercise.
4. Improves Cardiovascular Function
Aging is associated with increased blood pressure, cholesterol deposits on blood vessel walls, stroke risk, heart attacks, and peripheral vascular disease. IGF-1 inhibits cholesterol deposition and reduces inflammation in blood vessel walls.2
In a 26-week study that enrolled men and women aged 65 to 88 to receive GH and sex steroids, women had no change in VO2 max after receiving GH or GH plus sex steroids. Men had a marginal increase in VO2 max in the GH plus sex steroid replacement group.6
5. Shortens Recovery Time
Human growth hormone increases tissue growth, especially bone and cartilage tissue growth. HGH activates mitogen-activated protein kinases, increasing gene transcription in body cells and cellular growth.
IGF-1 binds to receptors on the surface of cells, increasing metabolism, cell growth, and cell division. It also inhibits apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, prolonging the lifespan of individual cells.7
6. Improves Sleep
In a 1995 study, taking a growth-hormone secretagogue increased growth hormone, ACTH hormone, cortisol levels, and stage 2 sleep without negatively impacting slow-wave sleep time.6
In a 2007 analysis of multiple studies comparing the efficacy of taking GH versus placebo, researchers found that overall fat mass decreased and overall lean body mass increased with no change in overall weight. Side effects included tissue swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and enlarged breast tissue in men.8 These side effects limit the use of GH supplementation and have led researchers to explore safer alternatives, such as sermorelin, that stimulate natural growth hormone release.2
Conclusion
For those intrigued by the array of benefits that sermorelin may offer for both men and women, as outlined by the thorough insights from Invigor Medical, the next step might be clear. When you’re ready to buy sermorelin, Invigor Medical provides a trusted online platform with quality products and the professional guidance necessary to start your therapy. Visit their website to purchase sermorelin and embark on a journey to potentially enhance your health and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does sermorelin do?
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone (GH) into the bloodstream. This increase in GH levels can lead to various benefits, including improved muscle mass, reduced body fat, enhanced energy levels, better sleep quality, and overall vitality.
Will sermorelin make you taller?
Sermorelin is not typically used to increase height in adults. Its primary purpose is to restore or optimize natural growth hormone levels, which may have various beneficial effects on health and well-being. However, sermorelin therapy is not intended to promote significant height growth in adults.
Can you take too much sermorelin?
Like any medication or supplement, taking too much sermorelin can lead to potential risks and side effects. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by a healthcare provider. Taking excessive doses of sermorelin may increase the risk of adverse effects such as joint pain, fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, or changes in blood sugar levels.
Can doctors prescribe sermorelin?
Yes, doctors can prescribe sermorelin therapy for individuals with documented growth hormone deficiency or those who may benefit from optimizing their natural growth hormone levels. Sermorelin is typically prescribed by endocrinologists or healthcare providers specializing in hormone therapy after a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the patient’s medical history and hormone levels.
