Human Growth Hormone (HGH) vs Sermorelin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Human Growth Hormone (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein identical to naturally produced GH. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and other conditions. Widely used off-label for anti-aging and performance.
Full details →Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of GHRH consisting of the first 29 amino acids of the natural hormone. It was previously FDA-approved for GH deficiency diagnosis and treatment in children.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | Sermorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 200 mcg–2 mg | 100 mcg–300 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–24 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | Binds to GH receptors throughout the body, stimulating IGF-1 production in the liver. Promotes protein synthesis, fat metabolism, and cellular regeneration across multiple tissues. | Binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate natural GH production and release. Maintains the body's natural feedback mechanisms for GH regulation. |
| Typical Dosage | Medical: 0.1-0.3mg/kg/week divided into daily doses. Anti-aging: 1-2 IU daily. Performance: 2-6 IU daily, sometimes higher. | Typical dosing: 200-500mcg administered once daily, usually before bed. Some protocols use twice daily dosing. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at night to mimic natural pulsatile release. Rotate injection sites. Store refrigerated. | Subcutaneous injection, preferably at bedtime to work with natural GH release patterns. Can be combined with GHRPs for synergistic effects. |
| Side Effects | Joint pain, water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, potential insulin resistance, and acromegaly features with long-term high doses. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions, headache, flushing, or dizziness. Less side effects than direct GH administration. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Sermorelin are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Human Growth Hormone (HGH):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Muscle Growth: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger research support.
- Fat Loss: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger research support.
- Recovery & Healing: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has stronger research support.
| Goal | Human Growth Hormone (HGH) | Sermorelin |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Growth | high | medium |
| Fat Loss | high | medium |
| Recovery & Healing | high | medium |
| Sleep Quality | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
- Transgenic Artifacts Caused by Passenger Human Growth Hormone.
Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM, 2018
- [Human growth hormone and Turner syndrome].
Anales de pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003), 2017
- Significance of the disulphide bonds of human growth hormone.
Endokrynologia Polska, 2013
Sermorelin
- A potentially effective drug for patients with recurrent glioma: sermorelin.
Annals of translational medicine, 2021
- Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency?
Clinical interventions in aging, 2006
- Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.
BioDrugs : clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy, 1999
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