Source comparison
Sermorelin vs HGH Therapy Comparison
What's the Bottom Line? Mechanism GHRH receptor agonist. Stimulates endogenous pituitary GH release Exogenous synthetic GH. Bypasses pituitary entirely Sermorelin preserves physiological feedback; HGH does not Pituitary Dependence Requires functional somatotro
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- What's the Bottom Line?
- Mechanism
- GHRH receptor agonist. Stimulates endogenous pituitary GH release
- Exogenous synthetic GH. Bypasses pituitary entirely
- Sermorelin preserves physiological feedback; HGH does not
- Pituitary Dependence
- Requires functional somatotroph cells
- Effective regardless of pituitary reserve
- Sermorelin fails in true GHD; HGH is the only option
- IGF-1 Response
- 25–40% increase in physiological range (if pituitary intact)
- 80–150% increase, dose-dependent, can exceed normal range
- HGH produces larger, more predictable IGF-1 elevation
- Regulatory Status
- Unapproved drug, legal via compounding pharmacies (503A/503B)
- FDA-approved prescription medication for specific indications
- Sermorelin has fewer access barriers for research use
- Typical Dose
- 200–500 mcg subcutaneous, nightly
- 0.2–0.4 mg/day subcutaneous (adults), titrated to IGF-1
- Sermorelin dosed by GH pulse amplitude; HGH by target IGF-1
- Cost (30-Day Supply)
- $150–$300 (compounded 5 mg vial)
- $800–$1,500 (pharmaceutical-grade, insurance-dependent)
- Sermorelin is 70–85% less expensive