Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide that was once FDA-approved and can still be prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies with a physician’s prescription. It works by prompting your own pituitary to release growth hormone, rather than replacing the hormone directly. At My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills, David Nazarian, MD evaluates whether sermorelin makes sense for you, with lab testing before treatment and monitoring during it.
What Is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a 29-amino-acid fragment of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the brain’s natural signal to the pituitary gland. It was approved by the FDA under the brand name Geref, including for children with growth hormone deficiency. The manufacturer discontinued the branded product in 2008, and since then sermorelin has been available through compounding pharmacies.
Because it stimulates the body’s own production, sermorelin preserves the normal pulsing pattern of growth hormone and the body’s feedback controls. It requires a working pituitary gland.
Who Asks About Sermorelin?
- Adults noticing lower energy, poorer sleep quality, slower recovery or loss of muscle with age
- Patients with low-normal IGF-1 levels who want a gentler option than growth hormone injections
- Patients who ask about CJC-1295 and ipamorelin but want an option with a clearer legal status
What the Research Shows
Studies in children established that sermorelin raises growth hormone. Smaller studies in older adults showed increases in growth hormone and IGF-1, with some reporting modest changes in lean mass, skin thickness or well-being. These were short studies with small numbers of people. There are no long-term trials showing that sermorelin prevents disease or extends life, so it should be seen as a targeted tool, not an anti-aging cure.
How Treatment Works at My Concierge MD
- Evaluation. History, examination and labs, typically including IGF-1, metabolic panel, glucose and HbA1c, thyroid tests and, when indicated, other pituitary hormones.
- Decision. Dr. Nazarian reviews whether symptoms are likely related to growth hormone, or better explained by sleep, thyroid, testosterone, iron or other issues.
- Prescription. When appropriate, sermorelin is prescribed through a licensed compounding pharmacy, usually as a small injection under the skin at night on weekdays (see the schedule below).
- Monitoring. Follow-up labs track IGF-1 and blood sugar, and the plan is adjusted or stopped based on results and how you feel. Progress can be tracked alongside your other data through Continuous Longevity Intelligence.
Side Effects and Who Should Not Use It
- Common: injection-site redness or soreness, flushing, headache, dizziness
- Less common: changes in blood sugar, water retention
- Not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active cancer, or without physician monitoring
- Prohibited in tested sports
Sermorelin Compared With Other Options
- Growth hormone (somatropin): FDA-approved for diagnosed growth hormone deficiency; stronger effect, stricter criteria.
- Tesamorelin: FDA-approved for HIV-associated abdominal fat.
- CJC-1295 / ipamorelin: not FDA-approved and currently without a clear compounding pathway.
For the bigger picture, see our peptide therapy overview, longevity peptides, and longevity medicine.
Serving Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles
Patients from Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Century City, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and across Los Angeles see Dr. Nazarian at our office at 9301 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Baseline labs typically include IGF-1, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, lipids, a metabolic panel and thyroid tests, with age-appropriate cancer screening review. Book a sermorelin consultation in Beverly Hills.
Typical Treatment Schedule
Dr. Nazarian typically prescribes sermorelin at night, five nights a week, Monday through Friday, with weekends off, for an eight-week course followed by a two-week break so the body does not adapt to it. Dose and length of treatment are discussed individually and adjusted to your IGF-1 and response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get sermorelin in Los Angeles?
At My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills, sermorelin starts with a physician evaluation and lab testing. When it is appropriate, Dr. Nazarian prescribes it through a licensed compounding pharmacy and monitors your response.
How much does sermorelin cost in Beverly Hills?
Cost depends on the evaluation, lab tests and medication plan. A new-patient consultation with Dr. Nazarian is $450. Lab tests and medication are priced separately, and our team gives you those costs before testing begins.
Is sermorelin legal?
Yes, with a prescription from a licensed physician, prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy. It is not a currently marketed brand-name drug.
How long until I notice a difference?
Some patients report better sleep within weeks; changes in body composition, if they occur, take months and depend on training and nutrition.
Is sermorelin the same as growth hormone?
No. Sermorelin signals your pituitary to make growth hormone. Growth hormone injections replace it directly.
Is it covered by insurance?
Compounded sermorelin is generally paid out of pocket. Lab tests may be covered depending on your plan.
To find out whether sermorelin is right for you, schedule a consultation at My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills.
This page is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on