Compounded (503A/503B)Also: Geref (historical brand), GHRH (1-29)

Sermorelin Dosage Chart

Pre-bed protocol, 5-day-per-week schedule, and reconstitution math for the 5 mg vial — the entry-level GHRH analog.

Written by
Megan Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by
Brian Williams
Co-founder & Research Editor
Last updated
April 25, 2026

Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.

Sermorelin is a GHRH analog (residues 1–29 of native GHRH) that was previously FDA-approved as Geref for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, but commercial production was discontinued in 2008. It remains widely available through 503A/503B compounding pharmacies for off-label adult use. Compared to CJC-1295, it has a shorter half-life and produces a more transient GH pulse — many clinicians consider it the entry-level GHRH option.

Sermorelin at a Glance

Typical dose200–500 mcg subQ pre-bed
Frequency5 days per week (Mon–Fri pattern is common)
Best timingPre-bed, 90+ min after last meal
Cycle length3–6 months typical; long-term continuous use is common in anti-aging clinics
FDA statusGeref FDA approval for pediatric GHD discontinued 2008. Adult use is off-label compounded.
Common vial size5 mg or 15 mg lyophilized powder

Sermorelin Reconstitution Chart

How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for Sermorelin. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.

Vial sizeBac waterConcentrationDose → insulin-syringe units (U-100)
5 mg2 mL2.5 mg/mL (250 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 200 mcg8 units
  • 300 mcg12 units
  • 500 mcg20 units
15 mg5 mL3 mg/mL (300 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 300 mcg10 units
  • 500 mcg16.7 units (~17 units)

Sermorelin Dosing by Use Case

Commonly cited protocols vary by what Sermorelin is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.

Use caseTypical doseFrequencyCycle lengthNotes
Adult anti-aging / GH support200–500 mcgPre-bed, 5 days/week3–6 months continuous, then assessDefault off-label adult protocol. Pre-bed timing aligns with overnight GH pulse.
Sleep support200 mcgPre-bed, 5 days/week8–12 weeksLower-dose protocol focused on sleep quality rather than body composition.

Stacking Sermorelin

Sermorelin is occasionally paired with ipamorelin to combine GHRH and ghrelin-receptor activation, but this is less common than the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin pairing because sermorelin's shorter half-life produces less synergy. Choose sermorelin OR CJC-1295 — not both.

Safety profile

Sermorelin has the longest clinical track record among compounded GH-releasing peptides and a generally clean safety profile.

  • Common side effects: injection-site reactions, transient flushing or headache, vivid dreams.
  • Endogenous GH release pathway — has a built-in negative-feedback ceiling that limits supraphysiologic GH spikes.
  • Theoretical concern with chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation: facilitation of cancer growth in patients with malignancy.
  • Long-term use beyond 12 months is common in anti-aging clinics but is not formally validated for safety.
Do not use if
  • Active or recent malignancy
  • Untreated hypothyroidism (treat first)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Sermorelin Dosing FAQ

Sermorelin has a shorter half-life and produces a more transient GH pulse — closer to natural GHRH biology. CJC-1295 (especially no-DAC) is more often paired with ipamorelin in modern protocols. If you want the entry-level GHRH and tighter physiologic mimicry, sermorelin. If you want stronger pulse synergy with ipamorelin, no-DAC CJC-1295.

Anti-aging clinics commonly run sermorelin 3–6 months continuously, sometimes longer. Long-term safety beyond 12 months at adult doses is not formally validated. Most clinicians take 4-week breaks every 6 months.

The largest natural GH pulse of the day occurs during the first phase of deep sleep. Dosing pre-bed (90+ minutes after the last meal, on an empty stomach) layers the peptide-driven pulse onto this natural release window for an additive effect.

Sources

Related Dosage Charts

Want the full Sermorelin guide?

Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for Sermorelin therapy.

See Sermorelin guide

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.