Another look at Sermorelin

 

 

Why all the interest in sermorelin?

Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It is typically administered through subcutaneous injections. The appropriate administration and dosage vary depending on the individual and the purpose of treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate administration plan.

Sermorelin is usually administered once daily, often before bedtime, to align with the body's natural growth hormone (GH) secretion cycle. It's typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into areas such as the abdomen or the thigh. Rotating injection sites helps avoid bruising and soreness. It's recommended that Sermorelin be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour after meals, and 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This allows for effective absorption, of the drug, without interference from the absorption of food.

 

Results from Sermorelin therapy may take 3-6 months to become apparent. Some individuals may continue longer-term therapy under medical supervision. Baseline blood-work and ongoing monitoring are crucial to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Sermorelin will disrupt your normal production of GHRH. Cycling on and off Sermorelin (e.g., 5-7 nights per week for 8-16 weeks, followed by a break) may help maintain pituitary responsiveness over time.

 

Some of the potential benefits associated with Sermorelin therapy are:

• Improved Body Composition: May help increase lean muscle mass and reduce body fat, especially visceral fat.

• Enhanced Energy and Vitality: Can lead to increased energy levels, stamina, and an overall sense of well-being.

• Improved Sleep Quality: May enhance deep, restorative sleep.

• Faster Recovery: Can aid in quicker recovery from workouts and injuries by promoting tissue regeneration and cellular repair.

• Anti-Aging Effects: May improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and support healthy hair and nail growth by boosting collagen production.

• Increased Bone Density: Could help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women.

• Enhanced Immune Function: May support a stronger immune system and faster healing.

• Improved Mood and Cognitive Function: May improve focus, memory, and emotional stability.

Potential risks and side effects:

• Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, and pain are the most common side effects.

• Mild and temporary side effects: May include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and flushing.

• Theoretical risk of cancer: While there's no conclusive evidence directly linking Sermorelin to cancer, its mechanism of stimulating growth hormone production could theoretically accelerate the growth of existing cancerous cells, especially in individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or predispositions.

Though it aims for balanced hormone release, Sermorelin can still cause temporary fluctuations as the body adjusts.

 

Detection methods:

• Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): This is a sensitive and robust method used in anti-doping analysis to detect sermorelin and its metabolites in urine.

• Immunoaffinity Purification followed by Nano-UHPLC-HRMS/MS: This technique uses antibodies to isolate sermorelin and its metabolites from blood or plasma samples prior to mass spectrometric analysis.

• Ultrafiltration coupled with NanoLC-HRMS/MS: This method simplifies sample preparation for urine analysis by preconcentrating urine samples via ultrafiltration before LC-MS/MS analysis.

• Growth Hormone Stimulation Test (for diagnostic purposes): This test involves administering GHRH (which sermorelin mimics) and measuring the body's natural response by assessing serum GH levels at various time points.

• Monitoring of Biomarkers (for medical therapy): During sermorelin therapy, healthcare providers monitor various biomarkers, including Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), blood glucose, and lipid profiles, to assess the body's response and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Detection window:

 

The detection window for sermorelin can be relatively short due to its rapid metabolism and degradation in the body. Studies have shown intact sermorelin may be detectable for only a few hours after administration. However, depending on the detection method and target analytes (intact peptide or metabolites), detection may be possible for a slightly longer period.

Some strategies that athletes may use to evade detection of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including peptides like sermorelin, are a concern in anti-doping efforts.

 

These strategies may include:

• Microdosing: Administering small doses of substances that are quickly cleared from the system.

• Timing of Administration: Taking substances at times when testing is less likely or when the substance's effects are still present but harder to detect directly.

• Evading Tests: This could include avoiding testers, feigning illness, or training in locations where testing access is limited or less frequent.

• Use of Masking Agents: Although their efficacy is disputed, athletes have explored substances that might interfere with detection tests.

• Adulterants and Sample Manipulation: These methods, such as switched samples, have been used in the past, but advancements in testing aim to make them less effective.

• Using Analogs with Modified Structures: Some GHRH analogs, such as Gly-GHRP-6 and Gly-Ipamorelin, have been identified on the black market and may have slightly altered structures to circumvent detection methods. Using Hexarelin and Sermorelin together, commonly known as a "stack," involves combining two distinct peptides to enhance growth hormone (GH) release.

Here's how they work together:

• Hexarelin: A growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that strongly stimulates GH release by mimicking the action of ghrelin. It’s known for being fast-acting and potent, resulting in rapid increases in GH and IGF-1.

• Sermorelin: A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that mimics the body's natural GHRH, promoting a more regulated and consistent pulsatile release of GH. It works gently and supports long-term balance.

• Benefits of the Hexarelin/Sermorelin stack

• Synergistic GH Release: Combining these peptides can lead to a more sustained and effective elevation of GH levels than using either peptide alone. Studies suggest that combining GHRH and GHRP analogs results in synergistic increases in GH secretion beyond either peptide alone.

• Enhanced Muscle Growth and Recovery: Both peptides stimulate GH, which is crucial for muscle development, protein synthesis, and faster recovery from training and injuries.

• Fat Loss Support: GH can enhance fat metabolism and reduce body fat, especially around the midsection.

• Improved Sleep Quality: Both peptides are linked to better sleep, especially deep sleep, which is when the body naturally releases more GH. Sermorelin, in particular, may directly improve deep sleep by syncing with the circadian rhythm.

• Potential Anti-aging Effects: May help combat age-related decline in GH, potentially improving skin health, energy levels, and overall vitality.

• Possible Bone Density Improvements: May support bone density, particularly in individuals at risk of osteoporosis. According to Midi, supplementing with sermorelin might improve bone density, though most adults aren't growth hormone (GH) deficient. Both tesamorelin and hexarelin are peptides that stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH).

• However, they achieve this through different mechanisms and have distinct applications:

• Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It primarily focuses on reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the deep abdominal fat associated with health risks. Tesamorelin is specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-related lipodystrophy, a condition where abnormal fat distribution occurs in individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

• Hexarelin belongs to a class of peptides called growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) and mimics the action of ghrelin, a naturally occurring hunger hormone. Hexarelin is known for its strong ability to stimulate GH release and is associated with potential benefits, including increased muscle mass and strength, improved recovery, reduced fat storage, and improved sleep quality.

Some sources suggest that combining these two peptides could lead to enhanced effects, given their distinct mechanisms of stimulating the growth hormone axis. For example, studies suggest that combining hexarelin with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 can result in synergistic increases in GH secretion, potentially leading to improved body composition and metabolic function. While the user has specified a combination of hexarelin and tesamorelin, similar reasoning may apply.

 

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for side effects and the importance of responsible use:

• Tesamorelin can cause side effects like injection site reactions, joint pain, muscle pain, and potentially impact blood sugar levels.

• Hexarelin may lead to side effects such as water retention, increased appetite, and potentially elevate cortisol and prolactin levels, according to Amazing Meds.

Important considerations:

• Sermorelin: Has a shorter detection window. Studies have shown Sermorelin and its main metabolite, GHRH(3-29)-NH2, can be detected for a limited time after a dose.

• Tesamorelin: Is more stable in plasma and may offer a longer detection window compared to Sermorelin.

• Hexarelin: Undergoes extensive metabolism and is eliminated primarily through biliary excretion.

• While these peptides are detectable by methods such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), their relatively short half-lives and the potential for rapid metabolism can make them difficult to detect for extended periods after administration.

 

Sermorelin seems like a dream drug for anti-agers and those with GH needs. It's use for athlete performance-enhancement is also evident. It should be noted that, sermorelin use, during training and performance, in International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctioned events is not allowed, and is strictly enforced by the World Anti Doping Association (WADA). Sermorelin should always be used under the care of a physician. The above statements are not medical advise and should not be used as such. The information should be researched by anyone interested in using sermorelin. Combative Sports Life does not promote the use of sermorelin for athletic-performace enhancement.

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Link to USADA  article on sermorlin