What is the Difference Between Human Growth Hormone and Sermorelin Acetate?
Sermorelin is what is called a secretagogue, which means it leads to the hormone release in the human body. Sermorelin causes the pituitary gland to ramp up production of human growth hormone (HGH). It represents a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It naturally stimulates the pituitary gland to make increased human growth hormone.
After the additional growth hormone is produced from the pituitary gland, it then results in the liver converting it into insulin growth factor (IGF-1). This results in metabolism increasing and new cell growth occurring within the body’s bones and organs
Sermorelin Acetate GHRH has been approved for increasing growth hormone levels in children who are deficient in its production. It is an on-label indication and FDA approved for this indication.
In adults, using it to increase growth hormone and IGF-1 levels is an off-label use of the drug. This means it can be prescribed by physicians who determine an indication to be appropriate, but it was not cleared by the FDA specifically for this purpose.
In adults, what effects does Sermorelin treatment have on the body?
Increases development of lean body muscle mass through new muscle cell formation, it does not just hypertrophy existing muscle cells, but also makes new cells.
Decreases bodyfat
Increases energy and vitality
Increases human endurance
Increases strength
Makes wounds heal faster
Strengthens the cardiovascular system
Enhances sleep quality
Benefits the immune system
Ramps up IGF-1 production
Strengthens and increases bone mineralization, thereby improving bone density.
Stimulates the growth of all internal organs (not the brain)
Basically, Sermorelin performs the same function as HGH treatment itself, just as a production stimulant. There are 29 amino acids in Sermorelin, unlike HGH which has 191.
What makes Sermorelin favorable? The main reason is it costs less. It costs less than 1/2 that of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone therapy. In addition, Sermorelin may be prescribed for off label use, whereas, recombinant HGH can’t be prescribed for any unlabeled indications.
Health food stores exist which attempt to sell various secretagogues over the counter, but unfortunately there are only a few amino acids with unpredictable and intermittent release of HGH. No exact receptor process exists in the pituitary. So it may therefore take high doses for effect which can lead to kidney issues. Sermorelin begins its action in a highly specific manner with receptors in the pituitary.
Sermorelin treatment is regulated at the pituitary level by negative feedback so it is not difficult to overdose on it. HGH treatment, though, does not participate in the feedback and may have serious complications. Sermorelin is given by injection subcutaneously. Usually it is given once daily before bedtime. The time of dosing is important. The treatment duration will vary depending on what it is being used to treat.
Want to find out more about biodentical hormone replacement, then visit Phoenix Integrative Medicine’s site on how to choose the best naturopathic doctors in Arizona for your needs.