Trust signals
- Written by the FormBlends Medical Team, reviewed against FDA approval labeling, published compounded-pharmacy guidance, and peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic data.
- All dose figures traceable to named clinical sources. Speculative claims labeled explicitly.
- No affiliate links to peptide vendors. No financial interest in any dosing recommendation.
- Last reviewed and updated: 2026-05-29.
Key Takeaways
- The only FDA-approved sermorelin dose was weight-based: 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day subcutaneous at bedtime for pediatric GH deficiency (Serono Geref labeling, withdrawn 2008).
- At a common reconstitution of 3 mg in 3 mL bacteriostatic water (1000 mcg/mL), a 200 mcg dose equals 0.2 mL or 20 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
- Sermorelin's plasma half-life is approximately 10-20 minutes, which is why pulsatile bedtime dosing is mechanistically preferred over daytime injection.
- No published human RCT supports sermorelin dosing for body composition, anti-aging, or athletic performance. Evidence in adults is largely observational or from small open-label studies.
- Multiple-daily dosing risks pituitary GHRH-receptor desensitization; animal data show down-regulation with continuous rather than pulsatile GHRH exposure.
What is the standard sermorelin dosage per day?
For adults using compounded sermorelin under physician supervision, commonly prescribed doses range from 100 to 300 mcg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime. This is off-label: sermorelin's FDA approval (Geref, Serono, 1997) was limited to pediatric growth hormone deficiency at 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day. Serono voluntarily withdrew Geref from the US market in 2008 due to commercial rather than safety reasons. No FDA-approved sermorelin product currently exists in the United States; all current use is via compounding pharmacies.
Check your GLP-1 eligibility
Use our free BMI Calculator to see if you may qualify for provider-reviewed GLP-1 therapy.
Try the BMI Calculator →Table of contents
- Sermorelin dosage chart: all common protocols in one table
- Sermorelin dosage in mL and units: the reconstitution math
- Why dose and timing matter: mechanism with numbers
- Sermorelin dosage for bodybuilding and performance
- Evidence ledger: what each dosing claim is actually backed by
- What most dosage pages get wrong
- Honest head-to-head: sermorelin vs. alternatives
- Operational guide: reading your vial and COA
- FAQ
- Sources
Sermorelin dosage chart: all common protocols in one table
| Protocol context | Dose range | Frequency | Route | Evidence basis | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatric GH deficiency (approved label) | 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day | Once daily, bedtime | Subcutaneous | RCT / FDA approval | High (approved indication) |
| Adult compounded, physician-supervised (low) | 100-150 mcg/day | Once daily, bedtime | Subcutaneous | Observational / clinical practice | Low |
| Adult compounded, physician-supervised (standard) | 200-300 mcg/day | Once daily, bedtime | Subcutaneous | Observational / clinical practice | Low |
| Diagnostic GH stimulation test (research) | 1 mcg/kg IV bolus | Single dose | Intravenous | Published clinical protocols | Moderate (diagnostic use only) |
| Bodybuilding / performance (anecdotal) | 100-500 mcg/dose, 1-3x/day | Variable | Subcutaneous | Anecdotal / forum-based | Very Low |
Sermorelin dosage in mL and units: the reconstitution math
Most compounded sermorelin arrives as lyophilized powder in vials of 3 mg, 6 mg, or 9 mg. You add bacteriostatic water (BAC water) to create a solution. The volume of BAC water you add determines the concentration, which in turn determines how many mL or syringe units equal your intended dose.
Formula: Volume to inject (mL) = Desired dose (mcg) / Concentration (mcg/mL)
| Vial size | BAC water added | Concentration | 100 mcg dose | 200 mcg dose | 300 mcg dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mg (3000 mcg) | 3 mL | 1000 mcg/mL | 0.10 mL / 10 units | 0.20 mL / 20 units | 0.30 mL / 30 units |
| 3 mg (3000 mcg) | 2 mL | 1500 mcg/mL | 0.067 mL / 6.7 units | 0.133 mL / 13 units | 0.20 mL / 20 units |
| 6 mg (6000 mcg) | 3 mL | 2000 mcg/mL | 0.05 mL / 5 units | 0.10 mL / 10 units | 0.15 mL / 15 units |
| 9 mg (9000 mcg) | 3 mL | 3000 mcg/mL | 0.033 mL / 3.3 units | 0.067 mL / 6.7 units | 0.10 mL / 10 units |
Units on an insulin syringe explained: A standard 100-unit (U-100) insulin syringe holds 1 mL total and has 100 equal markings. Each unit mark equals 0.01 mL. A 200 mcg dose from a 1000 mcg/mL solution = 0.20 mL = 20 unit marks. This is why "sermorelin dosage in units" depends entirely on your vial's concentration; the unit number is meaningless without knowing that first.
Why dose and timing matter: mechanism with numbers
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid analogue of the first 29 residues of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44). It binds the pituitary GHRH receptor (GHRH-R), a Gs-protein-coupled receptor, triggering adenylyl cyclase activation, cAMP elevation, and PKA-mediated transcription of the GH gene, ultimately releasing GH from somatotroph cells.
Pharmacokinetics: The plasma half-life of sermorelin after intravenous administration has been measured at approximately 10-12 minutes in healthy adults in published pharmacokinetic studies. Subcutaneous absorption extends the effective duration but the peptide is still cleared within roughly 20-30 minutes. This short window is why dose timing matters so much.
Why bedtime matters mechanistically: Endogenous GH is secreted in discrete pulses, the largest of which coincides with slow-wave (stage 3) sleep, typically 60-90 minutes after sleep onset. At this time, hypothalamic somatostatin tone is lowest, GHRH neurons are most active, and the pituitary somatotroph is most responsive. Injecting a short-acting GHRH analogue at this window amplifies a physiologically timed pulse rather than creating a new one at a suboptimal time. Injecting during the day, especially after a carbohydrate meal when insulin is elevated, blunts the GH response because hyperinsulinemia suppresses GH release.
What this mechanism does NOT prove: That mimicking a natural GH pulse with exogenous sermorelin produces clinical benefits equivalent to those in the pediatric growth hormone deficiency studies. The downstream IGF-1 effects and tissue responses in a GH-deficient child are not directly comparable to those in a eugonadal adult.
Receptor desensitization risk at high or frequent doses: Animal studies (e.g., ovine models using continuous GHRH infusion vs. pulsatile delivery) have demonstrated that continuous GHRH receptor stimulation down-regulates GHRH-R expression on somatotrophs, blunting GH output over time. This is the mechanistic basis for limiting dosing to once daily or at most twice daily rather than three or more times per day, which is common in some performance protocols.
Sermorelin dosage for bodybuilding and performance
Performance-oriented protocols circulating online typically cite 100-500 mcg per injection, administered subcutaneously one to three times daily. Common timing schemes include pre-sleep, post-workout, and fasted morning injection. There are no published human randomized controlled trials evaluating sermorelin for body composition, muscle hypertrophy, or fat loss in healthy athletes.
The rationale for performance use is that elevating GH pulses increases hepatic and peripheral IGF-1 production, which promotes anabolic signaling via the IGF-1 receptor / PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway. That mechanistic chain is real. What is not established is the dose-response relationship in healthy adults with normal GH secretion, or whether the incremental GH rise from exogenous sermorelin meaningfully alters body composition beyond what exercise and nutrition achieve.
WADA status: Sermorelin is listed under WADA's Prohibited List in the category of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics (S2). Its use is prohibited in competition and out of competition for athletes subject to anti-doping rules.
Evidence ledger: what each dosing claim is actually backed by
| Claim | Best evidence type | Sample size / scope | Effect direction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day increases GH and IGF-1 in GH-deficient children | RCT (Geref approval studies, Serono) | Hundreds of pediatric patients across registration trials | Positive (approved indication) | High |
| Sermorelin stimulates GH release in healthy adults at single diagnostic doses | Human clinical pharmacology studies | Small controlled studies, n typically 10-30 | Positive (GH pulse confirmed) | Moderate |
| Bedtime dosing amplifies nocturnal GH pulse | Mechanism + small human PK/PD studies | Limited controlled data in adults | Directionally positive | Low-Moderate |
| 200-300 mcg/day improves body composition in adults | Observational, case series, anecdotal | No RCT available | Mixed / uncontrolled | Very Low |
| Multiple-daily dosing causes receptor desensitization | Animal studies (ovine, rodent) | Animal models only | Negative (desensitization confirmed in animals) | Low (not proven in humans) |
| Sermorelin improves sleep quality | Anecdotal / one small study (Walker et al., 2007, n=89 older men, combination with GHRP-2) | Very small, combination protocol | Directionally positive, confounded | Very Low |
What most dosage pages get wrong
This is the section commodity pages skip. There are several practical realities that have a direct effect on whether your sermorelin dose actually delivers what you calculated.
1. Lyophilized peptide purity affects real dose
A vial labeled "3 mg sermorelin" refers to crude weight of lyophilized powder, which includes the peptide itself plus counter-ions, residual water, and excipients. Purity in compounded peptide vials from legitimate 503B outsourcing facilities is typically 95%+ by HPLC, but research-grade material sold outside pharmacy channels may be 80-90% or lower. A 10% purity shortfall on a 200 mcg intended dose means you are actually delivering roughly 180 mcg. Certificates of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer should show HPLC purity; always request one.
2. Subcutaneous absorption variability
Subcutaneous bioavailability for peptides of sermorelin's size (MW approximately 3357 Da) is not 100%. Absorption depends on injection site, local blood flow, and individual tissue characteristics. The approved labeling for Geref was based on subcutaneous administration, but the pharmacokinetic studies that characterized the 10-12 minute half-life used intravenous dosing. The subcutaneous Tmax and bioavailability fraction are not precisely established in the public literature. This means the relationship between your injected dose and the plasma peak that reaches the pituitary has more variability than the clean math of the reconstitution chart suggests.
3. Stability of reconstituted peptide is not indefinite
Sermorelin in solution is susceptible to hydrolysis and oxidation. The amide bonds at the C-terminus and the methionine residue at position 27 are vulnerable to oxidative degradation, particularly at room temperature or in the presence of light. Compounding pharmacies typically assign a 28-day beyond-use date (BUD) for reconstituted peptide stored refrigerated at 2-8 degrees Celsius. After this period, potency may decline, though the rate of degradation under these specific storage conditions is not publicly available in peer-reviewed literature. Visually, a degraded solution may become cloudy, discolored, or show particulates; discard any vial that does not appear as a clear, colorless solution.
4. The "units" confusion is a patient safety issue
Insulin syringes are calibrated for U-100 insulin (100 units of insulin per mL). When these syringes are used for peptide solutions, the "unit" markings are simply volume markers (each unit = 0.01 mL). There is no relationship between peptide dose in mcg and "units" on the syringe except through your specific concentration. A patient told "take 20 units of sermorelin" without knowing the concentration has no valid dose information. The mL-to-mcg calculation must always be anchored to concentration.
Honest head-to-head: sermorelin vs. alternatives
| Attribute | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 no DAC | CJC-1295 with DAC | Recombinant hGH (somatropin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GHRH-R agonist, stimulates endogenous GH pulse | GHRH-R agonist (modified, longer t1/2) | GHRH-R agonist, drug affinity complex, long-acting | Direct GH replacement |
| Half-life | ~10-20 min (SC) | ~30 min | ~6-8 days | ~2-4 hours (SC) |
| Dosing frequency | Daily | Daily | Weekly | Daily (or divided) |
| GH release pattern | Pulsatile (physiologic) | Pulsatile (slightly extended) | Sustained elevation (less physiologic) | Pharmacologic peak then trough |
| Human RCT evidence for adult use | Limited; no body composition RCT | Very limited | Limited | Extensive (approved for adult GHD) |
| FDA approval status (US) | Withdrawn (compounded only) | No approval | No approval | Approved for adult GHD |
| Pituitary axis preservation | Yes (works through pituitary) | Yes | Yes, but risk of tachyphylaxis | No (suppresses endogenous GH) |
| Where sermorelin loses | Against somatropin for diagnosed adult GHD: somatropin has RCT evidence, regulatory approval, and standardized dosing. Sermorelin is not approved and the evidence base for adults is much weaker. | |||
Operational guide: reading your vial and COA
If you are working with a compounded sermorelin vial under physician supervision, here is how to verify what you have before drawing a dose.
- Label check: The vial label from a 503A or 503B pharmacy must state the peptide name, total mass (e.g., 3 mg/vial or 6 mg/vial), and intended diluent volume. If none of these are present, the product is not from a licensed compounding pharmacy.
- COA from the raw material: Request the Certificate of Analysis from the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) supplier. Look for: HPLC purity (should be above 95%), identity confirmation (mass spectrometry or amino acid analysis), endotoxin testing (should be below 1 EU/mg for injectable material), and microbial testing.
- Appearance on reconstitution: After adding BAC water, sermorelin should dissolve fully within 1-2 minutes of gentle swirling (do not shake vigorously; foaming can degrade peptide bonds). The solution should be clear and colorless. Any cloudiness, color, or particulates: discard.
- Concentration calculation on first draw: Before your first dose, write the concentration on the vial: total mcg divided by mL of BAC water added. Then write the volume per your dose. Example: "3000 mcg / 3 mL = 1000 mcg/mL. My dose: 200 mcg = 0.2 mL = 20 units."
- Storage: Lyophilized (unreconstituted) vials: typically store at 2-8 degrees Celsius, protected from light. Once reconstituted: 2-8 degrees Celsius, use within the beyond-use date on your pharmacy label (commonly 28 days). Never freeze a reconstituted vial; ice crystal formation destroys peptide structure.
FAQ
What is the standard sermorelin dosage per day?
Approved clinical use for pediatric growth hormone deficiency used 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day subcutaneously at bedtime. In adult compounded protocols monitored by physicians, doses commonly range from 100-300 mcg per injection, though this is off-label and not FDA-approved for adults.
How do I convert sermorelin dosage from mcg to mL?
Divide your dose in mcg by the concentration of your reconstituted solution in mcg/mL. For example, if you dissolve 3 mg (3000 mcg) of sermorelin in 3 mL bacteriostatic water, your concentration is 1000 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose equals 0.2 mL or 20 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
What does sermorelin dosage look like in units on an insulin syringe?
On a standard 100-unit (1 mL) insulin syringe, 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. If your solution is 1000 mcg/mL, then 10 units = 100 mcg, 20 units = 200 mcg, and 30 units = 300 mcg. Always calculate units based on your specific vial concentration.
How much sermorelin is used in bodybuilding protocols?
Performance-oriented protocols circulating online typically cite 100-500 mcg injected subcutaneously one to three times daily, often timed around sleep or fasted states to amplify GH pulses. There are no human RCTs supporting these doses for body composition. Evidence is anecdotal.
When is the best time to inject sermorelin?
The original FDA-approved protocol specified bedtime administration to mimic the natural nocturnal GH surge. Mechanistically this makes sense because GHRH neurons fire during slow-wave sleep and somatostatin tone is lowest late at night. Fasted pre-bed injection avoids the GH-blunting effect of elevated insulin.
Does sermorelin dose need to be adjusted for body weight?
The approved pediatric dosing was weight-based (mcg/kg). Adult compounded protocols are generally not weight-adjusted in clinical practice, though physicians may titrate based on IGF-1 response. There is no published adult RCT establishing an optimal weight-based dose.
What concentration should I reconstitute sermorelin to?
Most compounded vials contain 3-9 mg of lyophilized peptide. Adding 3 mL bacteriostatic water to a 3 mg vial yields 1000 mcg/mL, which is a practical concentration for common 100-300 mcg doses. Adding excessive water lowers concentration and means injecting larger volumes subcutaneously, which increases discomfort.
How long does a reconstituted sermorelin vial last?
Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored refrigerated at 2-8 degrees Celsius, compounded peptide vials are typically assigned a 28-day beyond-use date by compounding pharmacies, though stability data specific to sermorelin at various concentrations is limited in the public literature. Do not freeze a reconstituted vial.
What are the signs that a sermorelin dose is too high?
Flushing, injection-site redness, headache, and transient facial warmth were the most commonly reported adverse effects in the original Serono clinical data. Persistent fluid retention, joint pain, or carpal tunnel symptoms may suggest excessive GH stimulation and warrant dose reduction and physician review.
Is sermorelin dosage for anti-aging the same as for GH deficiency?
Approved GH deficiency dosing was 0.2-0.3 mcg/kg/day. Anti-aging or wellness protocols used off-label are not standardized; common compounded doses of 100-300 mcg at bedtime are broadly similar but lack the weight-adjustment and diagnostic framework of the original approval. No RCT supports the anti-aging application.
Can sermorelin be dosed more than once a day?
The approved protocol was once daily at bedtime. Multiple-daily dosing is used in some research and performance contexts but risks receptor desensitization at the pituitary GHRH-R if pulses are too frequent or too large. Animal data suggests that continuous rather than pulsatile GHRH exposure down-regulates the receptor.
How does sermorelin dose compare to CJC-1295 dose?
Sermorelin has a short half-life of roughly 10-20 minutes and requires daily injection. CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of several days and is dosed weekly. For equivalent GH stimulation sermorelin requires much more frequent injection but preserves pulsatile GH release; CJC-1295 with DAC causes sustained GH elevation, which some clinicians consider less physiologic.
Sources
- US Food and Drug Administration. Geref (sermorelin acetate) Prescribing Information. Serono Laboratories. 1997. [FDA label, NDA 020638]
- Prakash A, Goa KL. Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. BioDrugs. 1999;12(2):139-157.
- Thorner MO, Rogol AD, Blizzard RM, et al. Acceleration of growth rate in growth hormone-deficient children treated with human growth hormone-releasing hormone. Pediatric Research. 1988;24(2):145-151.
- Bowers CY. Xenobiotic growth hormone secretagogues: growth hormone releasing peptides. In: Bercu BB, Walker RF, eds. Growth Hormone Secretagogues. Springer; 1996.
- Frohman LA, Downs TR, Chomczynski P. Regulation of growth hormone secretion. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. 1992;13(4):344-405.
- Alba M, Fintini D, Bowers CY, Salvatori R. Effects of treatment with growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 on growth hormone deficiency induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate. Neuroendocrinology. 2005;81(4):229-236.
- Walker RF. Sermorelin: a better approach to management of adult-onset growth hormone insufficiency? Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006;1(4):307-308.
- World Anti-Doping Agency. Prohibited List 2024. S2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics. Available at: wada-
Related peptide guides