Reviewed by Dr. Jason Wright, D.O. · September 23, 2026
The science
How it works
Sets up the pulse (sermorelin)
Sermorelin is the first 29 amino acids of your own growth hormone–releasing hormone. It tells the pituitary to make and release growth hormone.
Releases the pulse (ipamorelin)
Ipamorelin works on a second receptor, the ghrelin receptor, amplifying the release sermorelin sets up.
Selective
Ipamorelin raises growth hormone without the cortisol and prolactin spikes seen with older secretagogues.
Feedback stays intact
Because your pituitary makes the hormone, your body’s own brakes still work, unlike taking growth hormone itself.
Both have been studied in people for their effect on growth hormone levels. Studies of long-term outcomes like body composition and recovery are limited, especially for ipamorelin.
Dosing
Your dosing plan
Dr. Wright sets your exact dose within this range at your visit.
Standard protocol
FormSubcutaneous, bedtime
Dose10–20 units (300–600 mcg sermorelin with 360–720 mcg ipamorelin)
ScheduleNightly, 5 days on, 2 off
Based onPharmacy labeling, clinical practice
Timing
Form—
DoseAt bedtime, at least 2 hours after eating
ScheduleFood blunts the growth hormone pulse
Based onClinical practice
Lab monitoring
Form—
DoseIGF-1, fasting glucose
ScheduleBaseline and at 8–12 weeks
Based onClinical practice
Side effects
Side effects and what to expect
Redness at the injection siteCommon · First few weeks
Rotate sites.
Flushing or warmthUncommon · Right after injection
Passes within minutes.
HeadacheUncommon · First week
Stay hydrated.
Water retention or joint achesUncommon · First month
Let us know. The dose may come down.
A note from Dr. Wright
I pair sermorelin with ipamorelin when a patient wants the gentlest way to raise their own growth hormone. Sermorelin sets up the pulse, ipamorelin releases it, and your body’s own feedback stays in charge.
Dr. Jason Wright, D.O. · Board certified, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Cost & access
Getting started with Sermorelin / Ipamorelin
Sermorelin / Ipamorelin
Sermorelin 3 mg/mL + ipamorelin 3.6 mg/mL in one 5 mL vial, ready to inject · Labeled in your name
