Men and women dealing with growth hormone deficiency have options for treatment. For some, HGH therapy, which directly increases the amount of GH in the bloodstream, is the best choice. However, for many other adults, sermorelin therapy is an optimal way of increasing growth hormone production.
In this review of sermorelin growth hormone therapy, we will examine the following topics:
As with HGH injections, sermorelin therapy results target the functions of human growth hormone in the body. The difference is in how sermorelin impacts the pituitary gland where GH production originates. HGH therapy goes straight to work on growth hormone receptors on the surface of cells on most tissues throughout the body.
Sermorelin therapy is an optimal way of increasing growth hormone production for many adults.
Sermorelin is a secretagogue – a substance that increases the secretion of another hormone. In this situation, sermorelin acts in the same way as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the chemical secreted by the hypothalamus to stimulate growth hormone production in the anterior pituitary gland.
GHRH consists of 44 amino acids. Sermorelin therapy is made up of the first 29 amino acids in the GHRH molecule. That gives it a biologically identical molecular structure to the part of GHRH that effectively promotes growth hormone production.
Sermorelin has a half-life of only 11 to 12 minutes after injection and is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. It functions by acting on the somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland that manufacture growth hormone, also known as somatotropin.
Sermorelin helps the pituitary gland increase the amount of endogenous growth hormone it produces. By doing so, the GH receptor cells receive a larger supply of somatotropin to initiate their actions. Although sermorelin was originally designed as an alternative to HGH therapy for children with short stature, it did not produce significant enough results compared to recombinant human growth hormones. Instead, it was discovered to be a viable alternative for adults dealing with lower GH levels.
Sermorelin therapy acts in the same manner as growth hormone-releasing hormone to stimulate growth hormone production in the pituitary gland.
The benefits of sermorelin therapy come in two parts:
We will explore both of these areas in further detail to help understand the differences in the treatment options. First up – a look at the advantages of sermorelin over HGH therapy:
Effect/Advantage | Sermorelin Therapy | HGH Therapy |
Excessive Growth Hormone Levels or Overdose | Sermorelin effects are controlled by a negative feedback loop making it virtually impossible to have too much growth hormone in the body. The hypothalamus measures GH levels, and, if it senses too much, it secretes somatostatin to inhibit GH release. | Because a direct supply of exogenous growth hormone enters the body, it is possible to overdose by injecting more than is needed. In this case, the hypothalamus sends somatostatin to prevent GH production – impacting natural hormone secretion. |
Natural Growth Hormone Cycle | Sermorelin maintains the natural cycle of growth hormone release causing only an increase in the amount of somatotropin produced with each pulsatile burst. | HGH therapy provides a constant supply of human growth hormone as it absorbs into the bloodstream. |
Avoidance of Tachyphylaxis – Decreased Drug Responsiveness | Because sermorelin only stimulates normal physiological responses of the pituitary gland, the body does not require increases in dosages as it becomes accustomed to the treatment | In some cases, the body can build up a tolerance to HGH therapy, necessitating an increase in dosage. |
Next, we look at the benefits of sermorelin therapy for men and women that occur by increasing growth hormone levels:
Sermorelin therapy benefits help improve the overall quality of life for adults through increased growth hormone production.
Unlike HGH injections, which, although safe, can cause side effects, it is extremely rare for adults to develop adverse reactions to sermorelin hormone therapy. The most common side effect is injection site redness, pain, swelling, or irritation. These effects are short-lived, and typically stop occurring as the individual becomes adept at self-administering the injections.
Possible, but rare, side effects of sermorelin therapy may include:
The most likely side effect of sermorelin therapy is injection site reactions.
The cost of sermorelin therapy is significantly lower than that of HGH injections. Whereas HGH treatment can average between $500 and $1500 per month, sermorelin is only a fraction of that amount, often well under $200 to $300. As with HGH therapy, there are factors influencing cost of treatment, such as:
Upon completion of all diagnostic steps, it is then possible to determine an accurate sermorelin therapy cost.
Another benefit of sermorelin is that many people can stop taking it or cut back on the dosage or treatment frequency once they reach optimal benefits. Being on a maintenance program can help lower the cost of treatment once a person is happy with the results. The initial loading period for sermorelin therapy is 3 to 6 months. After that, blood tests check the progress of the treatment.
Sermorelin therapy is an extremely affordable way to treat growth hormone deficiency in adults.
The same procedures for getting HGH treatment apply to getting sermorelin therapy. As with HGH, sermorelin requires a prescription before purchasing from a pharmacy. A hormone replacement therapy specialist is the best doctor to contact for a consultation, diagnosis, and treatment of low growth hormone levels.
You do not want to use sermorelin therapy if your body is making enough growth hormone. The hypothalamus will not allow excess GH secretion to occur. It will stop it by increasing somatostatin output, which will render any administration of sermorelin useless.
When contemplating HGH or sermorelin treatment, therapy depends on the level of GH deficiency and the severity of the symptoms. During your consultation with one of our clinical advisors, you will discuss why you feel you need treatment and how your symptoms are affecting your life. People who have severe symptoms of growth hormone decline that are interfering with their life often do better at first with HGH therapy. That way, they can get faster benefits. Sermorelin works slower, as it does not directly increase the amount of growth hormone in the bloodstream the way HGH does.
Following your free telephone consultation with one of our clinic advisors, you will complete these diagnostic steps:
Our hormone doctor will then review the results to determine the appropriate treatment protocol. All medications come from licensed US pharmacies direct to your door.
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