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Is sermorelin the same as HGH?

By Dr. Paul C. Holmwood, MD. Published . 1 min read.

No. HGH, or somatropin, is synthetic growth hormone itself, while sermorelin is a shorter peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone and prompts the pituitary to make and release its own growth hormone. One supplies the hormone directly; the other asks the body to produce it.

What this means for you

The legal and regulatory differences matter as much as the biology. HGH is FDA-approved for specific deficiency conditions, and federal law prohibits distributing it for anti-aging or athletic purposes. Sermorelin has no current FDA-approved product and is prescribed off-label as a compounded medication. Because sermorelin works through the pituitary, growth hormone release stays under the body's own regulation, which is one reason providers consider the two differently.

How it works at Biotech Lifestyle

We do not prescribe HGH. If a provider decides sermorelin is appropriate for you, it is compounded by a licensed U.S. pharmacy as part of our longevity medicine program, and the provider follows your progress.

Treatment pages: sermorelin, longevity medicine. Related reading: Sermorelin vs. Ipamorelin. All of our patient FAQs are collected on one page.

Frequently asked questions

Is sermorelin the same as HGH?

No. HGH, or somatropin, is synthetic growth hormone itself, while sermorelin is a shorter peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone and prompts the pituitary to make and release its own growth hormone. One supplies the hormone directly; the other asks the body to produce it.

Is HGH legal for anti-aging?

No. Federal law limits HGH to its approved medical uses, and prescribing or distributing it for anti-aging or performance is prohibited.

Does sermorelin contain growth hormone?

No. It is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog; it stimulates the pituitary rather than supplying the hormone.

What to do next

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This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual patients and are not FDA-approved. Prescriptions are issued only after evaluation by a licensed provider. Individual results vary.