Sermorelin: Side Effect, Risks and Benefits

For some adults dealing with the early stages of growth hormone (GH) decline, sermorelin acetate offers a safe way of increasing GH secretion. In this review, we look at sermorelin risks, side effects, and benefits to get a complete picture of who should use this treatment. We discuss the common and rare risks, how the side effects differ from that of HGH therapy, and what benefits to expect from sermorelin use.

Unlike human growth hormone therapy, sermorelin side effects are fewer in nature. Many of the side effects that occur from using HGH injections happen because growth hormone levels in the bloodstream become too high. That is not the case when using sermorelin because it does not introduce supplemental growth hormone into the body.

The primary difference between human growth hormone and sermorelin is that HGH provides an exogenous supply of growth hormones directly into the body. Via injection, HGH directly increases growth hormone levels. Sermorelin, on the other hand, does not inject growth hormones into the body. Instead, it works as a secretagogue, stimulating the somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland to boost production of the hormone.

Whereas injecting too much HGH can result in short and long-term side effects, sermorelin use cannot cause the growth hormone levels in the body to get out of control. The hypothalamus is the regulating center of the brain, measuring the level of various hormones in the bloodstream. If it ever senses too much GH circulating in the blood, it will send the hormone somatostatin to the pituitary gland to block or inhibit growth hormone release. Even when using sermorelin, the hypothalamus prevents growth hormone levels from getting too high.

Unexpected Risks of Usage of Sermorelin

Sermorelin is considered an extremely safe way of boosting GH levels. That does not mean it is without risk. The primary concern we have as a hormone clinic is that some people will resort to illegal measures to purchase sermorelin. Buying any medication from unregulated websites increases the risk of receiving a product that is unsafe to use.

What is an unregulated website?

Any company that is not a US licensed pharmacy cannot sell medications to residents of this country. Unregulated websites operate outside of US law, circumventing it because their location is in another country. They know they are free from prosecution, and that the worst that can happen is that the shipment is confiscated, and the buyer will request a new delivery. Of course, since there is a good chance that the product they send is not a legitimate version of the medication, they probably will not be out of much money.

How do I know if the sermorelin I purchase is safe to use?

The only way to know that, and to avoid potentially dangerous sermorelin side effects, is by getting the medication directly from a licensed US pharmacy.

What types of risks could happen when buying sermorelin illegally without a prescription?

Aside from possible prosecution, there is the risk that the medication is contaminated with bacterial residue, made from toxic ingredients, or even switched with an entirely different type of drug – one that could be life-threatening. Since many of these companies are not reputable, there is also a risk of identity theft, monetary loss, and false credit card charges.

Because Sermorelin is not an expensive medication, it is unnecessary

Common Side Effects

Unlike with HGH injections, there are very few contraindications for sermorelin. Individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients should not use this medication. An underactive thyroid can alter the effects of treatment with sermorelin. It is also important to let the doctor know about any brain injury, head trauma, disease, medication, or supplement usage.

Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or currently nursing a child should discuss sermorelin use ahead of time with their doctor before starting treatment. Glucocorticoid therapy may alter sermorelin response.

The most common sermorelin side effects occur at the injection site. These reactions may include:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Irritation
• Itching

Some people who develop injection site reactions do so because they have never self-administered a shot before. A shaky hand, rapid or slow movements, and inexperience can increase the risk of some irritation or bruising at the site of the injection. With practice, this issue typically resolves itself. Most injection site reactions disappear naturally within a few days. Remember to alternate sides each day to minimize any tenderness or scarring.

When it comes to sermorelin risks, side effects are rare. Those that could occur are similar to the ones associated with HGH therapy, such as:

• Joint, muscle, or nerve pain
• Hyperactivity
• Headache
• Flushing
• Strange taste
• Vomiting

Rare Side Effects of Sermorelin

An allergic reaction may cause some side effects of sermorelin, and medical attention is necessary if any of the following occur:

• Hives
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tightness in the chest
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling in the face, tongue, lips, throat, or mouth

Other rare sermorelin side effects include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Temporary reddening of the neck and face
• Nervousness
• Sleepiness

Benefits of Sermorelin

Now that we have discussed the possible sermorelin side effects, it is time to turn our attention to what matters to many people – the positive aspects of treatment. Men and women who inquire about human growth hormone therapy do so because they experience symptoms of physical, mental, and emotional decline. Growth hormone deficiency robs adults of their drive, productivity, youthful looks and vigor, and quality of life.

That is why this comprehensive look at the sermorelin risks, side effects, and benefits is so important. There are two concerns about HGH therapy that often come up during our consultations – side effects and cost. We have already addressed the fact that sermorelin does not carry the higher risk that HGH therapy does (although even that has a very low incidence of side effects). The cost factor is one of the other significant benefits of sermorelin, and it is much lower in price than HGH injections.

Then, when you add in that by increasing growth hormone production, you bring about the same positive changes you get with HGH therapy, you have a win/win scenario. Here are some of the many benefits of using doctor-prescribed sermorelin injections:

• Deeper, more restful sleep
• Increased metabolism which aids in fat burning and weight loss
• More energy and longer-lasting stamina
• Healthier immune system
• Shorter healing and recovery
• Sharper brain functions, better focus, improved memory
• Decreased depression, anxiety, and stress
• Improved mood and desire for socialization
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Better cardiac capacity and heart health
• Enhanced sexual desire, functions, performance, and pleasure
• Reduced sensitivity to changes in temperature
• Improved quality of life
• Enhanced cellular regeneration which provides the following benefits:
  • Improved lean muscle mass
  • Better bone mineral density (decreased fracture and osteoporosis risks)
  • Faster, thicker hair growth
  • Stronger nails
  • Improved elastin and collagen production resulting in better skin tone and less sagging and wrinkles
  • Protection for internal organ size and functions

To learn more about treatment with sermorelin, please contact our hormone clinic for a free phone consultation with a medical advisor.