*GHRH **(growth hormone releasing hormone) **peptides are peptides that increase the amount of growth hormone in your body which have specific effects such as increased metabolism, muscle growth and even tissue repair. To understand this let’s explain growth hormone. GH is a naturally made hormone secreted by the pituitary gland via **GHRH **signals from your hypothalamus. Think of GH as that period in your life when you were much younger and your body was growing and repairing while you sleep. It’s mainly secreted early in your sleep cycle and as we age our levels naturally decline. In fact studies have shown there’s a decline after age 30 where GH declines each decade by 15%. **GH is also link to feelings of vitality and energy as it’s involved in ATP production which is involved in energy and metabolism in our cells. Another hormone that’s worth mentioning when we talk about GH is IGF-1 (insulin growth factor 1) which is produced by the liver as a downstream effect from GH, IGF-1 is similar to growth hormone but also is involved in regulation of blood glucose metabolism. So the fact that you feel tired and can’t loose weight or gain more muscle is not all in your head! **GHRH peptides mimic signals coming from the hypothalamus to stimulate the release of GH in your body. GHRH peptides have been thoroughly reviewed in fact some are FDA approved for certain conditions but mostly are prescribed for off label use, therefore are not FDA approved for certain indications. **It’s important to note all these peptides are injected into your subcutaneous tissue.*
*Sermorelin*

–
It’s the first 29 amino sequence of GHRH. Half life 8-12 min. –
Increased lean muscle: Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release more growth hormone, which can have various benefits including improved muscle mass, strength, and overall physical performance. –
Increased energy levels strength and stamina –
Decreased body fat: It helps improve body composition by reducing visceral abdominal fat –
Faster post work out recovery: Growth hormone plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. Sermorelin can help accelerate recovery from injuries, surgeries, and intense workouts. –
Antiaging properties: Sermorelin stimulates IGF-1 production which stimulates protein synthesis and increases collagen being an anabolic peptide. Improves joint integrity also aiding with faster wound healing or after surgery. –
Increased mineralization of bone density and improved health –
Improves deep sleep. –
Ideal for patients getting into GHRH peptides and want overall improvement of their health.
*Tesamorelin or Egrifta*
–
FDA approved for the reduction of visceral fat in patients with HIV and lipodistrophy. Helps with reduction of fat around organs which in turn can aid with overall fat loss, think of your liver!
–
Is a 44 amino acid sequence analogue to GHRH. It directly binds to pituitary gland stimulating endogenous GH production. This peptide is a bit more lasting that Sermorelin, may be taken less often 3 times a night instead of 5 times per night. Half life 25-40 min –
Reduces carotid intima thickness: By reducing visceral fat and improving metabolic parameters, tesamorelin may also contribute to better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. –
Improves insulin resistance: By reducing abdominal fat, tesamorelin can improve lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity. This can lower the risk of metabolic syndrome and related complications.
–
Sharper mental focus and clarity: Currently being researched on pt with Alzheimer’s disease showing improvement on senescence cells within the CNS. Some studies suggest that growth hormone-releasing factors like tesamorelin may have positive effects on cognitive function, potentially improving memory and executive function.
–
Increase energy and vitality –
Increased muscle mass: Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release more growth hormone, which can have various benefits including improved muscle mass, strength, and overall physical performance. –
Improved sleep –
Increased Strength and Stamina –
Enhanced workout recovery –
Ideal for those seeking more fat loss, and repair.
*CJC 1295*
–
First 29 sequence of GHRH however is a tetrasubstituted version of sermorelin (4 amino acids of the initial 29 amino acids have been substituted). There’s 2 variants DAC (drug activity complex) which binds into albumin and mod GRF or tetrasubstituted which is the preferred as it’s released in pulses which mimics endogenous production, (doesn’t have a long half life). Half life is 30 min. –
More of regenerative and restorative effects of GHRH
*IGF-1 LR3*
–
83 amino acid sequence analog of IGF-1, it’s 3x more potent than IGF-1. It promotes nitrogen retention which in turn helps with protein synthesis thus increased muscle mass. Given it’s a IGF-1 analogue it has glucose disposal properties. Half life 20-30 hours.
–
Great for improving insulin sensitivity. –
Primarily used for those trying to obtain more muscle growth and repair, less benefits of fat metabolism and doesn’t cause much hunger. Ideal for those who are concerned with muscle wasting.
*Monitoring*
To start any of these peptides at Optimization Clinic we request labs to be done, we do all our monitoring in house, we do request patients to have regular check ups if continued with peptide therapy given it may increase glucose levels (monitoring either A1C or fasting insulin).

*Potential Side Effects*
Common side effects include reactions at the injection site such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching. Transient increase cortisol and prolactin can sometimes be seen in labs. Less common side effects are paresthesia (numbness or tingling of limbs), arthralgia, increased glucose, edema (water retention), changes in mood like irritability or anxiety, heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat.

*Important Considerations:*
GHRH peptides all encourage potential tissue growth, thus if there’s an active or recent history of cancer the use of these peptides is discouraged as they may cause growth of any tumor.
There’s desensitization that can occur with prolonged use of GHRH peptides especially when used in high doses.
–