Sermorelin vs Tesamorelin: Two GHRH-Family Peptides
Sermorelin vs tesamorelin: both GHRH-related peptides with different labels and use discussions, plus anonymous reports. Not medical advice.
Anonymous user report. Not medical advice. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved for the uses described. Editorial process →
Short answer
Both sit in the GHRH neighbourhood. Tesamorelin is a modified GHRH analogue with a specific approved use (Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy in the US). Sermorelin is a GHRH 1–29 fragment historically used in pituitary testing. They are not the same molecule. Peptide Confessions does not publish dosing, timing, injection or sourcing guidance.
Side by side
Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
| Sermorelin | Tesamorelin | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | First 29 amino acids of GHRH | Full-length GHRH analogue, modified to last longer |
| Approval | Formerly approved as Geref for children's GH deficiency; withdrawn in 2008 | Approved as Egrifta for excess belly fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy |
| Key evidence | Raises GH and IGF-1; small adult studies | Randomised trials showing reduced visceral (belly) fat in HIV lipodystrophy |
| How it lasts | Very short half-life | Longer acting |
| Common side effects | Injection-site reactions, flushing, headache | Injection-site reactions, joint pain, swelling, raised blood sugar |
| Sport | WADA prohibited | WADA prohibited |
Which is used for what
Tesamorelin has the stronger evidence, but only for visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy; using it for general fat loss or anti-ageing is off-label. Sermorelin is mostly compounded for adults with low-normal IGF-1, with modest evidence. Both raise IGF-1, so both are avoided with active cancer. See sermorelin benefits and sermorelin side effects.
What users report
#81 says tesamorelin took inches off their waist without moving the scale. #685 has stuck with sermorelin for four months and likes the routine. Stories, not trial results.
Also see
Reverse-order page: tesamorelin vs sermorelin. Related: sermorelin vs ipamorelin.
Related topics
related peptides:
community guides:
More confessions from the archive
Community Q&A
- Is tesamorelin stronger than sermorelin?
- Tesamorelin is a longer-acting GHRH analogue with randomised evidence for reducing visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy. Sermorelin's adult evidence is smaller.
- Is tesamorelin approved for weight loss?
- No. Egrifta is approved only to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- Is sermorelin the same as tesamorelin?
- No. Different GHRH-related peptides with different labels and evidence contexts.
- Does this page give dosing advice?
- Peptide Confessions does not publish dosing, timing, injection or sourcing guidance.
Sources
Anonymous first-hand reports plus sourced context — educational only, not medical advice. Editorial policy & corrections.