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Some patients with growth hormone deficiency can benefit from human growth hormone (HGH) peptide therapy, which uses drugs that are known as “secretagogues.”
At Nexel Medical, we offer several advanced therapies for patients with growth hormone deficiency, including both human growth hormone (HGH) injections and peptide-based secretagogue treatments using drugs that mimic GH-releasing hormones.
HGH peptides are not HGH. HGH peptides are specific long-chain proteins that can stimulate the production of human growth hormone or HGH. HGH peptides all belong to the class of medications known as secretagogues because they stimulate the “secretion” of other hormones or compounds – in this case, HGH.
Several of these secretagogues are also known as growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRP) or growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRH). The two HGH peptides most commonly prescribed to treat patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are sermorelin and ipamorelin. Another synthetic GHRH, CJC-1295, is often given as an adjunctive therapy in combination with ipamorelin.
A similar compound, MK-677, is technically an HGH secretagogue as well. However, differs from sermorelin and ipamorelin in that it can be obtained without a prescription from your doctor, and it can be taken in pill form.
Let’s take a closer look at all of these compounds and get a better understanding of HGH secretagogues versus HGH injections.
While they often serve similar therapeutic goals, HGH secretagogues and bioidentical HGH injections are distinctly different in how they work.
Bioidentical HGH is a synthetic form of the hormone somatotropin and is structurally identical to the hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. HGH injections deliver this hormone directly into the bloodstream.
HGH secretagogues like sermorelin and ipamorelin do not contain HGH. Instead, they stimulate your pituitary gland to produce and release more HGH on its own. This more indirect approach can be effective for those with mild to moderate HGH deficiencies and may be more affordable, but the results are typically slower to develop and less predictable than direct HGH therapy.
HGH peptides are laboratory-designed proteins that act as hormone stimulators. Classified as secretagogues, these peptides mimic the natural biological signals that prompt the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone.
Sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and MK-677 are all examples of HGH secretagogues. While some of these have specific indications, others are still considered experimental and are not universally endorsed by medical authorities.
Prescription peptides like sermorelin and ipamorelin are often used as an alternative for individuals who may not be ideal candidates for traditional HGH injections or who have only mild hormone deficiencies.
Ipamorelin, sermorelin, and HGH injections are three common GH secretagogues used ts to address age-related growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Here’s how they compare:
Nexel Medical doctors often recommend sermorelin when choosing between peptides, as it tends to stimulate a stronger pituitary response than ipamorelin. However, both peptides and injectable HGH require a doctor’s prescription and are only prescribed after lab testing confirms you have low HGH levels.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics natural signals in the body to stimulate growth hormone release. It targets specific receptors in the pituitary gland, encouraging it to produce and secrete more HGH.
What Was Ipamorelin Created For?
Ipamorelin was developed to offer a gentler alternative to direct HGH injections. It’s intended for patients with moderate hormone deficiencies who may not need the intensity of traditional HGH therapy but would still benefit from increased hormone levels.
What Are the Benefits of Ipamorelin?
Like HGH, ipamorelin therapy can produce several positive effects on health and well-being. Clinical trials have shown how ipamorelin therapy can:
What Are the Side Effects of Ipamorelin?
Ipamorelin is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild side effects such as:
Does Ipamorelin Increase HGH Levels?
Yes. Ipamorelin promotes the natural release of HGH from your pituitary gland. While it doesn’t contain HGH itself, it enhances your body’s own production of the hormone, which can alleviate symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in qualifying patients.
Sermorelin is another growth hormone-releasing peptide used to stimulate HGH production. It interacts with more responsive receptors in the pituitary gland, which may make it more effective for certain patients than ipamorelin.
What Was Sermorelin Created For?
Sermorelin was developed to treat age-related HGH deficiency by encouraging natural hormone production. It can be a useful option for patients who prefer a peptide-based alternative to synthetic HGH.
What Are the Benefits of Sermorelin?
Sermorelin shares many of the same benefits as ipamorelin and traditional HGH therapy, including:
What Are the Side Effects of Sermorelin?
Side effects of sermorelin are typically mild and may include:
Ipamorelin vs. Sermorelin
Both ipamorelin and sermorelin are effective for stimulating growth hormone production, but as a medical treatment for HGH deficiency, sermorelin appears to produce a more robust response in most patients.
Your Nexel Medical provider will help you determine which peptide is more likely to address your unique symptoms and hormone levels based on your symptoms, medical history, and hormone blood tests. Below is a quick comparison of these two HGH secretagogues.
| Feature | Ipamorelin Therapy | Sermorelin Therapy |
| Mechanism | Stimulates HGH production | Stimulates HGH production |
| Ideal Patient Age | 30–65 | 30–65 |
| Frequency of Use | Once or twice daily | Once nightly |
| Typical Treatment Duration | 9–12 months | 9–12 months |
| Duration of Results | Several months post-therapy | Several months post-therapy |
| Cost | ~$750/month | ~$750/month |
| Insurance Coverage | Not usually covered | Not usually covered |
| Administration Method | Injection | Injection |
| Prescription Required | Yes | Yes |
Human growth hormone (HGH) injections are a powerful treatment option for individuals with clinically low HGH levels. The prescription form of HGH is called somatropin, a lab-engineered bioidentical hormone that mimics natural HGH exactly. Prescription HGH is only given via subcutaneous injection. Genuine HGH therapy is not given in any other form.
Who Needs HGH Therapy?
HGH therapy is used to treat both pediatric and adult cases of hormone deficiency. Adults typically qualify if they’ve experienced a significant decline in hormone levels due to aging or medical conditions. It is also indicated in some cases for muscle-wasting diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Why Is HGH Therapy Beneficial for Your Health?
HGH therapy can revitalize energy, physical appearance, and metabolic health. Some of the key benefits include:
Are There Any Side Effects of HGH Therapy?
Side effects of HGH therapy are generally minimal when prescribed correctly, but can include:
MK-677 (also known as ibutamoren) is an oral growth hormone secretagogue that mimics the action of ghrelin, a hormone that naturally stimulates HGH release. Unlike sermorelin or ipamorelin, MK-677 is taken in pill form and does not require an injection.
MK-677 Benefits
Some users report benefits similar to peptide therapy, such as:
MK-677 Side Effects
MK-677 is not FDA-approved and is sold as a research chemical. Potential risks include:
MK-677 vs. HGH
While MK-677 may offer HGH-boosting benefits, it’s much less predictable and lacks the regulatory oversight and clinical reliability of prescription HGH therapy. At Nexel Medical, we do not prescribe or endorse MK-677 due to the limited safety data available.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone). It is usually combined with ipamorelin to enhance peptide therapy outcomes.
CJC-1295 Benefits
When used alongside other peptides, CJC-1295 may:
CJC-1295 Side Effects
Possible side effects of CJC-1295 may include:
CJC-1295 vs. HGH
Unlike direct HGH therapy, CJC-1295 relies on the body’s existing pathways to elevate hormone production. While it may complement other peptides, it’s not as effective or fast-acting as bioidentical HGH injections.
Over-the-counter HGH boosters often promise similar benefits to real HGH therapy, but the reality is much less impressive. These supplements cannot legally contain any form of HGH, nor are they potent enough to deliver clinically meaningful results.
At best, they may offer a modest boost in natural HGH production when paired with exercise and proper nutrition. At worst, they can be ineffective or contain harmful ingredients due to a lack of FDA regulation. For that reason, Nexel Medical does not recommend relying on OTC supplements for HGH support.
When it comes to restoring optimal HGH levels, prescription therapy is the only reliable option. For patients with significant hormone decline, HGH injections offer the most direct and effective route to symptom relief. For others with mild to moderate deficiencies, peptide therapy with sermorelin or ipamorelin increases growth hormone secretion enough to be appropriate.
At Nexel Medical, our team of age-management professionals will carefully evaluate your hormone levels and overall health before prescribing a personalized treatment plan. The clinical evidence for the safety and effectiveness of MK-677 and CJC-1295 is quite limited. We therefore do not prescribe, sell, or endorse the use of these products.
We will also take a look at your other hormone levels and test for other hormone imbalances like low testosterone.
Ready to find out which HGH therapy option is right for you? Contact Nexel Medical today to schedule your comprehensive hormone evaluation and take the first steps to a healthier tomorrow!
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