GHRH (1–44): Benefits, Dosage & FDA Status
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone, full sequence
The full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence. The natural pituitary stimulus for GH release. Largely supplanted in clinical use by sermorelin/tesamorelin but remains a research and diagnostic tool.
FDA Status
FDA-approved (Geref) historically as diagnostic GH stimulant; current US availability limited
Typical Dose
1 mcg/kg IV (diagnostic test)
Evidence Grade
AStrong RCT or FDA-approved evidence
Half-Life
~8 minutes
Routes of Administration
intravenous, subcutaneous
First Synthesized
1982
Clinics Indexed
22 providers have offered GHRH (1–44) in our tracked directory.
Mechanism of Action
44-amino-acid hypothalamic peptide that activates the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotropes.
Key Reported Benefits
- ✓Endogenous GH stimulation
- ✓Diagnostic GH testing
Benefits listed reflect commonly reported effects from clinical trials and practitioner use. Individual response varies. Evidence-grade A indicates strong rct or fda-approved evidence.
Reported Side Effects
- •Flushing
- •Injection-site reactions
Contraindications
- ⚠Active malignancy
- ⚠Pregnancy
Regulatory & Safety Context
FDA status: FDA-approved (Geref) historically as diagnostic GH stimulant; current US availability limited
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide use outside of an FDA-approved indication should be discussed with a licensed medical professional. Source quality, cold-chain storage, and injection hygiene all materially affect safety outcomes.
See state-by-state legality: US peptide legality by state →
References
Selected primary literature on GHRH (1–44). Full PubMed records linked. Additional citations are available on request.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-30
Related Peptides
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
BA growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog most commonly stacked with Ipamorelin to stimulate natural GH pulsatile release without disrupting the hypothalamic axis.
Ipamorelin
BA selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release from the pituitary without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. The safest GH peptide with the fewest side effects.
Tesamorelin
AAn FDA-approved GHRH analog that stimulates natural growth hormone production. Clinically proven to reduce visceral adipose tissue and increasingly used off-label for body recomposition.
Sermorelin
B+The original synthetic GHRH(1–29) and the most accessible GH-stimulating peptide for age-related hormone decline. Stimulates the body's own pulsatile GH release rather than replacing it.
MK-677
B+An orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist that drives 24-hour increases in GH and IGF-1. Technically a non-peptide small molecule but always grouped with GH peptides.
GHRP-2
BA potent synthetic ghrelin-mimetic GH secretagogue. Drives strong GH spikes but raises cortisol and prolactin more than newer alternatives like Ipamorelin.