Growth Hormone Secretagogues Explained

Growth hormone (GH) is released from the anterior pituitary in pulses, regulated by two opposing hypothalamic peptides: GHRH (stimulatory) and somatostatin (inhibitory).

GHRH analogs such as Sermorelin, CJC-1295, and Tesamorelin mimic endogenous GHRH, binding to GHRH receptors to stimulate GH release.

Ghrelin mimetics — including Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Hexarelin — act on the GHS-R1a receptor, a distinct pathway that synergizes with GHRH activity.

Pairing a GHRH analog with a ghrelin mimetic produces a stronger, more physiological GH pulse than either compound alone, which is why researchers commonly study them in combination.