What Are GH Secretagogues?
An introduction to growth hormone secretagogues, compounds that stimulate the body to release growth hormone.
Last updated: January 28, 2026
What Are GH Secretagogues?
GH secretagogues are compounds that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). Rather than providing external GH directly, they trigger your body to produce and release its own growth hormone.
How Are They Different from HGH?
| Feature | GH Secretagogues | Synthetic HGH |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulates natural GH release | Provides external GH |
| GH Pulsatility | Preserves natural pulses | Constant levels |
| Feedback | Body can still regulate | Suppresses natural production |
Types of GH Secretagogues
1. GHRH Analogs (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)
These mimic the body’s natural GHRH signal:
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta) — FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy
- Sermorelin — previously approved, now discontinued
- CJC-1295 — research peptide, not approved
2. GHRPs (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides)
These activate ghrelin receptors to release GH:
- Ipamorelin — selective, fewer side effects
- GHRP-6 — potent but increases appetite and cortisol
- GHRP-2 — stronger than ipamorelin, some cortisol effects
- Hexarelin — potent but desensitizes quickly
How Do They Work?
The pituitary gland releases GH in response to two main signals:
- GHRH — tells the pituitary to release GH
- Ghrelin — amplifies and modulates GH release
GH secretagogues work by enhancing one or both of these pathways. Some people combine GHRH analogs with GHRPs, theorizing the effects may be synergistic.
Regulatory Status
| Compound | FDA Status |
|---|---|
| Tesamorelin | Approved (specific indication) |
| Sermorelin | Discontinued |
| Ipamorelin | Not approved |
| GHRP-6 | Not approved |
| CJC-1295 | Not approved |
Most GH secretagogues are not FDA-approved for any medical use. Tesamorelin is the notable exception, but only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Why Are People Interested?
Claims made about GH secretagogues include:
- Increased muscle mass
- Reduced body fat
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced recovery
- Anti-aging effects
However, most of these claims lack robust clinical evidence in humans, and long-term safety data is limited.
Important Warnings
- Most GH secretagogues are not FDA-approved
- Products from unregulated sources may be contaminated or mislabeled
- All are prohibited by WADA in competitive sports
- Long-term effects are not well-studied
- GH elevation carries its own risks (joint pain, insulin resistance, potential tumor growth)
This guide is for educational purposes only. Most GH secretagogues are not approved for medical use.
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Disclaimer: This educational guide does not constitute medical advice. The information presented is based on current research but should not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.