Mechanism of action
Growth Hormone Secretagogue (GHRH)
Also called GHRH analog, GH secretagogue
Stimulating the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone, rather than injecting it.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD
Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Last reviewed July 22, 2026 · Review policy
Quick answer
A growth hormone secretagogue stimulates the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone, rather than replacing it with synthetic HGH. GHRH analogs like sermorelin reproduce the natural signal, preserving the body's feedback control over GH levels.
Key takeaways
- →GHRH (growth-hormone-releasing hormone) tells the pituitary to secrete growth hormone.
- →Secretagogues stimulate your own GH release rather than adding external hormone.
- →This preserves natural pulsatile release and feedback regulation, the theoretical advantage over HGH.
- →Growth hormone secretagogues are prohibited in sport under WADA.
What it is
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is the natural signal that prompts the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. A GHRH analog, or growth hormone secretagogue, is a molecule that reproduces that signal, prompting the body to make and release its own growth hormone rather than receiving it from an injection of synthetic HGH.
How it works
The secretagogue binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary, stimulating growth hormone release in the body's natural pulsatile pattern. Because the pituitary and its feedback loops stay in control, proponents argue this is a more physiological approach than flooding the system with external HGH. The trade-off is that it depends on a functioning pituitary and produces a more modest, regulated effect.
Compounds that use this mechanism
Sermorelin
A GHRH analog that stimulates the body's own growth-hormone release; formerly FDA-approved, now compounded.
Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated belly fat, used off-label as a growth-hormone stimulator.
CJC-1295
A long-acting GHRH analog studied to raise growth hormone, often paired with ipamorelin.
Frequently asked questions
How is a growth hormone secretagogue different from HGH?+
A secretagogue stimulates the body to release its own growth hormone through the GHRH pathway, preserving natural feedback control. Synthetic HGH replaces the hormone directly.
Are growth hormone secretagogues banned in sport?+
Yes. GHRH analogs and other growth hormone secretagogues are prohibited under the WADA framework.
Sources
- 1.Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs database · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 2.Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers · U.S. Food & Drug Administration