Sermorelin + GHRP-2 Stack
| Category | Stacks |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sermo GHRP-2 |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 2 min read |
| Tags | stackgrowth-hormoneghrhghrp |
Overview
The Sermorelin + GHRP-2 Stack is one of the original growth hormone secretagogue combinations and has the longest body of human pharmacology data. Sermorelin — also known as GRF(1-29) — is a truncated GHRH analog. GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist with a more pronounced GH-releasing profile than Ipamorelin, accompanied by some elevation of cortisol and prolactin.
The stack is conceptually similar to CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin but uses earlier-generation compounds. It remains widely studied for its predictable kinetics and well-characterized side-effect profile.
Compounds in This Stack
- Sermorelin — Acetate of GRF(1-29), a truncated GHRH analog historically used in pediatric GH stimulation testing.
- GHRP-2 — Synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist studied for GH release.
Rationale
Sermorelin binds the GHRH receptor on somatotrophs, priming GH release. GHRP-2 binds the ghrelin receptor and suppresses somatostatin tone, the inhibitory brake on GH secretion. The combination produces a synergistic pulse — the GHRH arm increases pulse amplitude potential, the GHRP arm releases the brake.
GHRP-2 is more potent than Ipamorelin at releasing GH but is less selective: it modestly elevates cortisol and prolactin. For researchers studying maximal GH release and willing to accept the additional hormonal noise, GHRP-2 is preferred. For studies isolating GH effects, Ipamorelin-based stacks are cleaner.
Research Context
| Component | Receptor | Notable Off-Target |
|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | GHRH receptor | Minimal |
| GHRP-2 | Ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) | Mild cortisol, prolactin elevation |
Sermorelin has historical FDA approval for diagnostic and pediatric use, providing more human pharmacology data than newer analogs.
Typical Research Parameters
The stack is generally studied with two to three administrations per day, timed to avoid postprandial insulin spikes that blunt GH pulse measurement. Pre-bedtime administration aligns with natural overnight pulses. Observation windows are typically eight to sixteen weeks with IGF-1 as a downstream marker.
Considerations
GHRP-2 is associated with mild appetite stimulation via ghrelin receptor activation, though less than GHRP-6. Cortisol and prolactin elevation should be considered in research designs sensitive to those hormones. The stack is research-only; clinical replacement uses recombinant growth hormone.
Related Stacks
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack
- [Sermorelin + GHRP-6 Stack](/wiki/sermorelin-ghrp-6-stack)
- MOD-GRF + Ipamorelin Stack
- Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin Stack
- [Hexarelin + CJC-1295 Stack](/wiki/hexarelin-cjc-1295-stack)
Related Compounds
Related entries
- GHRP-2— A synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue considered the most potent GHRP by weight, with intermediate selectivity — stronger GH release than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation but notable cortisol and prolactin effects.
- Sermorelin— A 29-amino-acid synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with a history of FDA approval, studied for age-related GH decline, pediatric growth deficiency, and anti-aging applications.