It’s human nature to seek out new and innovative ways to delay the aging process. Whether it’s spa treatments, Botox, the latest skin care system, or fat burner, we are always looking for ways to fight aging and be more youthful. Hormone levels change as we age, causing loss of muscle, increased body fat, poor sleep, brain fog, and loss of sexual desire and libido. Recovering from exercise takes longer, you can experience body aches, joint pain and more. Tesamorelin, is a growth hormone secretagogue, and therapeutic alternative to growth hormone replacement therapy, that has shown to have significant benefits on fat loss as well as increasing endogenous levels of growth hormone. We’re going to talk more about Tesamorelin, how it works, and the benefits.

What Is Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin (TH9507) also known by its pharmaceutical name Egrifta is a synthetic growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). It’s a 44 amino acid peptide, with the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group, approved for therapeutic use in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is also used off-label to improve body composition, aiding in weight loss and supporting muscle gain.

How Does Tesamorelin Work, What Does Tesamorelin Do

Growth hormone secreting peptides facilitate the release of hormones. Hormone optimization has numerous health benefits including but not limited to improving body composition, increasing muscle mass, promoting fat loss, improving sleep parameters, supporting gut health, stimulating libido, and promoting joint health.  

Tesamorelin is a non-natural or synthetic peptidyl compound. GH-releasing peptides have gained significant interest amongst the bodybuilding community and performance athletes, due to the belief that peptides have fewer side effects than supplementing HGH itself. 

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Studies have shown that tesamorelin can reduce excess visceral body fat (VAT) and help treat conditions such as (lipodystrophy) in the abdomen or stomach [R]. Lipodystrophy is a group of rare syndromes that cause a person to lose fat from some parts of the body, while gaining it in others, including on organs like the liver.

Tesamorelin stimulates the synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone, with an increase in the level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). The released growth hormone binds with the receptors present on various body organs and regulates body composition. This regulation occurs mainly because of the combination of anabolic and lipolytic mechanisms. Researchers believe the main mechanisms by which Tesamorelin reduces body fat mass is through lipolysis followed by reduction in triglycerides level [R].

Tesamorelin Benefits

Body Fat Loss

Tesamorelin is indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat specifically in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Research has shown that tesamorelin can significantly improve body composition [R]. A study published in the Journal Aids, investigated the long-term efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation.

Patients were administered 2mg of tesamorelin, or placebo for 26 weeks. The results showed that change in VAT was sustained at 18% over 52 weeks of treatment [R, R].

Cognitive Health

GHRH has shown to have beneficial effects on cognitive health. Hormonal levels naturally decline with age, thus having an effect on brain activity and function over time. 

In a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial conducted at the Clinical Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, a total of 152 adults (66 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) ranging in age from 55 to 87 years (mean age, 68 years); 137 adults (76 healthy participants and 61 participants with MCI) successfully completed the study.

1mg per day was administered subcutaneously via injection for 20 weeks. Primary cognitive outcomes were analyzed using analysis of variance and included 3 composites reflecting executive function, verbal memory, and visual memory. Results showed that tesamorelin had favorable outcomes on cognition, memory and aging [R].

Tesamorelin Side Effects

GHRH peptides or secretagogues, interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to naturally increase the production of growth hormone levels in the body. Although growth hormone secretagogues do not have the same risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or HGH; in relation to the reduction in sperm count, joint pain, swelling, or increased insulin resistance, they do have an effect overall hormonal levels and biological function.

Peptides do not shut down your own testosterone production, thus will not disrupt fertility. However, peptides should be cycled and prescribed by a physician. The long-term safety and efficacy of GH-releasing peptides is not well studied. Even though GH-releasing peptides may be helpful for several indications or conditions when prescribed by a healthcare provider, off-label use of GH-releasing peptides is not safe or recommended.

Before taking any peptides, we do advise consulting a physician for specific recommendations. Peptides do need to be prescribed by a physician, to ensure quality and efficacy standards.

Studies to establish therapeutic use and indications have not shown significant side effects associated with tesamorelin.

Overall, side effects are uncommon with the administration of GHRH, and when they occur they are usually mild.

The most frequently reported side effect is transient warmth and flushing of the face that passes within 5 minutes of administration.

Other side effects reported are pain and redness at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headache, a strange taste in the mouth, and tightness in the chest. These symptoms are transient and resolve rapidly.

Tesamorelin: Takeaway