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A person posted their blood test results after about three months of using an oral sermorelin troche and reported their IGF-1 levels rose from 152 ng/mL to 182 ng/mL. They were taking the troche five nights a week before bed on an empty stomach and taking weekends off. They also mentioned physical changes like losing about two waist sizes. This is a single-person report — not a formal study — being shared as a data point for others curious about whether these oral troches "work." Sermorelin is a synthetic short piece of a naturally occurring hormone that tells the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) to release growth hormone. Growth hormone in turn causes the liver to make IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which is often measured in blood tests as a marker of growth hormone activity. A "troche" is a small lozenge meant to dissolve in the mouth; some people use sermorelin that way instead of injections. The idea with sermorelin is that it nudges your body to make more of its own growth hormone rather than giving the hormone directly. What this single report actually shows is a modest rise in one blood marker, IGF-1, by about 20% in a single individual over roughly three months. That change could be real, but it’s important to remember it’s an N-of-1 — just one person — without a control group, and without details about lab timing, other medications, sleep, diet, or measurement consistency. The poster also noted physical changes, but anecdotal body-shape changes can come from many factors. This isn’t a controlled clinical trial proving efficacy or safety. Why people care: IGF-1 and growth hormone are linked to energy, muscle, fat distribution, and recovery, so small rises are of interest to people seeking anti-aging, fitness, or body-composition effects. If oral sermorelin troches can boost IGF-1 reliably, some might prefer them over injections. But the evidence here is preliminary; someone considering this would view the report as suggestive but not definitive. Clinicians would want controlled studies showing consistent effects and safety before recommending it widely. Caveats and risks: sermorelin and related hormones can have side effects and should be used with medical oversight. IGF-1 changes can be influenced by many things like sleep, nutrition, other drugs, and lab variability. Oral troches are less studied than injections; some experts question how much active drug is absorbed this way. Also, regulatory status varies by country and product; over-the-counter or DIY hormone use can be risky. Anyone considering this should consult a qualified healthcare provider and get proper baseline and follow-up testing. Bottom line: One person’s IGF-1 rose about 20% after using a sermorelin troche for three months, which is interesting but far from proof that oral sermorelin works consistently or safely for everyone.
Source: r/Peptides