Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to support the body’s natural growth hormone production.
Marketed as Egrifta®, tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses are off-label and require evaluation and monitoring by a licensed medical provider.
At Alpha Hormones® in Pasadena, treatment decisions are based on your medical history, laboratory results, body composition, and long-term goals.
Ready to find out whether tesamorelin may be appropriate for you?
Book Your ConsultationResearch on tesamorelin has primarily focused on visceral adipose tissue—the metabolically active fat surrounding the organs that contributes to cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
The most well-documented effect of tesamorelin, particularly in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy where it was originally studied.
Tesamorelin may increase IGF-1 levels through stimulation of the body’s own pituitary growth hormone pathway. IGF-1 is routinely monitored as part of treatment safety and optimization.
Some studies have demonstrated favorable effects on triglycerides and other metabolic lipid markers.
Emerging research has evaluated possible effects on hepatic fat content and broader metabolic function in select populations.
At Alpha Hormones®, we focus on:
Effects outside the FDA-approved indication remain less established and vary significantly between individuals. Tesamorelin is not intended to replace foundational lifestyle, metabolic, or hormone optimization strategies.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation and continues with individualized dosing, lab monitoring, and ongoing clinical review.
Our CLIA-certified in-house lab allows many patients to complete testing during the same visit.
Why it matters: Visceral fat differs from subcutaneous fat and requires accurate measurement.
Tesamorelin is not appropriate for every patient. A licensed provider determines eligibility.
Treatment continues only while the clinical response and overall health picture support it.
Ongoing follow-up helps evaluate safety, response, and whether treatment adjustments are appropriate.
Care addresses the broader metabolic and hormonal picture—not just one symptom or laboratory value.
Tesamorelin may be worth discussing if you want a medically supervised approach to visceral fat, metabolic health, or body composition.
Clinical screening matters: Tesamorelin may not be appropriate during pregnancy or for patients with active malignancy or certain pituitary conditions. A licensed provider must determine eligibility.
When clinically appropriate, tesamorelin is prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed through licensed U.S. pharmacies.
Every treatment decision is based on clinical appropriateness, reliable sourcing, ongoing monitoring, and your long-term health.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta®) is FDA-approved specifically for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Any use outside that indication is considered off-label and requires individualized clinical judgment by a licensed medical provider following a comprehensive evaluation.
Information on this page is educational and does not replace medical advice or physician evaluation. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed.
Yes—but for a specific indication. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta® for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Any other use is considered off-label and requires medical evaluation and clinical judgment by a licensed provider.
Both are GHRH-based peptides, but tesamorelin is a more stabilized and longer-acting analog designed for sustained physiologic activity.
Tesamorelin also has a dedicated FDA-approved indication, whereas sermorelin is typically prescribed off-label through compounding pharmacies.
A consultation helps determine which, if either, may fit your goals and metabolic profile.
Tesamorelin is not primarily prescribed as a general weight-loss medication. Its most studied effects involve visceral abdominal fat and metabolic body composition.
For broader weight management goals, therapies such as semaglutide or tirzepatide may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the individual.
Tesamorelin is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection, most commonly in the evening to align with natural growth hormone secretion patterns.
Your provider will review:
before treatment begins.
Possible side effects may include:
Because tesamorelin may influence glucose metabolism, blood sugar and insulin sensitivity are monitored during treatment.
More serious risks—including concerns involving active malignancy or pituitary abnormalities—are screened for prior to therapy.
In some cases, yes, when clinically appropriate.
Visceral fat, insulin resistance, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, poor recovery, and metabolic slowdown are often interconnected. Coordinated care is generally more effective than stacking therapies without a structured plan.
Depending on the patient, tesamorelin may be combined with:
Duration varies depending on:
Some patients use tesamorelin for a defined treatment course, while others may remain on therapy longer under ongoing supervision.
Stopping treatment should always be a medical decision guided by your provider.
Insurance coverage may sometimes be available for the FDA-approved HIV lipodystrophy indication.
For off-label body composition or longevity-focused use, coverage is typically limited.
Our team can assist with:
In many cases, yes. HSA and FSA cards are commonly accepted for:
Eligibility ultimately depends on your individual plan administrator.
Alpha Hormones® provides a physician-guided, comprehensive approach to:
Patients choose us for:
We believe peptide therapy should be medically supervised, individualized, and evidence-informed.
Find out whether tesamorelin—or another treatment strategy—may align with your health and body-composition goals.
Your provider will evaluate:
Key regulatory information and peer-reviewed human studies supporting the educational content on this page.
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The FDA label states that it is not indicated for weight-loss management. Uses outside the approved indication require individualized medical evaluation.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta®) is FDA-approved for a specific indication and is prescribed only after evaluation by a licensed medical provider.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Off-label prescribing requires individualized clinical judgment by a qualified provider.
Individual results vary and are never guaranteed. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or stopping any treatment.
Explore our professional credentials, supplement store, available financing, and website security verification.
