Tesamorelin for women: hormones, fat distribution, and body composition

One of the main reasons for interest in tesamorelin among women is its ability to reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which is deep abdominal fat associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, fatty liver, and cardio-metabolic risk. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies directly under the skin, visceral fat surrounds internal organs and tends to increase with age, menopause, stress, and metabolic disorders. Clinical studies consistently show that tesamorelin primarily targets visceral fat while helping to preserve subcutaneous fat and lean muscle mass [4–7]. This is significant for women who often seek to improve waist circumference and metabolic health, rather than just overall weight loss.

Tesamorelin functions by stimulating the natural GH–IGF-1 axis rather than by directly administering synthetic growth hormone. Following subcutaneous administration, it binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, increasing pulsatile GH secretion and elevating IGF-1 levels [1,3]. Higher IGF-1 levels support fat breakdown, mitochondrial function, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and metabolic regulation. In clinical trials, tesamorelin consistently increased IGF-1 levels, simultaneously improving abdominal fat distribution and metabolic markers without significant worsening of blood glucose control in most participants [4–8].

Women may experience benefits in terms of body composition, as GH and IGF-1 play a role in regulating fat storage, maintaining muscle mass and supporting recovery processes. Long-term phase III studies have shown that tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue by approximately 15–18%, whilst improving triglyceride levels and cholesterol ratios [4,5]. Stanley et al. (2014) also demonstrated a significant reduction in both visceral and hepatic fat during tesamorelin therapy [6]. These findings may be particularly relevant for women experiencing an increase in abdominal fat associated with the menopause or age-related changes in body composition.

Tesamorelin may also support healthy ageing and regeneration through its impact on mitochondria, muscle tissue preservation, and cellular energy production. Makimura et al. (2014) demonstrated that increased IGF-1 levels during tesamorelin therapy were associated with improved mitochondrial function and better phosphocreatine regeneration in obese adults with reduced GH secretion [9]. Other studies have reported improvements in muscle density and increased cross-sectional area in participants who reduced visceral fat while using tesamorelin [10]. Due to these effects, tesamorelin has garnered interest in wellness, longevity, and body composition optimisation communities for women.

Some women are also interested in tesamorelin due to research suggesting potential cognitive and neurological benefits related to GH and IGF-1 signalling. Baker et al. (2012) demonstrated that tesamorelin improved certain aspects of executive function and memory in older adults, whilst significantly increasing IGF-1 levels within the physiological range [11]. Subsequent research by Friedman et al. (2013) suggested that tesamorelin may influence neurotransmitter regulation and reduce markers associated with neuroinflammation [12]. Although these studies were not conducted exclusively in women, they have contributed to growing interest in GH-related therapies in the context of healthy ageing and cognitive support.

Adverse events in women appear generally similar to those observed in men. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Reactions at the injection site
• Water retention
• mild swelling
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Numbness or tingling
• reddening of the skin
• elevated IGF-1 levels [4–6]

Some women may also experience transient bloating or fluid retention, as tesamorelin stimulates the GH–IGF-1 axis. Most clinical trials have shown relatively stable fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, however, monitoring remains recommended as GH-related therapies can affect insulin sensitivity in some individuals [4–8].

Women with specific medical conditions should exercise caution. Tesamorelin is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, in the presence of active tumours and in significant hypothalamic-pituitary axis disorders [1]. As tesamorelin increases IGF-1 levels, women with hormone-dependent cancers or an increased cancer risk may require detailed medical evaluation prior to commencing therapy. Regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels, metabolic parameters and hormonal health is usually recommended during its use.

Generally available data suggest that tesamoreslin may support healthier fat distribution, reduction of visceral fat, improved body composition, regeneration, and metabolic health in women by stimulating the natural GH–IGF-1 axis. The strongest evidence currently pertains to the reduction of deep abdominal fat and improvement of metabolic markers, rather than simple weight loss. However, large-scale long-term studies conducted solely in women outside of HIV-associated metabolic disorders are still lacking, therefore medical supervision remains very important when using therapies that affect growth hormone pathways.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, diagnostic or therapeutic advice. Tesamorelin is a prescription medicine approved for specific medical indications, and therapies affecting the growth hormone and IGF-1 axis may involve risks requiring individual medical supervision and laboratory monitoring. Women’s responses to hormone therapies can vary significantly depending on age, metabolic status, menopause and general health. Research-use-only peptides offered by suppliers such as Semax Polska are intended solely for laboratory and scientific research.

References

1. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. (2018). Tesamorelin. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548730/
2. Traynor, K. (2010). FDA approves tesamorelin for HIV-related lipodystrophy. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 67(24), 2082–2082. https://doi.org/10.2146/news100082
3. PubChem. (2025). Tesamorelin Compound Summary. National Centre for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tesamorelin
4. Falutz, J., Mamputu, J. C., Potvin, D., Moyle, G., Soulban, G., Loughrey, H., Marsolais, C., Turner, R., & Grinspoon, S. (2010). Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: A pooled analysis of two multicentre, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 95(9), 4291–4304. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0490
5. Falutz, J., Allas, S., Mamputu, J. C., Potvin, D., Kotler, D., Somero, M., Berger, D., Brown, S., Richmond, G., Fessel, J., Turner, R., & Grinspoon, S. (2008). Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. AIDS(14), 1719–1728. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0b013e32830a5058
6. Stanley, T. L., Feldpausch, M. N., Oh, J., Branch, K. L., Lee, H., Torriani, M., & Grinspoon, S. K. (2014). Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: A randomised clinical trial. JAMA, 312(4), 380–389. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.8334
7. Stanley, T. L., Fourman, L. T., Feldpausch, M. N., Purdy, J., Zheng, I., Pan, C. S., Agyapong, G., Torriani, M., Chung, R. T., & Grinspoon, S. K. (2019). Effect of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV-positive individuals: A randomised, double-blind, multicentre study. The Lancet HIV, 6(12), e821–e830. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(19)30338-8
8. Stanley, T. L., Falutz, J., Marsolais, C., et al. (2012). Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with improvement in metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 54(11), 1642–1651. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cis251
9. Makimura, H., Murphy, C. A., Feldpausch, M. N., & Grinspoon, S. K. (2014). Effects of tesamorelin on phosphocreatine recovery in obese subjects with reduced GH. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(1), 338–343. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2013-3436
10. Adrian, S., Scherzinger, A., Sanyal, A., et al. (2019). Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, tesamorelin, reduces adipose tissue and increases muscle area in adults with HIV. The Journal of Frailty & Ageing, 8(3), 154–159. https://doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2018.45
11. Baker, L. D., Barsness, S. M., Borson, S., et al. (2012). Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: Results of a controlled study. Archives of Neurology, 69(11), 1420–1429. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneurol.2012.1970
12. Friedman, S. D., Baker, L. D., Borson, S., et al. (2013). Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy ageing. JAMA Neurology, 70(7), 883–890. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.1425