Peptide Therapy
What are peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that improve cell signaling in the body (basically small proteins). There are currently dozens of peptides approved for use in the U.S., Japan and Europe. In fact, insulin was the first peptide approved in the US.
What can peptides do for me?
Peptides have dozens of uses from cancer therapies, anemia, autoimmune disorders, diabetes and many other diseases.
We most commonly use peptides to:
- Slow aging – by improving skin texture and firmness and improving the appearance of muscles, peptides can possibly slow the appearance and effects of aging
- build muscle
- reduce fat
- increase energy
- improve sleep
- speed healing and recovery from injury or surgery
- reduce inflammation of the stomach and intestines
- enhance recovery from exercise
- improve sexual function
- strengthen bones
Can peptides increase Human Growth Hormone?
Yes, they can! We commonly use Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, & CJC-1295 to stimulate the production and release of HGH. These peptides all function to boost growth hormone production in your body. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) peaks at about age 20 and steadily declines as we age. Some people even use HGH as a powerful anti-aging tool. Unfortunately, HGH is extremely expensive and has significant risks with long-term use. As an alternative, we prefer peptide therapy to increase your own production and release of Human Growth Hormone. This is a less expensive and much safer option.
How will I know it’s working? How long does it take to work?
Typically, within a few weeks, you should see improved sleep and energy. Full effects such as decreased fat and improved muscle mass can take 3-6 months.
Do I need to take them forever?
Dr. Gentry typically recommends a minimum of 90-120 days to see full benefits, but peptides can safely be stopped at any time.
How do I get started?
The starting place for any hormonal optimization or peptide program is a thorough evaluation including seeing a physician and blood draw to see if you are a candidate for therapy.
Is it safe?
Unlike illegal human growth hormone, our peptides are manufactured in the U.S., in FDA approved pharmacies. Be certain that your doctor thinks you are a good candidate for peptide treatment.
Peptide Therapy vs. Human Growth Hormone Therapy
So, if all of these medical issues are the result of Human Growth Hormone, why take Sermorelin instead of HGH? One advantage of peptides is that, unlike HGH, it does not suppress your own HGH production. This also greatly reduces the risk of overdose and side effects such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and other complications that can occur with HGH therapy (also it is often illegal to use HGH).
BPC-157
BPC or “Body Protective Compound” has been shown to improve healing of ulcers and reduce inflammation of stomach and intestines. BPC has also been used to speed healing and recovery of muscles, bone, tendons, ligaments and more.
PT-141 (aka Bremelanotide)
PT-1242 is a peptide that is used to enhance sexual function of men and women. This peptide stimulates regions of the brain to increase sexual arousal in men and women and can improve erectile function in men.
Peptide Overview
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Boosting Peptides
There are several peptides that boost Human Growth Hormone (HGH). They may differ in size or duration but many share similar mechanisms and this group of peptides leads to increased production of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH levels decline as we age and are believed to lead to weaker muscles and bones, loose skin, reduced healing ability, increased body fat, and likely many more issues associated with aging. Taking these peptides may improve healing and exercise recovery, aid in restful sleep, increase energy, reduce body fat, and more.
CJC 1295, Sermorelin, and Tesamorelin
CJC-1295, Sermorelin, and Tesamorelin are synthetic versions of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). GHRH stimulates Human Growth Hormone (HGH) release. HGH assists in muscle growth, fat loss and sleep improvement. This peptide can also increase energy in adults, quicken metabolism, accelerated healing and aid in anti-aging benefits. These are some of Dr. Gentry’s favorite peptides.
Ipamorelin and Ibutamoren
Ipamorelin and Ibutamoren are both selective ghrelin receptor agonists. These medications stimulate the secretion of HGH through a different mechanism than the above Sermorelin, CJC-1295, and Tesamorelin. Ibutamoren can be taken orally, but Ipamorelin is typically injected. Ipamorelin is often combined with Sermorelin or CJC-1295 to improve HGH secretion.
Inflammation and Healing
BPC-157
Found in human gastric juice and stable in this environment. Rodents studies have shown improved healing from bone, tendon, muscle, vascular, skin, and spinal cord injury. Some human studies show improved healing of ulcers and possibly improved ulcerative colitis. The mechanism is not fully understood but does seem to promote the recruitment of fibroblasts (cells that make extracellular matrix and collagen) and the formation of new blood vessels. Dr. Gentry is a big fan of this for improved healing after injury or surgery.
Hormones and Sexual Health
Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and stimulates FSH and LH production leading to improved hormone production from the ovaries or testicles. This is most often used to improve testosterone production in men.
Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 stimulates Luteinizing Hormone (LH) release. LH is one of the hormone stimulators of testosterone and sperm production. It is often used in men to improve testosterone production.
PT-141 (aka Bremolanotide or Brand name Vyleesi)
Used for premenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder for women and to improve erectile function for men. The mechanism is believed to act on melanocortin receptors in the brain, increasing arousal.
Longevity
Epithalon
Epithalon is an anti-aging peptide that appears to increase the length of telomeres of your cells. One theory of cell aging is that the telomeres on your DNA is shortened slightly with each cell division, eventually leading to the inability for those cells to divide. This is called the Hayflick Limit and basically means that your cells can only divide a finite number of times before the telomeres are too short to replicate. Epithalon has been shown to activate an enzyme called telomerase in order to add length back to the telomeres and, therefore, increase the number of times a cell can divide.
Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
Semaglutide (aka Ozempic or Wegovy)
Semaglutide is the peptide found in brand name medications Wegovy and Ozempic. These medications are used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus and to help patients lose weight. Semaglutide activates the glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Semaglutide can reduce food cravings, increase insulin production in the pancreas and reduce levels of glucagon resulting in lower blood sugar and weight loss.
Tirzapetide (aka Mounjaro)
Tirzepatide is the peptide used in the brand name medication Mounjaro. This medication is used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as for weight loss. Tirzepatide works by activating both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors in your body. This improves insulin release from your pancreas, reduces glucagon, reduces food cravings and helps patients lose weight.
Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin is a peptide that is used to increase your production of Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. This peptide is used to boost testosterone in men who are not yet candidates for testosterone replacement therapy and to help maintain your own production of testosterone while on testosterone replacement therapy.
AOD 9604
AOD 9604 is a small portion of Human Growth Hormone that stimulates the breakdown of fat without the negative effects of taking HGH.
Who should not take peptides?
Those who have active cancer and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take peptides as they have not been studied for safety in these populations.
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